It there a reason why I need to keep buying gel colors?

The liquid colors will make your buttercream runny since they aren't as thick or as concentrated as the gel colors.

If you use "regular" food coloring you will ruin the consistency of the buttercream/ fondant/ etc. You need to use gel or paste colorings for this reason.

Yes, you can use the regular store colors. The only difference is that the colors won't be as bright, that's all.

I have found that gels give a more vibrant color. And they don't water down your BC. You can use either one but just be aware that the BC will be a bit more watery than usual.

What is the best way to get this color of pink?

You can use regular food coloring.......my mom does it all the time since she doesn't like the others......

I find that I have to practice mixing colors to get what I want. I usually try a small amnt of icing and prcatice with that. Usually by mixing a little red with my pink, even yellow sometimes. HTH

I would mix pink with red. I always do a practice first to get the cor right. I practices turn into cupcakes for my family. They never care what color it is as long as it is yummy.

I use plain old food coloring and have never had a problem with it making the BC runny. Should be just fine.

On my computer that color also looks like it has a purple tint to it. I was thinking of mixing pink and purple? Not really sure...

Jodie

I say try mixing pink with purple just do little mixes first then when you are happy you will know what to use!!!!

I use supermarket red food color or red airbrush color in place of the water or milk when making red buttercream. Works like a charm and there's no bitter aftertaste.