Sara Alshaiji: The Bahraini Makeup Artist Making Waves from Film Sets to Formula 1

Sara Alshaiji has emerged as one of Bahrain’s most influential creative talents, earning recognition across the Middle Eastern and international beauty and film industries. With years of experience in the theatrical circuit, she has built a reputation as a veteran makeup artist known for mastering both high-end beauty looks and intricate SFX (Special Effects) transformations.

Her work in cinema has garnered international attention. In 2025, Sara’s contribution to the film Hope earned her a nomination for Best Makeup FX at the HorrorHaus Film Festival in Los Angeles a milestone that positioned her among globally recognized SFX professionals. Her ability to blend storytelling with technical precision has made her a sought-after name on film sets.

In February 2026, Sara was selected to provide the “local touch” for Keanu Reeves during his visit to the Bahrain International Circuit for F1 pre-season testing. The collaboration further cemented her status as a trusted creative professional capable of working with international icons while representing Bahraini artistry on a global platform.

Beyond makeup artistry, Sara is also a co-founder of Your Lens Wedding, a photography studio specializing in artistic portraiture and fashion. Her multidisciplinary approach allows her to seamlessly bridge beauty, photography, and conceptual art, creating visually compelling narratives.

Known for her versatility, Sara moves effortlessly from timeless glam to avant-garde transformations. At the Al Dana Festival, she recently introduced a striking “living artwork” concept, transforming models into full black-and-white aesthetic pieces blurring the line between makeup and fine art. The showcase highlighted her signature ability to push boundaries while maintaining elegance and technical excellence.

As Bahrain’s creative industries continue to grow, Sara Alshaiji stands at the forefront  redefining beauty, elevating SFX artistry, and proving that Gulf talent belongs on the global stage.