Celebrity MUA Sam Visser Shares What’s In His Kit

I’m calling it now: Sam Visser is a beauty legend in the making. The 25-year-old makeup artist has been honing his craft since he was 12, assisting on shoots while still in middle school and landing celebrity clients like Kris Jenner and Kim Kardashian by the time he was in high school. Throughout his early twenties, the Los Angeles native has experienced a meteoric rise in the industry, earning recognition for his bold and experimental approach to makeup. Today, Visser’s portfolio boasts glamorous, evocative editorials for top publications, and his roster has expanded to the likes of Dua Lipa, Sabrina Carpenter, and Bella Hadid.

But that’s not all. This February, another one of Visser’s dreams came true when he became the global makeup artist for YSL Beauty, a brand he’s loved since adolescence. “I was so into going to the mall as a kid, and they eventually opened a Sephora at my mall,” he says. “That introduced me to a lot of brands I’d never experienced before. YSL Beauty was one of them. My 11 or 12-year-old self saw the brand as the ultimate luxury. The gold packaging, the visuals—I was obsessed. I even saved up my money and bought a mauve YSL Beauty lipstick for my mom. I was so excited to give it to her because it was just so beautiful.”

Ahead, Visser opens up more about how YSL Beauty’s history inspires him as a makeup artist, the beauty products he swears by for summer, and his thoughts on the current beauty era.

The One Thing He Loves About Makeup

“I’ve always loved the idea that makeup is couture. Every person I work with is different, so every look is custom. It’s like a one-of-one piece of clothing—except even more personal because it’s your face. No one else has your exact skin tone, eye color, or features.”

The One Thing He Wants His Clients to Feel in His Chair 

“Yves Saint Laurent was a legendary couturier. His ability to customize clothing not only for a specific woman but for an entire generation is something I’m inspired by. With makeup, I get to be involved in how someone sees themselves—how they feel. That’s magical. The way Yves Saint Laurent dressed women and made them feel bold and confident—that’s how I want people to feel after sitting in my chair.”

His Single Favorite Part of the Glam Process

“I love all parts of the face, but for me, the eyes are really special. An eye look can totally change your mindset—before a party, before work, before anything. It shifts your confidence and tells a story.”

The One Thing He’s Learned in His Career

“Honestly, it’s been about becoming more flexible. I’ve learned to adapt to each person and project. With this new role comes bigger projects, new people, and diverse situations—sometimes we’re in the desert doing makeup, sometimes in the snow, sometimes in a studio. These scenarios have shaped my approach to makeup and beauty. No matter where we are, my goal is always the same: to make someone feel beautiful. It’s all about enhancing their features and making them feel great.”

The One Foundation He Swears By For Summer 

“For long-lasting wear, I use the All Hours range. I’ve seen models running in heat with the foundation on, and their makeup doesn’t budge. The concealer is also one of my all-time favorites. And even though the products are long-wearing, they still let your skin shine. You can build it up for a full beat and look airbrushed or apply it lightly and still look flawless.”

The One Blush He Loves to Use on Himself and Clients

“The Make Me Blush Blurring Powder Blush. Blush is usually the first thing to fade, but this one doesn’t because it is water resistant. It doesn’t move and looks better over time.”

The Summer Makeup Hack He’s Loving

“I love giving a full glow. One of my favorite multi-use products is the Loveshine Candy Glaze in a shade like Healthy Glow Plumper. I use it as a balm on eyelids, cheekbones, nose bridge, and lips. It gives that dewy, glossy look without needing to wet the whole face.”

The One Thing Currently Inspiring His Work

“Nature, in general, is my biggest inspiration. I love being outdoors—on a beach, in a forest. You see colors and harmonies you’d never find in the city. When you’re aligned with nature, inspiration flows.”

The One Way He’d Describe the Current Beauty Era

“This era is expressive, daring, and experimental. I’ve never seen so many people doing such incredible makeup. The skill level is wild now—there are so many talented creators. There has been a whole new wave of artists creating bold, graphic, and textured looks. It’s fun, cool, and exciting to see.”