June 3, 2016

Meet Beverly Hills Makeup Artist: Patrice Evangeline

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrice Evangeline.

Patrice is unique in that she proudly combines her editorial and bridal work – without separating them under two different brands. Below, you’ll find edited excerpts of our interview with one of LA’s most talented makeup artists.

Patrice, can you tell us about how you got started?

I have had a fascination with faces from a young age. Both my grandmother and mother are very talented portrait artists. I grew up in Los Angeles as a performer and received my BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Michigan. As a performer, part of my job was to apply my own makeup for the stage and I often found myself applying makeup to the rest of cast as well. After college I quickly realized I was meant to work behind the scenes as a makeup artist and started my freelance career. After working in Los Angeles in feature film and television art departments I moved to New York City and attended Makeup Designory School. I have always focused on beauty makeup, whether that be for editorial work, bridal or the red carpet. While in nyc I joined forces with Sally Duvall, former assistant to the famed makeup artist KevynAucoin and built up a wonderful bridal and event clientele. I moved back to Los Angeles a year and a half ago with my husband and 2 children and continue to work primarily as a bridal and special event makeup artist.

Very exciting – so seems like your journey has been relatively smooth?

It has been a relatively smooth road but there are always bumps along the way. I am constantly trying to balance being a mom of 2 small children and a working mom. In the beginning of my career in NYC I struggled with being labeled as a certain type of artist. I have always focused on beauty makeup rather than special effects or avant grade. I love my editorial work as much as I love working with my everyday brides. However, many photographers believe you should focus on one or the other and have 2 separate websites for each work, etc. I have decided to stay true to myself and combine all of my beauty on one website and continue to work in both editorial and bridal. So far it’s working!

Got it, but let’s dig a little deeper. What have been the most challenging parts of your story?

Moving to Los Angeles after building my business and clientele was difficult. It felt a bit like starting over. Even though I was born and raised in LA it had been many years since I had lived here. I had worked very hard to build my brand on the east coast and now I had to essentially do it all over again…and I am still working on it. I also had a one and half year old and was pregnant with my second child to make things even more complicated…complicated and of course wonderful at the same time 😉

Also, when I first started my career the most important thing was building my portfolio. In order to do this I had to take many jobs with no pay or just a small kit fee. I was able to work with some wonderful and talented photographers, models and stylists but no pay was no fun! I talked to many other artists in the same situation and with the same struggle. We all battled whether or not to find retail work at a beauty counter to make extra money. I went back and forth about it every week and finally I gave in and interviewed at Trish McEvoy Bloomingdales. I got the job on the spot but when I saw the schedule I panicked. I would have to work weekends which would not leave me open for weddings and event makeup. They had me start on the floor selling makeup right away as somewhat of a test run. I was told to approach anyone walking by and not to take no for an answer. They wanted me to run after these poor shoppers with eyebrow pencil and brushes in hand and follow them all the way to elevators! After about 5 minutes I knew this was not for me and I was back to pounding the pavements. I had never been so happy and relieved!

Pricing:

I try to keep my pricing competitive with other bridal makeup artists. I believe what sets me apart is my affordable bridal trial rate starting at $125. Often times brides have had a handful of trials before finding me and I realize how expensive that can become. I try to offer a reasonable rate, lots of time and and multiple looks.

Contact Info: