The working wardrobe: Betina Goldstein
As the go-to nail artist for fashion’s most discerning brands and stars, BETINA GOLDSTEIN is a wellspring of inspiration when it comes to creating a standout look. She talks to MEGAN LOGUE about style, fostering her creativity and her five beauty-product obsessions
Despite boasting 352,000 (and counting) Instagram followers and working with the world’s most exclusive fashion houses – not to mention a plethora of celebrity clients, including Nicole Kidman, Zoë Kravitz and Bella Hadid – Betina Goldstein never set out to be a nail artist. “I wasn’t a child who got my nails done when I was little, and my mother wasn’t a regular at the salon.” In fact Goldstein, who is known for her playful, clean and decidedly original aesthetic, is entirely self-taught.
Growing up in Texas, Goldstein dreamed of moving to Miami to pursue a career in Latin television. However, after gaining a degree in broadcast journalism, she quickly realized it wasn’t for her. After relocating to New York, she landed a coveted internship on the landmark show Saturday Night Live and began a career in television production instead. Goldstein credits her pivot towards fashion production, which eventually led to nails, on the lack of full-time roles available in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis.
It was a fluke gig that ultimately led to her eureka moment. “A producer I knew approached me and asked if I knew how to do nails. I was like, “Me?” – I actually still have the email. He assured me it was an easy job; that I’d just be removing polish, nothing crazy. So, I said yes, but it turned out the event was for a clothing label doing Rock the Runway – a fashion show and photoshoot featuring 27 models.” This challenge became a career-defining moment for Goldstein. “I loved working with everyone – the models, the glam team, the stylists. The energy was just incredible. I realized immediately that this is what I love and what I ought to be doing.”
What distinguishes Goldstein’s work from her peers (and inevitable imposters) is its personal and prolific nature. “There’s a piece of me in every design, and being true to yourself and your art means you’ll never run out of ideas.” Read on to discover the trailblazing creative’s career and style secrets…
Find a balance
“I worked all the way from the bottom to build out my portfolio; I still work 24/7. On top of my nail art, I have my own jewelry line, so I really struggle to switch off. Reaping the rewards of all that hard work first-hand is so gratifying, but it’s also really important to make time for yourself, because being a creative isn’t like a normal job where you can take a holiday. You have to make the decision to take a break.”
“For me, nail art is about expressing myself – I find it a big stress release. It’s important to remember that the number of Instagram likes doesn’t affect the quality of your art
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Build a network
“Coming from a production and TV background, I feel like I’ve come full circle with my Instagram videos. I started experimenting with nail art right around the time the platform was taking off. I try not to get too caught up in the ‘likes’ aspect of it all, but it’s a struggle. I think the best way to combat it is by remembering why you’re there. For me, nail art is about expressing myself – I find it a big stress release. It’s important to remember that the number of Instagram likes doesn’t affect the quality of your art.”
“When I’m on set, I’m representing myself, so I always make sure I’m wearing something I’m proud to show up in
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Know your worth
“My husband has been my greatest mentor and biggest supporter since day one. He’s a creative, too, but he also has an incredible understanding of business. He’s taught me to value my work and negotiate a fair rate for it – if a client says no to a certain rate, they don’t value your work as much as you do and so you shouldn’t be working with them anyway. He’s actually my business partner on my jewelry line and it’s amazing to work together. Of course it can be tricky [sometimes, too], but it’s added a whole new dimension to our relationship.”
Dress up
“When I’m on set, I’m representing myself, so I always make sure I’m wearing something I’m proud to show up in. On any given day I might go from a shoot to a red-carpet event where there are camera crews. At the moment, I am really into Frankie Shop, which is great for blazers with a contemporary edge that can elevate a white tee, jeans and sneakers. I also love The Row – the label’s pieces are simple yet meticulous in quality and fit, and Bottega Veneta’s accessories are just incredible – they work with every outfit.”
“I feel like people are using nail art as a means of creative freedom, mixing and matching different styles. There is no wrong way to do it
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Play favorites
“I rely on quite a few cult beauty products. I love The Rich Cream by Augustinus Bader; I’ve been using it for the past three years and it has transformed my skin. I keep that and The Renewal Oil by La Mer in my kit and use them both on all my clients. Other obsessions of mine are lipstick and concealer (I never leave home without them), and Oribe’s Gold Lust Dry Shampoo because it’s just so handy. I have really curly hair, so I often make time to blow it out properly – you never know where you might end up!”
Express yourself
“A few years ago, nail trends were really definitive, but now I feel like people are using nail art as a means of creative freedom, mixing and matching different styles. There is no wrong way to do it. If you’re doing a DIY manicure and don’t feel comfortable painting anything intricate with your non-dominant hand, you can pair a solid color on one hand with nail art on the other. That’s cool! Personally, I think the first step – no matter what style you’re going for – is maintaining the overall health of your nails and skin. A good regimen is important: exfoliate your hands and use good-quality products like you would for your face. You can even rub excess face oils and creams into your cuticles.”