I know how indelicate that question is, but that's what my cupcakes look like when I try to do this:

http://www.pinkcakebox.com/images/cake1320.jpg

I have bought tips, watched tutorials and made my frosting different consistencies, but I cannot get this look. Is there something I am missing?

And you watched this, and bought this big round tip?

could it be your icing recipe in general?

Lol I knew exactly what style cupcake you were talking about when I read the subject. They all look like poo, even pinkcakebox UNTIL you put decorations on them. Large sprinkles, fondant flowers or medallions ...when this style became popular it shocked me because I always see poo

Just add some decorations and they'll be fine.

Be sure that your icing isn't too soft.

What exactly is it doing? Are the swirls sinking or what?

Those poo look pretty good to me! and your cake is so so cute!!

Thanks so much everyone. I did wonder if maybe the embellishments made the difference. I am about to make a billion cupcakes for my daughter's baby shower and wanted something not too frilly since she's having a boy. I have watched that video and bought every tip under the sun. It's most likely a practice issue and the toppers. Oh, and my buttercream is the standard powdered sugar, butter, a touch of vanilla and a bit of heavy whipping cream.

Y'all rock. Thanks again for the responses and the kind words!

The ones pictured look fine to me. Some people use a large round tip to pipe with CHOCOLATE frosting - now THAT looks BAD, should be a law against it!

Don't forget that Ann and the other people working at the Pink Cake Box have gone to really awesome pastry schools, so dont be surprised if her stuff looks way more awesome than yours. Lol, I try not do stuff that she does cause I know it wont ever look like that. But I always go onto her site and look at the amazing cakes she has created.