#BigInterview! Celebrity makeup artist Samson Lei: Every person has their own beauty and there is no need to change it

For celebrity makeup artist Samson Lei, his profession is like an art. Samson who grew up in Manipur was fascinated by fashion and beauty at a very young age. His father was his biggest inspiration. “My dad was a businessman and he always carried himself with grace. And I think that drew me towards understanding my passion,” Samson says in an exclusive chat with ETimes.
The young makeup artist is the personal favourite of many actors including Isha Talwar, Kavya Madhavan, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Saniya Iyappan and Priya Prakash Varrier among others.
When Samson was in the 9th grade, he discovered that he wants to be in the fashion industry. After completing school, he went to Mumbai, to get some exposure and now he is the most admired makeup artist in M-Town. The most interesting part of it is that he is self-taught!
From working in a salon for mastering hairstyle techniques to assisting big names in the Fashion Week, Samson Lei had done everything during his salad days. “People often ask me if I have been to any institute or took a particular course, but I haven’t. Mumbai was a perfect place for a budding artist like me. And I must confess that the internet has also helped me,” Samson Lei said.
Taking a walk down memory lane, he recollects about the first star he has worked with, “The first celebrity was Lara Dutta. I did her makeup for her in the Miss Diva 2014.”
Samson Lei who resides in Kochi now, thanks Isha Talwar for introducing him to the land and M-Town, “It was Isha Talwar who helped me to connect with Kerala and its entertainment industry.”

In a career spanning over half a decade, Samson has painted famous stars such as Akshay Kumar, Lara Dutta, Kavya Madhavan, Vijay Yesudas Priya Prakash Varrier, Rima Kallingal, Parvathy Thiruvothu Madonna Sebastian, Anju Kurian, Saniya Iyappan, Srindaa, and Namitha Pramod to name a few.
One could always distinguish Samson’s works from others, as he always goes for minimal and chic makeup looks. “When people hear about makeup, they think it is all about piling up products. There’s no point in it. Every person has their own beauty and there is no need to change it. So as a makeup artist, my motto is to help them reflect their identity, by giving a more clean, glam and refined look. I believe makeup should look very subtle and natural,” Samson shared his thoughts on makeup.
Samson further opened up about working with celebrities. He said it is always fun as creating looks according to their persona is exciting. He added, “I met Parvathy Thiruvothu about two years ago. We did a magazine photoshoot and she loved my work. We have been working together ever since. Saniya Iyappan is like a younger sibling. My heart fills with joy, when I see their happiness.”

Although Samson Lei is a makeup artist, his Instagram profile looks similar to that of a fashion influencer. He loves to experiment with androgynous fashion and carries it with pride! “I love wearing makeup. And I love to step in style and show people who I am. I am from the LGBT community and I can’t understand why men wearing makeup or stylish outfits is not cool,” Samson shared.
When asked about if he has faced an odd experience because of rocking androgynous outfits, Samson said, “Yes, twice. I have seen people raising eyebrows when they see the way I dress, or carry a bag or even do the nails. There’s nothing wrong with doing what I love. I feel happy and empowered. I am not hurting anyone! But I think change is afoot, I see men wearing makeup and embracing it. And I must say, I am lucky to have the best people around me.”
Samson Lei is already the most sought after makeup artist in Mollywood, but he confesses that there is a lot he wants to achieve in the near future, “I would love to work with Kendall Jenner someday! I always wanted to be a model. I am still learning. And I have a long way to go.”
Samson Lei signs off sharing that he wouldn’t have been here, if not for his parents, “I have the best parents and family. When I said I want to pursue a career in fashion, they supported me.''