Why Hollywood Nail Artist Betina Goldstein Is in a League of Her Own

A 3D ketchup packet. An insect cast in amber. A heart stitched together with real thread. These are just a few examples of the viral manicures that nail artist Betina Goldstein has meticulously crafted, captivating the internet with her unique creations. Over the past decade, the Los Angeles-based professional has amassed a following of over 400,000 people, all eagerly awaiting her next mesmerizing and original work of nail art.

Whether in real life or on social media, Goldstein’s nail art sparks conversations akin to the intrigue of a cocktail ring, eliciting questions like, “How do you come up with your ideas?” and “Is that a real bug?” (Spoiler: it often is). What sets her apart is not just her visionary creativity but also her imaginative approach to nail art—anything from a crushed cigarette to a caviar chip can serve as inspiration. “What I love so much about creating nail art is that the more detailed you paint it.

Goldstein also channels her emotions into her work, using nail art as a means to process and express difficult moments in her life, such as grief and loss. “As I’ve become more immersed in nail art over the years, I’ve found it to be incredibly therapeutic,” she explains. “I can express all my emotions on this tiny little canvas.”

With her sophisticated aesthetic and cutting-edge techniques, it’s no wonder Goldstein is one of Hollywood’s most sought-after manicurists. Her A-list clientele—including Margot Robbie, Camila Morrone, Julia Garner, and Gracie Abrams—rely on her for everything from classic red manicures to bold, thematic designs for high-profile events like the Met Gala and the Barbie press tour. “If the nails make too much of a statement, it can throw off the entire look. But if they’re just right, it can elevate everything.”

Achieving a balance between minimalism and maximalism may seem contradictory, but Goldstein does so with a unique eye and meticulous skill. In this interview with InStyle, she discusses her journey, inspiration, and the catharsis she finds in her craft.

On How She Began as a Nail Artist:

“In 2011, I started working as a manicurist, mostly for fashion editorials and campaigns, where simple nails were often requested. A few years later, I was asked to do nail art for a job. While I could do it, I wasn’t thrilled with the results—I’m a perfectionist. I didn’t want to feel that way again, so I decided to teach myself nail art at home. As I practiced, I realized I didn’t love much of the nail art out there; it didn’t align with my more minimalist style.”

On Her Aesthetic:

“My style is minimalist yet unique and slightly funky. I enjoy painting unexpected things on nails. Even early on, I was doing flamingos, sardines, and shrimp—but always with a minimalist touch. I want my designs to be wearable. I often use a sheer nude base or add designs to only a few nails. My personal style is also very minimal, so it balances out. It’s unexpected, but it all ties together. I love creating delicate objects that look like jewelry on your nails—something you can look down at and feel great, feel expensive.”

On Developing Her Technical Skills:

“As I learned, I pushed myself to create more detailed designs while maintaining my wearable aesthetic. I’m self-taught, so I love experimenting with different tools to create texture and depth, especially when working with 3D designs using sculpting gel. For example, I’ve used a screw from my desk to create a potato chip. It’s all trial and error, developing my own techniques. It’s hard to explain—my hands just know what to do. I haven’t been trained as an artist; it just comes to me. It doesn’t always work the first time, but I keep at it until it does.”

On the Influence of Classical Painting:

“Technically speaking, I draw inspiration from some of my favorite artists, like Rembrandt or Peter Paul Rubens. It’s not so much about what they paint, but how they paint. Rembrandt’s ‘The Storm on the Sea of Galilee,’ for example, captures the texture and force of waves in such a way that you can almost feel them. Rubens’ depictions of fabrics are so realistic that they seem touchable. These artists’ techniques—playing with shadows and texture—inspire me deeply.”

On the Catharsis of Nail Art:

“Nail art has helped me cope with grief, stress, anger, and self-doubt. I can spend hours focused on a tiny design, with music playing, completely absorbed in the process. It’s an out-of-body experience, especially in a world where we’re constantly on our phones. I just zone out, and it’s the one thing I’m doing. Many of my designs have deeper meanings, too, like dealing with the loss of my father or miscarriages. I’ve stitched my nails with thread to symbolize the pain I was going through.”

On Her Favorite Designs:

“The cigarette design is one of my favorites—it feels authentically me. I saw squashed cigarettes in an ashtray and thought about how to recreate those wrinkles and make them look real. The cigarette itself was inspired by those long, skinny cigarettes from the ‘80s. I also loved working on a Heinz collaboration with Kate Spade, creating a ketchup packet design. For a caviar design, I wanted the eggs to look as real as possible. I crafted each egg, wrapped it in clear sculpting gel, and painted a sheer color on top to give it a translucent effect. These designs have so much depth, texture, and color.”

“Red carpet events are a time to play, but they also require refinement. It’s a collaborative effort where every detail matters. I love working with the entire team to ensure the nails complement the overall look. The Met Gala, for example, is when everyone gets to push boundaries. Last year, Whitney Peak wore a Chanel dress with pearls, and I created a design with real freshwater pearls underneath her nails—minimal from the front but with a surprise element when she moved her hands. Another memorable moment was working with Margot Robbie on the Barbie press tour. I created a water marble effect that tied in with her Pucci dress for a cohesive look.”

“On Instagram, trends quickly become popular, and everyone starts doing the same thing. But you need to find your own identity and style, even if it’s different. If you’re constantly chasing someone else’s ideas, you’ll always be behind. Your inspiration should come from life experiences and deeper moments, not just from other nail artists.”