Welcome to Behind The Glow, Lively's new series spotlighting Hollywood's amazing stars, stylists & more as they celebrate notable achievements and cool career moments.
As one of Hollywood’s sought-after manicurists, Mar y Sol Inzerillo creates Instagram-worthy looks that regularly grace magazine covers, award shows and red carpets. ICYMI: One of her most career-defining moments went down last May when she nailed (pun intended) Elle Fanning’s buzzy 2019 Met Gala mani, which featured different charms of the star’s favorite things, including French fries, a soda can and a toothpaste tube. But what might even be more impressive than the mani itself is the fact that the Latina manicurist dreamt up and executed the concept in record time.
"I thought, Wow, I did have a crazy weekend and I guess I just work well under pressure,” she reminisces to Lively of the “out-of-the-box” idea she came up with for Fanning’s Met Gala appearance.
We're obsessed! Keep reading to learn more about the mani maven, her favorite self-care ritual and the Vital Proteins products she always keeps stocked at home.
Lively's Interview with Mar y Sol Inzerillo
Lively: Your A-list client roster includes Oprah and Kim Kardashian – how would you describe their manicure styles?
Mar y Sol Inzerillo: I have been able to hold hands with amazing men and women from all over the world. Every client’s nail preferences differ – Kim and Kendall [Jenner], for example, prefer more of a square shape where Oprah prefers a rounded nail with length in a neutral color. In my experience, most celebrities prefer a well-done classic manicure for everyday life, but you never know! Some red carpets call for a fun nail art look and some babes like Karol G. love a long, bedazzled nail for every day.
L: So fun! Speaking of different styles, what kind of nail trends should we expect in 2020?
MI: Textured nails, which I know are not for everybody, but they look cool and with brands coming out with products to get this look, you’ll be seeing more of them in 2020. I also feel as though you’re going to see people stepping out of their comfort zone and adding Swarovski crystals to their nails, and let’s not forget the colored French tips which I believe are going to stay relevant in 2020.
L: Is there a tried-and-true nail health tip you live by and think everyone can benefit from?
MI: Always carry a cuticle oil with you! Hydrated cuticles not only look nicer but help promote healthy nail growth.
L: How do you find inspiration or spark creativity when you’re feeling uninspired?
MI: Taking care of my physical and mental health are super important to me. Being on photoshoots on a daily basis means I’m with a huge group of different people every day and it’s important to not let myself get uninspired, so I strive to be an inspiration to others and keep a positive attitude.
For inspiration, I find it everywhere I go in nature, history, culture, kids’ fashion, and well, whatever the project I am working on.
Just today, someone complimented my work on Elle Fanning’s manicure at the Met Gala. I completely forgot I worked with this hair stylist that entire weekend and only hours later I created the concept to pitch to Elle Fanning, Miu Miu and Essie. This person said, “I had no idea when you said you had to ‘create a nail look,’ it would have been so out-of-the-box and would have gotten so much press.” I smiled with a heart filled with gratitude and thought, wow, I did have a crazy weekend and I guess I just work well under pressure.
That dates back to my all-star cheerleading days. We trained day in and day out to be the best and would never say never. If a stunt falls, keep going with a smile because we only have 2 minutes and 30 seconds and there’s no “I” in team. So, whether I’m tired or uninspired I know I have to turn that frown upside down and keep going – like Dory from Finding Nemo. I find that changing environments, lighting a candle, drinking tea, going for a walk or run, making a smoothie, or reading a book always helps me.
L: Is there a quote you live by that keeps you going on the most stressful days?
MI: Ooooh, I am your quote girl! I love making vision boards and I love writing out quotes in fun fonts or cursive. Lately, I’ve been trying to get more sleep, so the quote I’ve been living by is from Benjamin Franklin: “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.”
And when it comes to stress always remember [Barbara Haines Howett’s quote]: “Just when the caterpillar thought the world was ending, she became a butterfly.”
L: With such a hectic work schedule (especially during major events!), how do you make time for self-care?
MI: Self-care is something that I have been trying my best to focus on since 2018. Sadly, prior to that, I was always putting my clients before myself. I have become a homebody and that helps with self-care – not that I’m suggesting everyone do that but sometimes you have to know when to choose to go out or when to stay in and do you. I also started getting facials and doing more exercise and yoga. I started intermittent fasting and I’ve lost almost 20 lbs. in the last 4 months just by eating right. I have more energy and feel happier. I also absolutely love to travel. Whether it’s for work or for fun, I find that the ocean and anywhere outside is my happy place and that in itself is self-care.
L: We know you’re a fan of Vital Proteins! Can you share what your collagen routine looks like?
MI: Who doesn’t love collagen?! With age, our skin doesn’t produce as much of it and [our skin] isn’t as bouncy. I like to put it in my tea, smoothie, green juice, or when I’m on the go, I just grab a Collagen Water™ and dash out the door. My latest go-to is Vital Performance™ PRE! It’s great for a boost of energy before my workout and it tastes yummy.