Polka dot nails have been one of the biggest nail trends of 2026, and Dua Lipa just gave them her own bold twist. Vacationing in Portofino, she showed off oversized black dots over a sheer milky base, creating an easy transition mani for the weeks between summer and fall.
Dua Lipa Goes Big With Polka Dot Nails
Dua’s longtime nail artist Michelle Humphrey created the black-and-white manicure, and the oversized dots are what really make it work. Instead of neat little spots lined up across each nail, the black circles are scattered over the milky base in different sizes and placements.
This isn’t Dua’s first polka dot manicure either. Last year, she wore a black-and-white polka dot French manicure with much smaller dots along the tips, while Humphrey has also created sheer soap bubble nails and metallic floral designs for her. At this point, Dua’s nail history is basically one very good inspiration folder.
How to Recreate Dua Lipa’s XL Polka Dot Nails
The best part is that Dua Lipa’s polka dot nails are actually pretty easy to recreate. Start with one or two coats of sheer milky white polish, depending on how translucent you want the base to look. Bio Sculpture French Créme or Manucurist Milky White can give you a similar soft finish.
Once the base is dry or cured, use a larger dotting tool dipped in black polish to create the XL spots. I wouldn’t try to make them identical or perfectly spaced, because that slightly random placement is part of the charm. Finish with a glossy top coat, and you’ve got the look without turning your nail appointment into a three-hour art project.
Dua Gave Us Major Nail Inspo
Dua Lipa’s XL polka dot nails are a fun reminder that sometimes one small tweak is enough to make a familiar trend feel new again. The oversized dots give the look a bolder finish, but the milky base keeps it light enough to work perfectly as an end-of-summer mani.
If you’ve been saving polka dot nail ideas all season, this might be your sign to go bigger with the dots. I know exactly what I’m showing at my next appointment.
SEE ALSO: Anne Hathaway’s Coconut Water Nails Are Trending for Summer
