Lara Bella Vella Baldacchino

Hollywood Trained Makeup Artist | Special Effects & Prosthetics Expert
Marsascala, MT.

About

Highly accomplished and Hollywood-trained Makeup Artist with over two decades of extensive experience across film, television, commercial, and live events. Specializing in high-fidelity Special Effects (SFX), prosthetics, body art, and period makeup, I excel at transforming visions into reality while leading creative teams and managing complex production demands. My versatile expertise also spans beauty, hair design, and adult education, demonstrating a unique blend of artistic skill, technical mastery, and professional leadership.

Work

Various Commercial & Event Productions
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Key Makeup Artist / Body Artist (Freelance)

Malta, Malta, Malta

Summary

Delivered high-impact makeup and body art for numerous advertising campaigns, corporate events, and public appearances.

Highlights

Served as Main Make-up Artist for the Good Friday procession of Naxxar Parish Church (2023, 2026) and provided body painting for Venetian Carnival Ball performers (2023).

Led body art for 13 performers on Tomorrowland's mainstage (2019) and for Greek Gods themed marketing campaigns (2019) and vintage circus festivals (2019).

Designed and applied specialized makeup for the Ministry of Health's human trafficking awareness campaign (2019), featured on billboards and TV commercials.

Supported Bank of Valletta's marketing campaigns (2017, 2018, 2019) and created bald caps for an Igaming commercial (2016), demonstrating versatility across diverse projects.

Merit Training Ltd.
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Key Special FX Designer

Birzebbuga, Malta, Malta

Summary

Designed and implemented high-fidelity injury simulations for paramedic training, significantly enhancing realism and educational effectiveness for medical professionals.

Highlights

Developed and applied realistic casualty simulations for weekly paramedic and nursing training programs over 10+ years, crucial for practical skill development.

Utilized advanced SFX and prosthetic techniques to create authentic injury scenarios, elevating the training experience for foreign paramedics and Maltese medical staff.

Collaborated closely with course directors to integrate innovative simulation techniques, enhancing the overall training schedule and participant engagement.

Provided expert guidance and hands-on application, contributing to a profound level of realism and impact in critical care paramedic training.

Beauty Expressed in Colors Salon
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Owner and Managing Director

Marsascala, Malta, Malta

Summary

Directed and managed all operational and strategic aspects of a full-service beauty salon, driving business growth and ensuring high-quality client services.

Highlights

Orchestrated successful marketing and promotional campaigns for new products and services, significantly expanding clientele and salon revenue.

Managed comprehensive beauty treatments, including hair, semi-permanent makeup, laser hair removal, and nail technician services.

Cultivated strong client relationships and managed day-to-day operations, ensuring exceptional service delivery and client satisfaction.

Recruited and collaborated with freelance hairdressers, optimizing service offerings and managing salon staff requirements.

Various Film & TV Productions
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Senior / HOD Makeup Artist (Freelance)

Malta, Malta, Malta

Summary

Led and contributed to makeup design for major international film and television productions, specializing in character, SFX, and period makeup.

Highlights

Served as Senior Make-up Artist for 'Gladiator Movie' (2023-2024) and 'Count of Monte Cristo Movie' (2023), executing complex character and period looks.

Headed the Hair and Make-up Department for 'Separati Movie' (2021) and 'The Obscure life of the Duke of Corsica' (2019), overseeing full design and application.

Managed makeup for the Crowd Hair & Make-up Department on the acclaimed film 'Murder on the Orient Express' (2017) with designer Carol Hemming.

Functioned as Head of Department for Hair & Make-up on the feature film 'Maneland' (2017) by Heronin Productions, ensuring creative and technical excellence.

Various Film & TV Productions
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SFX & Prosthetic Makeup Artist (Freelance)

Malta, Malta, Malta

Summary

Provided specialized SFX and prosthetic makeup artistry for a diverse range of international film and television projects.

Highlights

Executed complex prosthetic makeup for the stunt double of the main actor in the International Bollywood Movie 'Thugs of Hindostan' (2017), collaborating with Vikram Gaikwad.

Contributed as an FX Make-up Artist on 'World War Z' (2011), specializing in zombie hair prosthetics and large-scale crowd makeup.

Served as Senior SFX Make-up Artist for 'Daz Boot' German Filming production (2018) and 'Maid for you/ Body of Deceit' Italian Production (2014).

Applied intricate facial hair, tattoo covering, and period makeup for 'The Promise' (2015) and contributed to 'Assassins Creed Movie' (2015) and '13 Hours' (2015-2016).

