



OF EXCELLENCE

PRINCIPAL

TRAINING

START HERE


OF EXCELLENCE

PRINCIPAL

TRAINING

START HERE
Christine Blundell Make-up Academy (CBMA) is a specialist makeup academy in London, UK, offering industry-led Hair, Makeup and Special Effects training for careers in Film, Television and Theatre.
Founded by Oscar and BAFTA-winning Makeup Designer Christine Blundell, CBMA combines small class sizes, hands-on practical training, and direct industry connections to help aspiring makeup artists develop the skills, confidence, and professional experience needed for careers in the screen and creative industries.
Students learn from tutors who continue to work on professional Film and TV productions, ensuring every course reflects current techniques, professional workflows, and the skills employers value today.
As a leading London makeup school, our tutors have spent more than 20 years combining professional production work with teaching, while hundreds of CBMA graduates have contributed to productions for studios including Disney, Marvel, and Warner Bros., with credits on films and series such as Star Wars, Beetlejuice, and Wicked.
Trusted by more than 160 five-star Google reviews, CBMA combines professional training with real-world experience to help graduates build the confidence, portfolio, and practical skills needed to succeed in Film, Television, and Theatre.
Our upcoming course is now fully booked, and the next available start date is 4th January 2027 We would still love to hear from you. Contact the academy to arrange a visit, ask any questions, discuss the 4th January course, or join our waiting list in case a place becomes available sooner.
We would love to help you plan your training with us.

Our upcoming course is now fully booked, and the next available start date is 4th January 2027 We would still love to hear from you. Contact the academy to arrange a visit, ask any questions, discuss the 4th January course, or join our waiting list in case a place becomes available sooner.
We would love to help you plan your training with us.

The Christine Blundell Makeup Academy, run by Oscar & BAFTA-winning Make-up Designer Christine Blundell, who is actively working in the industry.

160+ five-star Google reviews make us London’s top makeup academy. Perfect your skills in an inspiring and supportive learning environment.

Graduation is just the beginning. We continue to support our graduates with career advice, portfolio guidance, industry connections, and ongoing professional development.

Join makeup classes in London with only 16 students per class for personalized, hands-on learning.

As UK’s premier makeup school, CBMA provides industry-acknowledged tutors currently work as professional Film, TV and theatre Hair & Makeup Designers and Artists and many of them are Oscar, BAFTA or Emmy winners or nominees.

Enjoy fantastic networking opportunities while training at CBMA, and imagine starting as a Makeup Trainee on productions such as Beetlejuice.

The Christine Blundell Makeup Academy, run by Oscar & BAFTA-winning Make-up Designer Christine Blundell, who is actively working in the industry.

160+ five-star Google reviews make us London’s top makeup academy. Perfect your skills in an inspiring and supportive learning environment.

Graduation is just the beginning. We continue to support our graduates with career advice, portfolio guidance, industry connections, and ongoing professional development.

As UK’s premier makeup school, CBMA provides industry-acknowledged tutors currently work as professional Film, TV and theatre Hair & Makeup Designers and Artists and many of them are Oscar, BAFTA or Emmy winners or nominees.

Enjoy fantastic networking opportunities while training at CBMA, and imagine starting as a makeup trainee on productions such as Beetlejuice.
“It is so much more than just a makeup academy. It is a place where you can discover yourself Whilst studying and being taught by some of the most influential people in the film and TV industry.”
Ria, recent graduate who worked on “Napoleon” , “Asteroid City &” Pinocchio” films, to name just a few.

Oscar and BAFTA-winning Hair & Makeup Designer Christine Blundell has built an award-winning career spanning more than three decades in Film and Television. Her long-standing collaboration with acclaimed director Mike Leigh includes Life is Sweet, Secrets & Lies, Topsy-Turvy—which earned her both an Oscar and BAFTA in 2000—Vera Drake, Happy-Go-Lucky, Another Year, and Mr. Turner. Beyond her work with Mike Leigh, Christine has collaborated with leading directors, including Guy Ritchie, on major productions such as Aladdin, Casino Royale, Wonder Woman, Sherlock Holmes, and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Today, she continues to work on high-profile Film and TV productions while sharing her knowledge and experience with students at CBMA.
If you’re unsure about committing to our 4-month Hair, Makeup & SFX Course, try our One-Day Taster Makeup Course.
If you’re unsure about Your Career Try Our School Open Day, What to Expect at Out Open Day

Our Facial Hair Skills and Casualty Makeup Tutor is a BAFTA-nominated Hair and Makeup Designer, recognised for her work on the film Napoleon.

