Dua Lipa’s Summer Manicure Is Our Favorite Timeless Nail Trend

There’s something about summer that brings out the best mani designs. Sheer washes of color, delicate shapes, and tiny details tend to take over, replacing bolder looks with something quieter—but trust us, they’re no less fun. Dua Lipa’s latest manicure is proof.

Showcasing her nails on Instagram, the Houdini singer rocked a a short, oval shape and a barely-there pink base, finished with petite floral accents. Nail artist Michelle Humphrey added a twist to the classic daisy by giving each petal a bold black outline and centering them with bright white dots. The flowers don’t crowd the nails, either—instead, each finger holds just a bloom and a half, leaving plenty of negative space to let the design breathe. It’s a playful nod to Y2K nail art, made modern through proportion and restraint.

Minimal yet thoughtfully detailed nail designs like this are dominating the scene—and it’s easy to see why. The endless possibilities for customization, combined with generous negative space, mean your manicure can grow out gracefully without looking messy. More time soaking up the sun, less time stuck in a salon chair.

Ready to try Dua’s fresh take on the ultimate summer mani? Keep reading to find out how.

How to Get The Look

Dua’s manicure might have been crafted by a pro nail artist, but that doesn’t mean you can’t recreate a version of this look at home. The key to pulling it off is starting with a clean, neutral base. If you want to keep it simple, a soft nude or light blush works perfectly as well. This understated backdrop is what makes those delicate daisy details really pop.

For the flowers, precision is everything. But don’t worry, you don’t need to be a pro to pull it off. sing a fine-tip dotting tool or the tip of a bobby pin, create small black petals by placing tiny dots around in a loose circle on each nail—and remember, you only need about one to two flowers per nail. Then, add a single white dot in the center of each flower for contrast. Keep the petals spaced out to maintain that signature negative space look.

Celebrity manicurist and Sally Hansen Global Nail Partner Steph Stone points out that this style thrives on balance. “It’s all about negative space and subtle details that don’t compete with your overall look,” she explains. “That’s why short, natural nails work best—it keeps everything fresh and wearable.” To finish, Stone recommends a quality topcoat to seal the design and protect the delicate floral accents, ensuring your manicure lasts through summer adventures.

If you’re not comfortable with a dotting tool, Sally Hansen’s Salon Effects Nail Strips in ‘Wall Flower’ are a perfect alternative. They feature tiny daisies similar to Dua’s, but in a slightly softer color palette, giving you the freedom to mix and match across nails. Nail strips also have the major perk of zero dry time, making them a quick and foolproof way to get floral nails without the mess.