Ministry of Education Life Long Learning
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Adult Educator / Makeup Instructor

Malta, Malta, Malta

Summary

Educated diverse adult learners in makeup artistry, skincare, and personal care across multiple institutions.

Highlights

Taught comprehensive makeup courses at the Malta Society of Arts, guiding 2-15 actors/models and learners through themed photoshoots with 10+ photographers and videographers.

Conducted psycho-educational sessions for individuals with Anorexia, Bulimia, and Obesity, focusing on personal care and self-esteem.

Developed and delivered workshops for actors, dancers, and theatre professionals at the Malta Drama Centre, focusing on stage and TV makeup techniques.

Provided expert talks on skincare and pedicure for nurses and midwives at MUMN union, combining theoretical knowledge with practical demonstrations.

di-ve.com
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Beauty and Make-up Article Writer

Malta, Malta, Malta

Summary

Authored weekly articles on beauty and makeup, providing expert insights and advice to an online audience.

Highlights

Wrote and published weekly articles for a prominent online newspaper, covering diverse beauty and make-up topics.

Provided accessible and engaging content, establishing expertise in the field for a broad readership.

P&O Arcadia / Cunard Queen Victoria
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OXYjet Facial Therapist / Comfort Zone Specialist

Southampton, England, UK

Summary

Provided advanced facial and body treatments onboard luxury cruise liners, consistently exceeding service and retail targets.

Highlights

Delivered OXYjet facial treatments and Comfort Zone body massages, demonstrating expertise in high-end beauty services.

Consistently surpassed retail and service targets, contributing significantly to onboard revenue generation.

Maintained a strong work ethic and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and satisfaction.

Assisted colleagues with various job aspects, including training and stock-taking, showcasing strong teamwork and commitment.

Volunteer

Marsascala Parish Church
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Organizer for Hair, Make-up, and Beauty Charity Event

Summary

Organized a charity event to support children in Kenya, coordinating multiple beauty specialists and securing sponsorships.

Highlights

Successfully organized a charity event titled 'Kull bniedem hija' at Marsascala Parish Church, benefiting children in Kenya.

Coordinated a team of hair, make-up, and beauty specialists, ensuring smooth execution of services.

Secured sponsorships and managed crew logistics, demonstrating strong event management and community engagement skills.

Education

Education Department, Malta
Malta, Malta, Malta

National Diploma (MQF Level 5)

Teaching Adults

Courses

Thirteen modules covering adult education methodologies and practices

Cinema Make-up School Hollywood Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California, United States of America

Digital FX Diploma

Digital FX, Catwalk, Beauty Fashion, Body Art

Courses

Digital FX (Instructor Joseph Pepe)

Catwalk and Beauty Fashion show

Body Art

Joe Blasco Make-up School, Hollywood Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California, United States of America

Mastery Advanced Program

Special Effects, Prosthetics, Airbrush Makeup

Courses

Special Effects-Prosthetics-Airbrush (Instructor Rob Burman)

MCAST Institute of Community Services, Sliema
Sliema, Malta, Malta

ITEC Diploma (NVQ Level 2, Distinction)

Beauty Therapy

MCAST Institute of Business & Commerce, Paola
Paola, Malta, Malta

Matriculation Certificate (Advanced Level Grade C, MQF Level 4)

Marketing

Languages

English
Maltese
Italian

Certificates

Friendship Cards Course (Accredited)

Issued By

Happylife.org for educators

Healthy Boundaries Course

Issued By

Independent

Art Therapy Group Course

Issued By

Independent

Court Protocol Course

Issued By

Independent

Body Mapping Course

Issued By

Independent

Healthy Connection VSA

Issued By

VSA

Healthy Limits Healthy Life

Issued By

Independent

Tree of Life Course at the VSA

Issued By

VSA

Empowerment Course

Issued By

Soar, St John Antide Foundation

Psychoeducation Course at the VSA

Issued By

VSA

Master Class on Hair Balayage and Keratin Course

Issued By

Malta

Self Care Course at the VSA

Issued By

VSA

Self Regulation Course at the VSA

Issued By

VSA

Dermalogica Expert Training Program Refresher Course

Issued By

Dermalogica

Master Colour Class Training Course Spring/Summer Collection

Issued By

Malta

WEHAIR INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR

Issued By

Naples, Italy

Triple R Course (Trauma Informed Domestic Abuse educational program)