Our Period Makeup Module Tutor is a freelance Wig, Hair and Makeup Artist, recognised for her work as former Wigs and Make-up Manager for New Productions at the Royal Opera House, and as author of A Practical Guide to Wig Making and Wig Dressing.

Our Casualty Makeup Module Tutor is an Oscar-nominated Hair and Makeup Designer, recognised for his work on the film Judy.

Our SFX Course Designer is a leading Prosthetics Designer, recognised for his work on major productions including Mission: Impossible, Aquaman, Scoop, The Sandman and Black Mirror.

Our Hair and Makeup Design Tutor is a double Makeup Artist & Hairstylist Guild Award nominee, recognised for her work on Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Wife and Dog and Netflix’s The Gentlemen Season 2.
We are incredibly proud that many of our alumni have contributed to award-nominated and award-winning films. Here’s just a small selection of some of our talented graduates, including Alice, Rosie, Becky, and Kate, who have made their mark in the industry.

We are so proud of all our tutors and graduates who worked at the National Theatre over the last 20 years since the founding of our Academy: Melanie, Ola, Kellie, Emily, Kitty, to name just a few.

“We’re incredibly proud that our graduates “Coco and Emmalee worked on Spiderman Brand New Day. , starring Tom Holland. Congratulations to Christine Blundell (Hair & Makeup Designer), ” For the Fantastic looking new film “Werwulf.” It starts Aaron Taylor Johnson and Willem Defoe.

So many of our Tutors and graduates worked on Aaron Taylor – Johnson’s film ‘Kraven the Hunter’ , too: tutor and Prosthetics designer Kristyan Mallett, our hair-punching tutor Zac Coyle, graduates Sarah, Millie and Maia to name just a few.
We are incredibly proud that many of our alumni have contributed to award-nominated and award-winning films. Here’s just a small selection of some of our talented graduates, including Alice, Rosie, Becky, and Kate, who have made their mark in the industry.



