Business Details
Award-Winning Makeup Courses in London
Christine Blundell Make-up Academy (CBMA) stands as the UK's premier institution for professional makeup training in film, television, and theatre. Founded by Oscar and BAFTA-winning makeup designer Christine Blundell, our academy has cultivated industry talent for over 19 years. Our curriculum is delivered by active professionals, including award-winning artists from major productions like Star Wars and Wicked, ensuring students gain insider knowledge and hands-on experience.Small class sizes of 16 students guarantee personalized attention, while our unique guarantee of paid on-set work experience for eligible graduates provides unparalleled career advancement. With 150+ five-star reviews, CBMA's reputation as London's top-rated makeup academy is built on fostering technical excellence, industry connections, and lifelong professional support for our alumni.
Services
4-Month Hair and Makeup Course
Special Effects Makeup Course
Casualty Makeup Course
Barbering Course
Period Makeup Course
Highlights and features
- We guarantee paid on-set work experience for all eligible graduates
- Our tutors include Oscar, BAFTA, and Emmy-winning makeup artists
- Small classes limited to 16 students ensure personalized instruction
- 100% practical training with industry-standard techniques
- 150+ five-star reviews from successful alumni working in major studios
What people say
Exceptional industry tutors
Guaranteed work experience
Supportive learning environment
Small class sizes
Career advancement opportunities
Services
4-Month Hair and Makeup Course
Our flagship program provides comprehensive training in film, TV, and theatre makeup techniques. Students master period hairstyling, special effects, and casualty makeup through daily hands-on practice. Graduates receive guaranteed paid on-set experience with major productions, ensuring direct industry entry.
Special Effects Makeup Course
Designed by industry leader Kristyan Mallett, this course teaches prosthetic application, wound creation, and fantasy effects. Students work with materials used in blockbusters like Mission Impossible and Aquaman. Practical sessions include creating aging effects and creature designs for film and television.
Casualty Makeup Course
This intensive module covers trauma effects including burns, lacerations, and bruising. Students learn techniques used in medical dramas and action films. Training includes blood application methods and creating realistic injury progressions for continuity across scenes.
Barbering Course
Specialized instruction in historical and modern barbering techniques for film and theatre. Curriculum includes Victorian styles, 1920s fingerwaves, and contemporary cuts. Students practice on wigs and live models to develop skills for period dramas and fashion productions.
Taster Makeup Course
One-day experience introducing fundamental makeup techniques for aspiring artists. Participants learn basic casualty effects and period styling under award-winning tutors. Ideal for career exploration with direct access to principal Christine Blundell for guidance.
People
Christine Blundell
Principal & Founder
Oscar and BAFTA-winning makeup designer with over 40 years in film and television. Creator of iconic looks for Mike Leigh's films and Guy Ritchie's blockbusters. Actively works in the industry while leading CBMA's training programs.
Kristyan Mallett
SFX Course Designer
Leading prosthetics designer with credits including Mission Impossible and Aquaman. Brings cutting-edge techniques from current productions to CBMA's special effects curriculum.
Jeremy Woodhead
Casualty Makeup Tutor
Oscar-nominated makeup artist specializing in period and trauma effects. Known for work on Judy and The Great. Teaches practical techniques used in major film and television productions.
Loz Schiavo
Hair & Makeup Designer
Award-winning designer with expertise in period hairstyling and character transformation. Creator of iconic looks for Peaky Blinders and other period dramas.
Melanie Bouvet
Period Makeup Tutor
Former Royal Opera House wig manager and author of wig-making guides. Specializes in historical hairstyling techniques for theatre and film productions.
Questions
What makeup courses does CBMA offer?
We provide 4-month film makeup courses, special effects training, casualty makeup, barbering, and one-day taster workshops in London.
Do you guarantee work experience?
Yes, all eligible graduates receive paid on-set experience with major productions through our industry connections.
Who teaches the courses?
Courses are taught by active industry professionals including Oscar, BAFTA, and Emmy-winning makeup artists.
How much do courses cost?
Our one-day taster course costs £95. Full 4-month programs include financing options and industry funding opportunities.
What locations do you serve?
Based in London with students from across the UK and international participants attending our specialized courses.
How to enrol?
Contact us via phone or email, or book a studio tour to discuss course options with our admissions team.
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