Empowering the next generation of makeup and hair artists

Working in the industry for over 13 years, Danielle has worked with some of the biggest celebrities and brands out there, including David Beckham, Katherine Jenkins and Craig David. Danielle is trained in all areas from red carpet to SPX makeup. Her passion for makeup shines through her work, and she is now running a leading makeup and hair academy offering learners incredible job opportunities within the industry.

Astrid is an international makeup designer, creative director and educator. She works in fashion, beauty, catwalk, celebrity, commercials and education, with editorials for Vogue, Tatler, Harpers & Queen, ID, Grazia, Elle and Conde Nast Traveller, and creative consultancy for makeup brands. Celebrities include Steven Spielberg, Lenny Kravitz, Sienna Miller, Damon Lewis, Martin Freeman and Daryl Hannah. She educates at renowned academies internationally, rewriting and improving course outlines, assembling dynamic teams to work alongside students and directing catwalk shows and shoots.

Our wellbeing coach Ben, owner of @the_activ8tor. His journey, passion and mindset skills support our students and give them the motivation they all need.

Board member, Final Checks Academy CIC.

Specialising in textured hair, Shamara finds inspiration from her Jamaican roots. Defying gravity with her hair sculptures and using her craft to be rebellious and make a statement, her ethos is that hair shouldn’t be tamed, just nurtured. Combining cultural hair references and traditional techniques with a modern twist, her work pushes the boundaries of what can be achieved in her field and has led her to work with like-minded artists, publications and brands.

Celebrity makeup artist Buster Knight has been submerged in art ever since he can remember. He has worked with Millie Bobby Brown, Kris Jenner, Vogue Williams, Naomie Harris, Niamh Walsh, Arlo Parks and Patricia Allison, and his editorial work has featured in Vogue Scandinavia, Glamour, Attitude and Petrie.

Trained in Hollywood, Amy has seven years of professional experience in hair and makeup across corporate, commercial and editorial work, and predominantly works in film and TV. Her credits include Netflix, Marvel, Disney, Amazon, Apple TV, HBO, BBC, ITV and Channel 4. She wrote and published ‘Training To Trainee’ to help trainee makeup artists get into the industry.

In her 20 years as a makeup artist Louise has worked with David Bailey, Herb Ritts, Nick Knight and Mario Testino, and is the makeup artist of choice for Michelle Pfeiffer, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Helena Bonham Carter, Julie Andrews, Gabrielle, Will Young and Oasis. She has won Best Makeup Artist from Campaign Magazine and Best International Makeup Artist, and worked with Kristin Scott Thomas and Juliette Binoche on the Oscar-winning film The English Patient.

Desmond has lived and worked in countless countries and has over 25 years of experience in hair and makeup. Fun-loving and free-spirited, he has worked with some of the world’s top photographers, models and clients.

James Mac is a London-Irish, internationally acclaimed makeup artist: Netflix and BBC’s Glow Up season 2 runner-up, associated with MAC Cosmetics, L’Oréal Groupe, YSL, Rabanne Beauty, Sephora and Danessa Myricks. He specialises in creative artistry for celebrity clientele, live demonstrations, editorial and runway, TV and film, and masterclasses worldwide, and is senior head of SFX faculty at the Aliya Baig Academy of Makeup in Hyderabad. His teaching highlights the art and creative thinking within beauty.

Patron of Final Checks Academy.

Axel made a strong impression as a runner-up on BBC’s Glow Up. With a deep passion for SFX and prosthetics, his work stands out for its creativity and technical skill, and his designs and face charts showcase a high level of artistry and attention to detail.

Charli started her career with a degree in fine art, majoring in colour theory, which she brings into her makeup work. Specialising in fashion editorial and beauty, she has graced covers and spreads in Hunger, i-D, Zeum, Ballad Of and Schon, and worked for Net-a-Porter, Bulgari and Nike.

Berivan’s career spans a variety of creative and on-set environments, giving her a strong understanding of both the artistic and technical demands of the industry. Passionate about education, she brings real-world knowledge, practical techniques and a modern approach to beauty to her role.

With expertise in special occasion and fashion makeup, Emily creates the perfect look for both in person and on camera. Her main specialism is bridal makeup for high-profile clientele and leading wedding industry professionals in the UK and internationally. She brings real-world insight into the classroom with current professional techniques that support student success.

Janel is a celebrity nail artist, session manicurist and trained Russian manicurist. She is based in Luton and works in London and internationally.

Qualified for nearly nine years, Janel has worked with incredible people and brands around the world on music videos, celebrity clients, commercial campaigns, red carpets, brand activations, events and corporate staff wellness initiatives. She has also led and keyed the nail looks for shows at London, Paris, Haute Couture and Milan fashion weeks.

Brands she has worked with include British Vogue, Vogue US, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, A$AP Rocky’s AWGE, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s The Row, Burberry campaigns and shows, Phan Huy, Ann Demeulemeester, Givenchy, Alaïa, Y-3 by Adidas, ASICS, Nike, Kryolan, Hyrox, Olivia Black, Tolu Coker, Glossify, Glitterbels, OPI, Mii Cosmetics, Essie, Sally Hansen and many more.

Working with MAC Cosmetics for many years, Adeola’s knowledge of new brands and products is inspiring. She is now on every brand’s PR list, including Anastasia and Morphe.

Emilie’s work has been seen on the West End’s Tina Turner musical, at the Royal Opera House and on 9 to 5 The Musical. She finds common ground with most personality types, which makes working in a team enjoyable.

Harps has worked in makeover studios across London, with Sleek Make Up at Clothes Show Live, Salon International, Lovebox and London Mela, written beauty tips for SKY online magazine, worked in luxury retail for Chanel, Dior and MAC, and alongside celebrity stylist Gok Wan.

Taylor’s two-year training covered everything from special effects and prosthetics to bridal and body painting. She has worked London Fashion Week for Henry Holland alongside hairdresser Nicky Clarke, and on editorial work for Dorothy Perkins and Boots.

Originally a fine artist, Tiffany switched her canvas for her face and never looked back. @illumin_arty started as a hobby in 2016 and became her passion and career, with a particular love for creative looks.

Since 2013 Dan has pursued a career in special FX makeup, working on films and large public events. He also designs and builds props and costume and has an extensive technical background in audio.

A well-rounded freelance videographer specialising in filming and editing music videos, events, adverts and social content.

A tenacious creative art director focusing on cultural and political projects framed around fashion, now based in London.

East London freelance photographer known for calm, natural, timeless images across portraits, studio, location and events.

Some of Paige’s favourite jobs include the Josh Birch Jones London Fashion Week showcase, where she assisted Sherrie Warick, and a feature-length film with Danielle, Axel and other Final Checks students. She joined the committee because she believes it is important to show that trainees have a voice within the industry.