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On TikTok, you’re sure to see someone using a silicone nail stamper to create French tips in what seems to be a simple and quick process if you take a moment to scan the beauty-related videos there. I prefer painting my nails to going to the salon, so I was intrigued when I saw this tip that promised a simple at-home French manicure.
After some investigation, I learned that people were employing a variety of silicone stampers, most of which were available on Amazon for under $10. I had great expectations based on the web findings, but viral beauty tips have disappointed me in the past. In light of the results I got when I tried my hand at the famous French manicure hack, I was glad I could test this one out for a reasonable price. To keep you from experiencing the same disappointment, let me share my experience with you. With Maby, you can take the initiative in everything. Please visit Maby blog to update the latest nail news.
How does a silicone nail stamper work?
If you’re unfamiliar with the equipment, a silicone nail stamper is a sphere of soft silicone enclosed in plastic that is used to aid in a French manicure. The plan is to apply a small coat of nail polish to the silicone and then press your nail tip into it to apply color to the tips of your nails. It resembles using nail polish on your nails by stamping. Right, quick and straightforward? Actually, not quite.
My process using the silicone nail stamper
After seeing several videos of individuals using the tool and reading innumerable articles about great experiences, I assumed it would be a piece of cake because I’ve been doing my nails for years.
To prevent smudging, while I pressed the tips of my oval-shaped nails into the stamper, I painted my nails with a white base color and let them dry for about 20 minutes. Then, to determine the ideal coverage for my red French tips, I painted red polish onto the stamper and pressed my nails into the polish. When I took my nails out of the stamper, I was left with a thin line of paint where the angles didn’t quite curve around the nails (like a little half-moon), leaving a gap at the tops of my nails that was unfilled.
I moved my hand, nail by nail, to achieve better coverage, but my skin was left with crimson streaks. Additionally, I discovered that the nail polish on the stamper dried very rapidly, turning it into a goopy mess that couldn’t adhere to the nail well.
I’ve had great success with this hack, so I decided to try it on my other hand. For my second hand, I learned I needed to use more polish (in multiple different spots) on the nail stamper to achieve the desired results. While it did appear marginally better than the first time, I learned from earlier mistakes as I progressed. Simply put, the outcomes weren’t terrific. My skin was coated in nail polish smudges, the French tips were too thin, and I needed help finding coverage that would complement my oval nails with a rounded French tip form. I stamped each nail, allowed the ink to dry, applied a top coat to protect them, and then used a cotton swab to wipe away any polish that had accidentally gotten on my skin.
My takeaways after trying the silicone nail stamper
1. Consider the length of your nails
If your nails are short, you may suffer since the lacquer from pressing your tips into the silicone will get on your skin. My nails were approximately half a centimeter long when I tested them out, which seemed too short for this hack. My nails would have looked more striking with a slightly thicker French tip. You might succeed working with long nails because you’ll be more likely to produce a clean outcome.
2. Consider your nail shape
Depending on your ability level, you could utilize this hack with other nail shapes, but square or oval nails will produce the most outstanding results. These two nail shapes won’t risk the polish not covering the outer corners of the nail tips because they lack the slope that round, oval, or almond nails have. Despite the silicone’s softness, it doesn’t wrap around the nails’ curved edges to give them contemporary, curved French information.
3. You need time and patience
This isn’t it if you’re searching for a quick DIY mani while in a hurry. I’ve only used the hack once so far, so I can’t say whether further use will make it more effective. This hack was less time-saving than anticipated because I had to keep putting more nail polish on the stamper and clearing off huge smudges on my skin. But assume you have the time and the perseverance to practice the technique until you get the desired results (not to mention lots of nail polish to blow through). The silicone stamper might then end up being your following favorite toy. Many people have used this affordable instrument to make beautiful manicures; if you’re prepared to get through the learning curve, you may, too.