I tried this $9 TikTok hack for a French manicure at home — and here are the results

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TikTok has been gifting us with several beauty hacks, with one of the most popular among them is the French manicure hack. Montreal-based TikToker @aminaoui may be responsible for the trend, as she first shared a clip detailing how to get the look at home back in August.

Since then, the video has racked up more than 10 million views and countless iterations on the timeless French manicure. To replicate the look, all you need is a silicone makeup sponge, which doubles as a nail stamper.

The hack

Traditionally, a French mani involved outlining a curve on the nails by filling it with a layer of white or coloured nail polish. The technique takes a lot of practice, and can certainly be a challenge if you don’t have a completely steady hand.

Thanks to this convenient TikTok hack, all you need to do is apply a few brush strokes of nail polish onto a silicone stamper (as shown in @aminaoui's video) or even an old beauty blender. Then, you push the tip of your nail into the polish at a 45-degree angle and finishing the look with a layer of top coat.

Does it work?

I tried the viral hack using a silicone beauty blender, as was the original hack. I don't have steady hands so I was hoping this hack would make the DIY french mani at home an easy feat. But, it wasn't as easy as I had expected.

After trying it a few times, I finally got the hang of it. At first, I was incorrectly dragging my nail across the polish. Then tried at a 45-degree angle and held still.

In my opinion it's best to use this method if you have long nails that are round or oval-shaped for the best results. My nails are currently short and sort of squared, so it was harder to achieve that true French tip look. I will however try this hack again when my nails are better shaped and much longer, to see if it makes a difference in application.

Want to achieve the same look? We have rounded up some of the top products to help you recreate this viral nail look in no time.

Quo Beauty Foundation Applicator

This Quo blending silicone sponge works great for foundation purposes and for this French mani hack. After use, simply wipe the applicator with a tissue and it’s clean and ready to use next time!

SHOP IT: Shoppers Drug Mart, $9

Essie Nail Polish

This glossy nail polish provides flawless coverage with an easy-glide brush for streak-free application. Essie has some beautiful, long-lasting shades that work great for French manis.

SHOP IT: Amazon, $8 (originally $10)

Revlon Ultra HD Snap Nail

I used Revlon polish for my mani as the colours are more vivid and go on easily with one stroke on the silicone. With this polish, you don't need a top or base coat.

SHOP IT: Amazon, $4 (originally $7)

CND Vinylux Nail Polish

The patent pending technology works with natural light for long lasting polish. It also strengthens its resistance to chip over time.

SHOP IT: Amazon, $13

Kiss Nails imPRESS Press-On

If all else fails and you desire a French mani at home, simply apply these easy-to-apply KISS imPRESS press-on manicure nails. They're usually my go-to when I can't be bothered to do my own nails.

SHOP IT: Walmart, $10

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