A Weekend with Kendall Visser

There’s a new Kendall to watch out for on the runways in the upcoming seasons, and that’s Dutch beauty Kendall Visser. A rising social media star, Kendall has already captured the attention of brands like Giorgio Armani and Dolce & Gabbana. After earning her degree at the University of Arizona, she moved to New York to pursue modeling full-time. BWB chats with Kendall to find out what she gets up to in the big city (when she’s not busy booking gigs left and right), and of course, her best beauty secrets.

YOUR DAY

Morning routine…

My morning routine is very simple. The first thing I do is drink water! Second, showers in the morning are my absolute favorite. I never blow dry my hair after I shower; I prefer to towel dry for the most part. Then, I put on all my lotions, creams, serums, and pretty much whatever helps my skin feel refreshed. Lastly, I make scrambled eggs, grab a banana, and walk downstairs to my favorite coffee shop on my block for a vanilla latte.

Favorite workout…

I have two favorite workouts. The first one is with my personal trainer at my favorite gym in Manhattan, Dogpound. It’s such a community there, yet the workout is one-on-one with a trainer. I do all sorts of stuff from squatting to weights, and even some cardio. It’s a really great balance of everything. My other favorite workout is barre, which is basically a mix of yoga and mat pilates. It always puts me in a happy mood and my energy overall is in a good place after a class.

Evening relaxation…

When it comes to unwinding in the evening, I like to light candles around my apartment and play my favorite relaxing music on the speakers. This time of day is also when I like to throw on a face mask. These evening habits of mine tend to keep me at ease and help me prepare for the next day.

YOUR FOOD

Your energizer…

My energizer would have to be bananas. I could eat bananas every day and never get sick of them, which I already do! Sometimes in the morning, I’ll make healthy banana pancakes. I also love bananas with peanut butter on a whole grain rice cracker as a little treat. That is definitely a food that consistently gives me energy.

Your indulgence…

My indulgence would have to be ice cream – I am obsessed. I could eat ice cream any day and any time. It is my absolute guilty pleasure.

Favorite restaurant…

I love so many different restaurants and types of food, so narrowing it down to one is very hard. I would have to say that Ruby’s in Soho, New York has been my most consistent favorite restaurant. It’s a super cute Australian spot that offers different types of food such as salads, healthy bowls, burgers, and even pasta. It has a great range of options. It is a perfect place to meet up with friends and the price point is awesome.

YOUR LIFE

In your free time, we can find you…

In my free time you can find me cooking in my kitchen. I especially love cooking for other people. Cooking feels like therapy for me. I find it relaxing and it’s so fun to try out new recipes. You would also probably find me at the airport. I absolutely love to travel and explore other cultures. I don’t like to be in the same place too long.

Favorite travel spots…

It’s very hard for me to narrow down my favorite travel spots because it really depends what type of travel I’m in the mood for. I would have to say I’m obsessed with South Africa because my family is from there. My roots are Dutch, so I find a special place in Dutch cities, such as Amsterdam. My favorite place to travel beach-wise would have to be Punta Mita, Mexico. I grew up going to Mexico and it has always been very special to me. The food and the beaches there are absolutely insane. I lived in Barcelona, Spain for about five months. I am absolutely obsessed with Spain and the Spanish culture. The architecture, people, and food are incredible. My favorite part about Barcelona is that it’s a city but it also has fantastic beaches.

Most rewarding aspect of modeling…

The most rewarding aspect of modeling for me would have to be fulfilling even the smallest of goals. I am always proud of myself when I accomplish even the small things. Modeling has also led me to meet so many wonderful people, and has given me many unique experiences that I will forever be grateful for. The opportunity to travel to the places I have is for sure one of the most rewarding aspects of modeling.

YOUR BEAUTY

Must-have skincare/body products…

I keep it pretty simple with beauty products. My must-have skincare products are face wash (gel-based), toner, face moisturizer, sun block, lip balm, and my Dr. Barbara Sturm face serums. Also, water is key for my skin! My must-have body products are simply coconut oil and body lotion.

Favorite makeup products…

I am really not a big makeup girl but I definitely have some favorite essentials. The first one, which all my friends make fun of me for because I do not leave the house without it, is the Mac “Whirl” lipliner. It is my favorite makeup product I own and a big necessity for me. It makes my lips look so full and alive. I use that with some Aquaphor on my lips everyday. Another favorite makeup product of mine is my Nars concealer. It really has amazing coverage for red spots and my dark circles. Lastly, I just love a good mascara. I usually use one of the L’Oréal mascaras from a Duane Reade or CVS.

Signature perfume…

My signature perfume is hands down Lys 41 by Le Labo.

YOUR WOMANHOOD

Who is the woman you most admire?

I really admire Candice Swanepoel. She is such a beautiful woman inside and out. I admire her career and her lifestyle so much. She did absolutely fantastic in modeling and now she continues to model while having her own bikini company, raising two babies, and she is very involved in charities. She seems like a well-rounded and intelligent woman. Candice is definitely a strong woman I look up to.

What does it mean to you to be an empowered woman today?

Today, being an empowered woman can mean so many things. I think being an empowered woman for me means that I can do anything I set my mind to. I have full control of my own life and I am able to make my own decisions. I also think it is important to empower other woman.

What would you say to your younger self?

Something I would say to my younger self is to listen to my mom and stay out of the sun because you will age faster!