While London is home to several makeup schools, one academy offering the best makeup artist courses in London stands above the rest: Christine Blundell Makeup Academy (CBMA).

Founded and led by Christine Blundell—an Oscar and BAFTA-winning makeup designer still actively working in the industry—CBMA is the only makeup academy in the UK with this level of leadership.

Here’s why CBMA is considered London’s best makeup academy:

  • Oscar & BAFTA-Winning Leadership
     Christine Blundell is not only an award-winning makeup designer but also continues to work on major productions. Her expertise and connections give students a unique edge.

  • Guaranteed Paid On-Set Experience
     Unlike other schools, CBMA guarantees paid work placements for all eligible graduates, allowing them to build credits while studying.

  • Expert Tutors Working in the Industry
     All our tutors are leading makeup artists and designers currently active in film, television, and theatre. Many are Oscar, BAFTA, or Emmy winners and nominees.

  • Post-Graduate Support That Never Ends
     We provide unlimited career support even after you’ve completed your course.

  • Exclusive Networking Opportunities
     Being in London, our students gain access to unmatched networking opportunities in film, TV, and theatre productions.

No other academy in the UK provides such a direct pathway from training to professional work.

Confused About Choosing the Right Makeup Course?

If you’re passionate about a career in makeup artistry but overwhelmed by the number of courses available, you’re not alone. Choosing the right training can shape your entire career. That’s why the Christine Blundell Makeup Academy (CBMA) in London has designed its Intensive 4-Month Hair and Makeup SFX Course—a comprehensive, career-focused programme trusted by aspiring artists worldwide.

Why Our Flagship 4-Month Hair & Makeup Course Is Different

The Christine Blundell Makeup Academy’s 4-Month Hair and Makeup Course in London delivers world-class, hands-on training across every area of professional makeup artistry. From screen and stage to high fashion, this intensive programme equips students with practical skills in media makeup, special effects, period wig work, Afro and textured hair, casualty simulation, barbering, and facial hair application. Designed to take students from foundation level to advanced techniques, the course prepares you to step confidently into the demanding worlds of film, television, theatre, and fashion.

What You’ll Learn in this Course

  • Media Makeup for Film & Television – Learn professional, camera-ready techniques tailored for screen productions.

  • Special Effects Makeup (SFX) – From prosthetics to casualty simulation, gain expertise in creating realistic effects.

  • Period Wig Styling – Master wig-dressing and styling techniques essential for historical and theatrical productions.

  • Afro & Textured Hair Training – Build confidence and skills in working with all hair textures and styles.

  • Barbering & Facial Hair Application – Learn barbering skills and professional facial hair techniques for screen and stage.

  • Theatre & Fashion Makeup – Adapt your artistry for live theatre, catwalks, and high-fashion environments.

This structure positions CBMA’s 4-month flagship course not just as education, but as the launchpad to a professional career in makeup artistry.

Graduate Success: Liz Bowden’s Journey from CBMA to Award-Winning Productions

At the Christine Blundell Makeup Academy (CBMA), we are proud to see our graduates shaping the global entertainment industry. Many of our alumni have worked on award-winning and award-nominated productions across film, television, and theatre, proving that the right training and real-world experience open doors to the highest levels of success.

One standout graduate is Liz Bowden, whose career reflects the strength of CBMA’s hands-on approach. Liz was Hair & Makeup Supervisor for the acclaimed and award-winning film Brutalist (2024) and continues to build an impressive portfolio. Her credits include the upcoming Untitled Alejandro G. Iñárritu Film (2026), How to Train Your Dragon (2025), and the TV mini-series Franklin (2024).

Liz’s journey highlights a core truth: CBMA graduates don’t just study makeup—they launch careers. With award-winning tutors, guaranteed on-set experience, and an Oscar & BAFTA-winning principal, CBMA provides a direct pathway to the industry.

 

Start Your Journey Today

London is without doubt the best city to study makeup artistry. And within London, the Christine Blundell Makeup Academy is the most respected and career-focused makeup school in the UK.

Whether you dream of working on blockbuster films, West End productions, or international fashion projects, CBMA provides the training, experience, and connections to make it happen.