brush for french tip

FRENCH BUTTERCREAM

I’m here to walk you through the process of making flawless French buttercream from scratch with easy-to-follow steps and troubleshooting tips. This indulgent, silky-smooth frosting is perfect for adding a touch of luxury to any dessert, including macarons, cupcakes, and cakes!

EQUIPMENT

Stand mixer with a whisk attachment or hand mixer – Make sure it’s powerful enough to whip at high speeds.
Small saucepan – Use a small saucepan to avoid rapid evaporation when making the syrup.
Pastry brush
Digital thermometer
Silicone spatula

INGREDIENTS

120 g Egg yolks
80 g Water
200 g Granulated sugar
450 g Unsalted butter (softened)
⅛ teaspoon Salt (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Make the pâte à bombe: Add egg yolks to the bowl of a stand mixer and whip them at high speed until they become fluffy and pale.
  • Prepare the syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the water and granulated sugar. Make sure all the sugar is wet to prevent crystallization. Use a pastry brush to wash off any sugar stuck to the sides of the pan with a little water.
    Heat the syrup over medium heat. Avoid stirring the syrup to prevent crystallization—just let it heat up until it reaches 244ºF (118ºC). Occasionally wash the sides of the saucepan with water.
    Once the syrup reaches 244ºF, immediately remove it from the heat. Be vigilant, as the temperature rises quickly towards the end. I recommend lowering the heat to ensure accuracy.
  • Add the syrup to the egg yolks: Once the syrup reaches the correct temperature, slowly pour it into the whipped egg yolks while continuing to whip at high speed. Pour the syrup down the side of the bowl, not directly onto the whisk, to avoid scattering it. Make sure to add the syrup gradually and consistently to ensure even mixing.
    Continue whipping until the mixture is smooth, shiny, and warm, then reduce the speed to medium-low as it cools. Stop once it has cooled to room temperature.
  • Add the butter and whip:
     Once the pâte à bombe has cooled, add the softened butter and optional salt. Whip on medium speed for 5–10 minutes until the buttercream becomes light and fluffy.
    It’s important to use softened butter that is at room temperature, not melted or too firm, for a smooth, airy texture.


If the pâte à bombe is still warm when adding the butter, it could cause the buttercream to become loose, so ensure it has cooled completely before adding the butter.

  • Finish the buttercream: Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to incorporate any butter that may have been left behind. Continue mixing to achieve a smooth and fluffy consistency.

Enjoy your rich, silky French buttercream!

20 RED FRENCH TIP NAILS TRENDING FOR A STATEMENT LOOK

In recent months, the color red has become a top pick in both beauty and fashion, especially among chic it girls. Naturally, this trend has made its way into summer’s nail art, with red taking center stage.

French tips, a classic manicure choice, are getting a fresh twist as many swap out the traditional white tips for vibrant shades of red. Celebrities like Sydney Sweeney, Kylie Jenner, Megan Fox, and Camila Cabello have all been spotted flaunting this bold hue.

Additionally, cherry motifs are gaining popularity, adding to the red trend’s momentum. Hailey Bieber and Kourtney Kardashian Barker have both embraced cherry-adorned nails, further fueling the craze.

Check out the 20 cutest fiery red French nail art ideas that suit every style.

GLITTER RED FRENCH TIPS

Glitter red French tips are a stunning twist on the classic French manicure, combining bold red tips with a touch of sparkle. This look is perfect for adding a glamorous edge to your nails, whether for a special event or everyday style.

MINIMAL MICRO FRENCH TIPS

Manicure minimalists are all about understated micro French tips. A subtle pop of vivid red adds just the right amount of flair without being too bold.

3D COQUETTE BOW ADORNMENT

Ribbons have been a fashion favorite for months, and they’re just as stunning in manicure form. Add a 3D bow to your nails for the perfect coquette-inspired look.

ABSTRACT CHERRY FRENCH TIPS

For a more abstract manicure, a red French tip can serve as the perfect anchor. This design cleverly plays with different angles, all unified by the same cherry-red hue.

HEART WITH LOVE

If you’re after the perfect Valentine’s Day nails or just in a romantic mood, adding a heart shape is a great way to elevate a classic red French tip manicure. The design is easy enough to DIY with a detailing brush.

GLITTER OMBRÉ

Nothing says holiday spirit—or adds extra glam—like a touch of sparkle. Adding glitter between red tips and a neutral base is a guaranteed way to make your mani the star of the show.

FLORAL FIESTA

Let your nails bloom with floral-inspired designs for a touch of nature’s charm. Whether you opt for a subtle floral accent or a vibrant bouquet, these nail art ideas will make your nails fresh and feminine.

CANDY CANE STRIPES

Want a subtle nod to your favorite holiday treat? Try candy cane striped French tips. We love how this design swaps white for silver, adding a touch of sparkle.

CHERRY RED ALMOND TIPS

Hailey Bieber is starting the holiday season with a classic almond-shaped red French manicure, which she’s calling “glazed candy cane nails.” We love how she’s pairing this rich red look with a festive holiday-inspired lip.

SIMPLE CRESCENTS

Sometimes, the best way to flaunt a bold red polish is by keeping it classic. These crescent French tips, finished with a glossy top coat, are simply stunning.

HALF-RED, HALF-GOLD

Who says you can’t pair two fun colors on the same French tip? Red and gold are chic, festive staples that shine even brighter when combined.

GLITTER AND PLAID

This manicure combines classic red French tips with glittery accents and a red and black plaid nail that matches the featured coat. Coordinate your nails with your favorite outerwear to look effortlessly stylish every time you step out.

CHERRY LOVE RED TIPS

How about a design with red French tips and a cherry blossom theme? You could have soft pink or white cherry blossoms delicately painted along the tips or as accents on a nude or light pink base. It would give a lovely, elegant touch while keeping the red French tips as a bold statement.

GLITTER BASE

Prepare to dazzle by adding silver glitter to the base of your red French tip manicure. This fun and easy combination will shine at any time of year and for any event.

NEGATIVE SPACE

By leaving parts of the nail bare, these manicures create a striking contrast with the bold red tips, resulting in a look that’s both elegant and edgy. Whether you go for clean lines or incorporate geometric patterns, negative space adds a fresh, contemporary feel to traditional red French tips.

RED-HOT FLAMES

Consider this your cue to add some fiery flair to your next manicure. Ask your manicurist for bold red flame designs instead of the classic white French tips.

RED WITH DOTS

A deep shade of oxblood or burgundy feels luxurious and endlessly alluring. Alternate between solid nails and French tips, and place a small matching dot near the cuticles in the negative space to add interest.

RUBY CHROME

Chromatic finishes are a hot nail trend, with stars like Dua Lipa and Taylor Swift rocking the look. This red chrome set is an effortless choice, featuring elegant almond-shaped tips for a striking finish.

BOLD BEDAZZLED TIPS

This look features vibrant red tips adorned with eye-catching gems or glitter for a glamorous finish. Perfect for making a statement, bedazzled red tips add sparkle and sophistication to your nails, making them the perfect choice for special occasions or when you want to add a touch of luxe to your everyday style.

LITTLE MERMAID

For a modern spin on the mermaid aesthetic, try pairing vibrant red French tips with tiny pearls at the base and accent nails adorned with gold shell charms. This look is enhanced with Cirque Colors Coquille Charms.