Heather Wagg

Key responsibilities and achievements:

• Applied detailed special effects makeup for high-pressure simulations, including gunshot wounds, stab injuries, cuts, and trauma.
• Used professional SFX materials such as latex, fake blood, and prosthetics to ensure injuries looked realistic for training purposes.
• Collaborated closely with a team of artists to complete multiple casualty makeups within a strict time limit.
• Ensured consistency and accuracy across all models to support the realism and effectiveness of the police training.
• Responded quickly to feedback and adapted makeup designs on the spot to meet specific scenario needs.
• Gained valuable experience working in a fast-paced, team-focused environment with real-world emergency simulation standards.

This role helped me improve my time management, teamwork, and ability to create convincing, high-impact special effects under pressure.

• Expertly matched foundation tones with skin types, enhancing natural beauty of clients.
• Conducted training sessions for new employees; this improved overall team performance significantly.
• Collaborated with photographers, resulting in seamless photoshoots.
• Prepared models' skin prior to applying make-up which ensured a flawless finish under harsh lights and cameras.
• Updated knowledge of latest beauty trends, helping clients stay current and stylish.
• Worked closely with fashion designers to create appropriate looks for runway models.

• Expertly matched foundation tones with skin types, enhancing natural beauty of clients.
• Prepared models' skin prior to applying make-up which ensured a flawless finish under harsh lights and cameras.
• Communicated effectively with team members during busy periods to ensure smooth service flow.
• Provided makeup tutorials to clients, improving their self-application skills.
• Collaborated with photographers, resulting in seamless photoshoots.
• Selected suitable false eyelashes or extensions according to client's requirement-result, satisfied customers every time!.

• Maintained cleanliness and organisation in work area, ensuring a comfortable environment for clients.
• Assisted brides to achieve their desired look on wedding days.
• Demonstrated proficiency in special effects makeup during Halloween season, drawing more business towards salon.
• Communicated effectively with team members during busy periods to ensure smooth service flow.
• Prepared models' skin prior to applying make-up which ensured a flawless finish under harsh lights and cameras.
• Achieved a dramatic transformation for clients with expert contouring techniques.
• Assisted in the designing and implementation of window displays at makeup stores, creating inviting shop fronts.

• Created realistic injury makeup for multiple simulation types, including major car crashes, stab wounds, allergic reactions, and asthma attacks.
• Used special effects materials such as latex, wax, and fake blood to replicate wounds, open fractures, and trauma.
• Played a key role in a large-scale crash simulation, applying complex injury makeup to multiple models to reflect the severity of the scenario.
• Worked closely with emergency personnel to ensure injuries were accurately represented for effective training purposes.
• Gained hands-on experience with realistic SFX techniques in a high-pressure, professional training environment.

This opportunity allowed me to develop my special effects skills while supporting vital emergency service training through high-quality, realistic makeup artistry.

• Applied a variety of special effects makeup looks, including wounds, bruises, fake blood, and latex effects, tailored to different scare actors and themed zones.
• Collaborated within a fast-paced team environment to complete multiple complex looks within a set time limit before each live performance.
• Adapted to a variety of characters and makeup needs, ensuring each model was uniquely styled to suit their role in the attraction.
• On one occasion, hand-painted a full skeleton body design on a scare actor, showcasing detailed brushwork and creativity under pressure.
• Maintained a clean, organised workspace and ensured high hygiene standards while using professional-grade products.
• Gained valuable experience in working live events, managing time effectively, and delivering high-quality horror makeup in a professional setting.

This role strengthened my special effects skills, teamwork, and ability to perform under time pressure in a live entertainment environment.

• Created SFX looks for customers including realistic cuts, bruises, and horror-inspired details using professional products.
• Designed and applied a custom "Wednesday Addams hand" makeup effect, popular with attendees and based on the viral series.
• Worked directly with the public, adapting makeup designs to suit individual preferences and character ideas.
• Demonstrated a wide range of techniques, from quick on-the-spot applications to more detailed effects.
• Promoted my work and engaged with customers, answering questions about the makeup process and products used.
• Showcased my ability to work in a high-energy, customer-focused environment while maintaining quality and professionalism.

This experience strengthened my confidence, communication skills, and ability to deliver creative SFX makeup in a busy public setting.

• Applied lifelike injury makeup to models for high-pressure emergency training environments.
• Created detailed trauma effects for a large-scale car accident simulation, including open fractures, head injuries, and bruising.
• Used specialist techniques and tools such as a blood pump to simulate active bleeding from compound fractures.
• Collaborated closely with emergency responders to ensure accuracy and realism in all scenarios.
• Gained experience working under time constraints while maintaining high standards of detail and hygiene.

This role deepened my understanding of how makeup can support realistic training for emergency services and strengthened my ability to work in fast-paced, high-stress environments.

• Applied special effects makeup using latex, face paints, and fake blood to create disturbing and dramatic asylum-themed characters.
• Worked under strict time pressures to complete multiple makeup looks before showtime, maintaining quality and consistency.
• Collaborated closely with a team of makeup artists, each responsible for different zones, to ensure a cohesive style across the attraction.
• Adapted quickly to a fast-paced, live event environment, problem-solving on the spot and supporting other team members as needed.
• Gained valuable experience in horror and theatrical SFX makeup, improving speed, creativity, and team coordination.

This role enhanced my ability to work efficiently under pressure while delivering professional results in a themed entertainment setting.