If you apply pastels without a 'fixer' they'll blow off when you apply the final coat. I've used MM Acryl flat & gloss to finish my models. I use Future now for gloss coats and Krylon Flat for flat coats. I may go back to MM Acryl Flat tho.
Acrylic finishes are what alot of people use, the only finish you need to be wary of is if you use a lacquer top coat because it can attack the paint underneath, esp acrylics if they haven't cured properly. You should be fine with any type of acrylic varnish to seal your work in. Thats what I would recommend.