I love these colors. I use them for my fondant. The directions say to use a toothpick to color your icing/fondant. I tried that initially but because I always want such deep colors it took forever to do. So I started using a brush get more gel on the fondant then knead it in. I got deeper colors fast.  I suppose if you are looking for pastel you should use the toothpick method. These are gel so they don't spill. No mess--and I can be messy.