Meet Abigail Evans

Today we’d like to introduce you to Abigail Evans.

Abigail, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
It was never really a question that I was going to be in this industry. I’ve been in love with both fashion and film since I can remember. I started out by going to cosmetology school in Salt Lake City right after I graduated high school and finished as quick as possible, then headed to Laguna for some training in hair extensions. Not long after that, I landed my first gig doing hair on an independent film where I met one of my most influential mentors, Cami Talbot Bessey. She is such a badass and inspired me to get into makeup- something I hadn’t even considered at this point! From here, I started fitting in collaborations and test shoots every chance I got, knowing this was endgame. Then in 2017, I was scrolling through a random Facebook group and saw a photographer who was looking for a HMUA for an editorial in Iceland 3 weeks later. I thought this sounds too good to be true, but hey what the hell. That next morning I got an email from one Stacie Buhler (@stacieandrichie) – telling me they would love to have me a part of it… no strings attached. Three weeks later, we met at Stacie’s house the night before our flight and embarked on an experience that would pivot my career forever. Iceland was a lot of work. 2-3 looks a day, with 2-3 hour drives between, and only about 9 hours of sunlight a day.

More often than not, I was doing makeup in a moving vehicle and trying to place hair in insane wind speeds. Iceland taught me so much, it was my absolute fake it til you make it moment, I committed to way more than I had ever done and it taught me so much. From there, I knew this was what I was meant to do, so I stepped back from the salon and stepped more into the role of a freelance makeup artist. Booking stuff not only in Utah but making a point to book stuff out in LA, New York, and honestly wherever my travels take me. I entered the film world and now a couple of years in have earned the title of head of department over a tv show. Being an ENFP personality type, I like to keep busy with multiple things so when I’m not on set, I’m working with fashion photographers, or working on my beauty/true crime podcast “Makeup, Masking, and Murder”. I still travel a lot but finally this year, I was able to make the move to LA and am so excited to be a part of the industry here. It’s such a special place with so many creative individuals and I can’t wait to see how my career continues to develop.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Yes and no. Obviously, there are always learning experiences. Mistakes we make. Time’s I have been taken advantage of. But I don’t really look at it that way… Everything has either furthered me or taught me a lesson to get back on the right path.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I do both hair and makeup but as of the last two years, makeup has become my one true love. Editorial makeup to be exact. I love fresh, clean natural makeup with pops of color. I’m very proud of my ability to work with skin- one of my favorite MUA’s – Nam Vo, really got me addicted to the art of skin and how having that base is what really makes or breaks a look. On set, I get a lot of compliments from talent about how they still feel like themselves (no heavyset makeup) but like they are glowing from the inside out! Yeah. I’m pretty good at that haha.

What were you like growing up?
Pretty much the same. I wanted to try anything and everything. I was sketching designs at age 10, recording “radio shows” with my friends on an old tape recorder, making music videos and “feature films” HAHA. At age 12, I started a little bakery with my friends, had a band, acted in plays, singing 24/7, sewing lessons, dance, cheer..etc. I wanted to do it all. Life was SO exciting to me and it still is! I was and still am very Extroverted, love love LOVE being around people. It didn’t shock anyone that I ended up in the industry I did- It had to be big. 🙂

Contact Info:

• Website: abigailevansmua.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @abigailevans.mua
• Other: @makeupmaskingandmurder

Image Credit:
Eden Strader – www.edenstrader.com @edenstrader, Stacie Buhler @stacieandrichie, Brooke Kim Art @brookekimart

Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.