Did you see Dua Lipa in the video for Libre, the new perfume from YSL? More importantly, did you notice her hands? Her manicure is a carefully planned detail that suits the commercial as it fits right into the quiet luxury trend. These nails are sheer, glossy, and perfectly polished, catching the sunlight while she lounges by the sea. Nail artist Michelle Humphrey intentionally kept things simple for a fresh and luxurious vibe that works anytime, anywhere. The way we see it, Dua Lipa’s nails are an inspiration for sunny days to come!

The Nail Color
If you want to look up the video, search for Libre L'eau Nue by YSL Beauty. It’s an alcohol-free fragrance that smells like orange blossoms, bergamot, green mandarin, and lavender. They say it’s a clean essence like the “scent of a summer day” on skin.
But what about the nail polish that Dua Lipa is wearing? Neither her artist nor the brand reveals the secret. Beauty sites like Byrdie guessed that the color is a custom blend of YSL shades and not something that a person could purchase outright, hence the silence.
Some beauty writers took a stab at the combination, but we won’t because it doesn’t really matter what color Dua Lipa is wearing. Not everyone has the same skin tone as she does so recommending one color for everyone isn’t the best approach. What’s essential is the overall sense of a perfectly suited, sheer polish that flatters the fingertips without drawing attention to itself. All you need to achieve that is access to attractive nude shades so that you can find the right match. Our store is packed with the ideal colors for every skin tone!
LDS Color Craze Collection - NUDE

The Nail Shape
Examine Dua Lipa’s nails in the sunlight and you’ll see that they are short and rounded, with beautifully groomed cuticles. It’s a “your nails but better” manicure, ideal for hot summer weather swimming in the ocean.
When you’re on vacation, the last thing you want to deal with is nails that break or pop off. It’s much better to have a polished appearance that feels carefree. That’s why short, rounded nails fit right into the overall theme here.
Not the First Time Dua Lipa Had Nude Nails

Although we’ve seen plenty of playful and daring looks on her before, Dua Lipa has also worn nude nails. Case in point is this candid shot from the end of 2024. Here the nails are almond-shaped and sheer. They almost look like mannequin nails because they are such a close match to her skin. The “quiet luxury” style of understated beauty looks good on her as it does so many others. That’s likely why this trend continues to show up on the red carpet at recent events like the Academy Awards.
DND Gel Nail Polish Duo - 488 Season Beige

Sheer Nude Nails for Summer

Sheer nude nails are holding their ground against the maximalist trends with textures and metallics. Fashion-wise, this is an intriguing time to witness the two opposites dividing the spotlight.
There are three major points in favor of sheer nude nails for summer this year:
Neutrals have always been a luxury fashion staple because they are sophisticated without being flashy. They are effortlessly beautiful.
Many celebrities regardless of age have worn sheer, glossy manicures to star-studded events recently. That’s guaranteed to affect fashion choices in the coming months.
They are a “safe” choice because they go with everything and are straightforward to maintain.
Despite all the eye-catching, colorful, and sparkly looks you’ll see when scrolling Instagram, neutral manicures are one of the most popular requests in salons.
OPI Gel Nail Polish Duo - N51 Let Me Bayou a Drink

In the photo above, celebrity artist Iram Shelton shows off her nude nail perfection with healthy hands and clean, glossy nails reflecting the sunlight. There’s just the barest wash of pink polish.
She’s one of many nail pros who are fans of the minimalist aesthetic. If you enjoy this style, check to see what Tom Bachik and Zola Ganzorigt are creating, too.
Achieve the Most Beautiful Nails for Sunny Days
Finding the perfect nude polish means matching your skin tone, considering the shape that suits your style, and applying the right amount of color.
Start with undertones. If your skin leans warm and looks lovely with gold jewelry, nudes with peachy hues will enhance your natural glow. Cool undertones that make silver sparkle pair best with pink nudes. Meanwhile, neutral undertones can wear either.
Lavis Gel Polish - Set 6 Colors PS Bouncy Bunny - 0.5oz

Next, shape is an essential part of the overall aesthetic. You don’t need to wear nails as short as Dua Lipa did for the commercial, and there’s nothing wrong with applying soft gels if you want something longer. But most would agree that rounded edges suit the vibe more than pointy or sharply square ones that call attention to themselves.
When choosing the polish, if you want to match Dua Lipa’s style, jelly or sheer is better than opaque. Although it’s tempting to create a custom match, touch-ups could be a problem on the go.
Also, a glossy top coat reflects the light for a radiant finish and protects against damage. It tends to seem healthier than a matte finish when it comes to sheer, nude manicures.
Finally, all of your hard work could go to waste depending on the lighting. Think about where the nails will be seen the most. Cool-toned office lighting washes out nude shades, while bright sunlight brings out warm tones, so pink or peach will appear more vibrant. Testing a shade in different lighting is the best way to make sure it flatters in every setting.
Conclusion
Dua Lipa’s Libre L'eau Nue campaign nails are making us long for summer and a manicure makeover. They are part of the minimalist trend sweeping the fashion shows and red carpets. The good news is that beautifully cared-for nude nails are ready for anything and look attractive on everyone. They just feel so effortlessly exquisite.
It’s easy to expand your collection of sheer, nude polishes when you shop in our store. We carry favorite colors from top brands, plus we offer deals, discounts, and free shipping!