Think about how you work rather than chasing fancy gear. Tubes beat jars for beginners because less air gets in and the paint lasts longer when you only open what you need. Student grade is the sweet spot for vivid color on a tight budget and you can get plenty of hues under twenty.
If fast drying worries you,, lightly moisten the surface before laying in color and take short breaks with your mixes covered by a sheet of parchment or even an upside down container. Store tubes with caps wiped clean and keep them out of hot cars or sunny windows so the paint stays fresh.