Issued By

Independent

CANVAS IN ARTIST HANDS, CUTS & DYE – SPRING/SUMMER COLLECTION Course

Issued By

Brescia, ITALY

Psycho-Educational Course on Personal Care and Burnout

Issued By

Katia from Women for Women Foundation

ILLUMINARY BUSINESS PROMOTION CUT & COLOR COLLECTION Course

Issued By

Naples, Italy

BEVISIBLE CUT & COLOUR DAYS Course

Issued By

Naples, Italy

Hair Balayage Course

Issued By

Independent

Laser Hair Removal Specialist Course

Issued By

Independent

Semi-Permanent Microblading Course

Issued By

Independent

Advanced Up Styles and Braiding Techniques Hairdressing Course

Issued By

Hair Tuition Malta

New Hair Style Cuttings for 2019 and Dikson Hair Colors Course

Issued By

Independent

Advanced Course in Hair Cutting Techniques (MQF Level 3)

Issued By

Hair Tuition Malta / 3ECVETS

Dermalogica Training on New Skin Care Products and Treatments

Issued By

Dermalogica

Advanced Workshop for Experienced SFX Make-up Artist on Filming Sets

Issued By

Neil Gorton, UK

International Diploma Environ Retail Products

Issued By

Environ

International Diploma Environ Professional Advanced

Issued By

Environ

ITEC Diet and Nutrition Diploma NVQ level 3

Issued By

MCAST Institute of Community Services

ITEC Complimentary Facial Electrics Diploma NVQ level 3

Issued By

MCAST Institute of Community Services

ITEC Holistic Body Massage Diploma NVQ level 3

Issued By

MCAST Institute of Community Services

ITEC Anatomy and Physiology Diploma NVQ level 3

Issued By

MCAST Institute of Community Services

ECDL Pass in all Modules

Issued By

ECDL

International Dermal Institute: Acne Treatments

Issued By

International Dermal Institute

International Dermal Institute: Chinese Diagnosis

Issued By

International Dermal Institute

International Dermal Institute: Galvanic and High Frequency Treatments

Issued By

International Dermal Institute

Dermalogica Expert Course Level 1 and 2

Issued By

Dermalogica

Gerards Face and Body Treatments

Issued By

Gerards

Algotherm Treatments

Issued By

Algotherm

Babor Treatments

Issued By

Babor

Skills

Technical Makeup

SFX Makeup, Prosthetic Makeup, Character Makeup, Period Makeup, Body Art, Airbrush Makeup, Glamour Makeup, Fashion Makeup, Bridal Makeup, Beauty Makeup, Injury Simulations, Bald Cap Creation, Facial Hair Application, Tattoo Covering, Wig Application, Lace Beards.

Hair Styling

Hair Design, Up-styles, Braiding, Balayage, Blow Dries, Barbering, Hair Coloring (Dikson).

Beauty & Aesthetics

Facial Treatments, Skin Care, Acne Treatments, Chinese Diagnosis, Galvanic Treatments, High Frequency Treatments, Laser Hair Removal, Semi-Permanent Microblading, Manicure, Pedicure, Waxing, Massage, Aroma Soul Body Massage, Podology.

Film & TV Production

Head of Department (HOD), Key Makeup Artist, Makeup Designer, Crew Management, On-set Protocol, Production Workflow, Crowd Makeup.

Business & Management

Salon Management, Marketing Strategy, Promotions, Client Relations, Product Sales, Inventory Management, Staffing, Entrepreneurship.

Education & Training

Adult Education, Curriculum Development, Workshop Facilitation, Public Speaking, Mentorship, Formative Assessment, Career Advising, Psycho-Education.

Soft Skills

Team Leadership, Project Management, Organization, Flexibility, Communication, Problem-Solving, Creativity, Attention to Detail, Time Management, Client-Focused.

References

Winston De Mello

Head of the Burns Unit UK, wfdemello@gmail.com

Aebhric O'Kelly

MA FAWM Critical Care Paramedic, Course Director, Merit Training, Aebhric.OKelly@merit-training.com

Vikram Gaikwad

Makeup Designer for International Bollywood Movie 'Thugs of Hindostan'

Enrico Tessarin

Writer-Producer, PINCH MEDIA, enrico@pinch-media.com, +44 7968 919189

Professor Lino Bianco

Architect and Civil Engineer, University of Malta, lino.bianco@lino-bianco.com

Hayley Timoney

Oasis Spa Manager, P&O Arcadia, acsafon@pocrwses.co.uk

Shaun Rawbone

Queen Victoria SPA Manager, Facebook: Shaun Rawbone