When you join our family you benefit not only from Christine Blundell’s years of experience in theatre and films, but also from the vast network of media and entertainment contacts she has nurtured, many of whom will be teaching you at makeup school in london.
5 Star Reviews & High Praises From Our Students & Graduates
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I completed the 4-month intensive course at CB Makeup Academy (Sept 2025–Dec 2025) and it was honestly one of the best experiences of my career. With 13 years in hair and makeup and 7 years teaching Level 2 and 3 Mak-up qualificatios, I wanted to reconnect with creativity and expand my skills into wigs, SFX, prosthetics, barbering, and textured hair — CBMA delivered and more. The academy truly feels like a family. The facilities, learning environment, and the incredible support from Zorica and Petar made it a real home away from home. I’ve made friends for life and have already gained work experience as a makeup trainee on a film only a month after completingthe course. I couldn’t recommend CBMA more for anyone wishing to update their skill and step into the TV and film industries.Posted on Google Rachel MannixTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I went to CBMA with no real makeup experience and no idea if that was what I really wanted to do with my live and after just 4 months I felt like I had real knowledge into what the industry was and how I could move in it. Th people there, teachers and staff where super helpful and even now, almost two years later, Petar is still helping me out with career stuff and make me feel reassured and like I always have a safe place to go to. I really recommend it even if you can’t do the 4 months course you should still go and do any of the modules.Posted on Google Maria Francisca LucasTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The 4 month course is genuinely life changing. Intense but so much fun, with incredible world class tutors. I’m in my 30’s and made a huge career pivot to do this course, the risk I took couldn’t have turned out to be more rewarding. Petar and Zorica are the absolute heart and soul of this place. Exceptionally caring, kind and patient, accomodating to each and every student and their individual needs. CBMA is like home now, I will never forget studying there and I will always be part of the big beautiful extended family that make up all the students, alumni and teachers, because everybody stays in touch and helps each other out! Best makeup school in LondonPosted on Google Phoebe ZantisTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve just completed a two-week course with CBM Academy and it was fantastic. The training was very hands-on and practical, which made a huge difference. Zorica and Petar were both extremely accommodating and supportive throughout, and I learnt so much in a short space of time. I’d absolutely love to continue learning with them and would highly recommend CBM Academy.Posted on Google clare sadlerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The perfect learning environment for anyone looking to gain confidence and new skills in Hair, Make Up and Special Effects. The school and faculty are exceptionally knowledgeable and helped me immensely during my 4 month course. Thank you CBMA.Posted on Google Evangeline SchilkeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The most amazing, supportive academy. I learned so much on the four month course. All the necessary skills in order to work in the film, tv and theatre industry. Networking is so important to get in to the industry, and the course offers that by having specialised tutors in for every module, tutors that are active in the industry. If I could do it all again I would! Zorica and Petar are an absolute credit to the course. Lovely lovely people.Posted on Google Sarah WebsterTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I did the 4weeks intensive SFX and Prosthetic course. The tutors were amazing, so helpful giving so many tips about the industry. The space was beautiful with all the products that we needed and way more.Posted on Google Alkmene KaraousoglouTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. “I had an exceptional experience training at CBMA in London. The quality of teaching is outstanding — the trainers are true industry professionals who share their knowledge with passion, precision and generosity. The atmosphere is warm, supportive and highly creative, which makes learning both enjoyable and incredibly inspiring. I came away with new techniques, more confidence, and a real sense of artistic growth. CBMA is, without a doubt, one of the best SFX and makeup training centres I have attended, and I highly recommend it to any artist looking to develop high-level skills.”Posted on Google francoise CULIOLITrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Throughly enjoyed the 5 weeks period makeup and Wigs course, amazing tutor and the academy is very welcoming!!!Posted on Google Aroa Moreno Moreno
We always recommend popping in for a free Personal Studio Tour at our Makeup Academy so you can experience a day in the life at CBMA.
To visit, Click Here to fill-out the form or contact us at cbma [at] cbmacademy.com or call 020 7485 4000, and get a feel for our academy’s atmosphere. We’d be delighted to share our CBMA philosophy over fresh tea and biscuits.
You call us on 0207 485 4000 Email: cbma [at] cbmacademy.com
At Christine Blundell Makeup Academy, we offer a wide range of makeup courses designed to cater to every level of expertise. From our one-day Makeup Course to the comprehensive 4-month Hair, Makeup & SFX Course, our academy provides specialized programs in Wig Styling, Barbering, Media Makeup, and SFX. Each course is tailored to provide hands-on experience and industry-relevant expertise, ensuring you gain the skills needed to excel in the makeup industry.
When talking about the best makeup school in the UK, Christine Blundell Makeup Academy (CBMA) is a standout choice. Led by Oscar and BAFTA-winning makeup designer Christine Blundell, CBMA offers professional training in hair, makeup, and special effects. With expert tutors and real-world experience from major film productions, our academy ensures students gain the skills needed to succeed in the competitive beauty, film, and special effects industries.
We run one course, the 4 Month Hair & Makeup SFX Course. It does what it is supposed to do; teach you the skills you need to enter the Industry as a trainee Makeup artist. Perfect!
Joining our Saturday Taster Day Course is a great option, too! Or if you live further away we can organise a video call instead, so you can see the Academy that way and chat to us via a video call.
We are the only school to offer guaranteed paid work experience to all our students who are eligible to work in the UK. No other makeup artist academy has tutors of our calibre, or an Oscar & BAFTA-winning Makeup Designer as its Director who is still actively working in the industry. Nor does any other UK makeup school have such a high success rate of graduates working in the industry.
All our tutors are actively working in the TV, Film or Theatre industries. We have hair and makeup designers as tutors who designed cult films and TV series like Netflix and Guy Ritchie’s ’The Gentlemen’ and ’Bridgerton’ , to name just a few.
We do provide a certificate to students who have graduated. You must understand that there is no recognized certificate in the industry. What is recognized is Christine Blundell’s name and reputation for teaching excellent makeup trainees. That is the key.
We are the only UK-based Makeup Academy in London to offer All our graduates who are eligible to work in the UK are offered paid on-set work experience after completing their 4 Month Film & TV hair, makeup & SFX course. This work experience is usually on one of our Principal’s film or TV productions and she also always picks 1-2 trainees to be their Crowd Room or Main Team Trainees, too.
To Enrol, Click Here to fill-out the form or contact us at cbma@cbmacademy.com or call 020 7485 4000. Our team will guide you through the enrollment process.
Join the UK’s leading makeup academy in London. Fill out the form to connect with Christine Blundell Make-up Academy (CBMA) and take the first step towards a career in film, TV, and theatre. Our team will respond promptly.
Our September 2026 intake is now fully booked, and the next available start date is 4 January 2027. We would still love to hear from you.
Contact the academy to arrange a visit, ask any questions, discuss the 4th January course, or join our waiting list in case a place becomes available sooner.
We would love to help you plan your training with us.