Catherine Biggs has worked on several Hollywood flicks such as Superman Returns, King Arthur, Sleeping Beauty, All Saints and of course The Great Gatsby. Salon India chit-chats with the extraordinaire make-up artist.
The Beginning
I started hairdressing from a small salon in the west of Ireland when I was 15 years old. I did a two-week work experience placement as a part of my curriculum and the salon offered me a job at the end. From there on, I found my passion in make-up and applied to a prestigious college and got the place.
Dream Come True
I don’t know what job I would do if I weren’t doing hair and make-up. My mother tells me stories of my obsession with her makeup bag when I was a child. I remember doing all the hair and make- up for every single play and musical.
First Big Break
Two days after I finished college, I received a call from the make-up department of a film called King Arthur. It was being produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and being filmed in Ireland.
That year, I spent my time as a trainee in the crowd tent. It was completely unexpected and I knew how lucky I was at the time. I met the best hair and make-up people in the country. It was quite different than learning in a class, I was doing make-up on 600 extras at five in the morning.
The Great Gatsby
In 2005, I moved to Australia not quite knowing what to expect. I was interviewed for an assistant position on Baz Lurhmann’s Australia and got the job. After that, when the team was being put together for The Great Gatsby they called me to be part of it. I was honoured!
Favourite look
This is a tough question as it changes all the time. When we were shooting The Great Gatsby, rich red lips, dark sultry eyes and sharp bobbed haircuts consumed me. Right now I’m working on a Ken Loach film in the west of Ireland. It’s all about enhancing what’s natural. I am working on red ruddy cheeks, bushy brows and freckles. Each film brings a new look that finds its way into my everyday life. Beauty can be discovered in every era. It should never be confined to one look.
Favourite Stylist
When I started doing hair and make-up, Kevyn Aucoin and Sharon Gault influenced me a lot. As I dived deeper into films, I learned about the creative minds behind amazing make-up in film, these included Dick Smith, Rick Baker, Joel Harlow and Ve Neill. But I have to say my favourites are the artists I have worked with, Lesley Vanderwalt, Kerry Warn, Viv Mepham, to name just a few.
Favourite Products & Equipments
I can’t work without my alcohol palates. I use them for tattoo cover to enhance eyebrows and a million other uses in between. Sealers and translucent powder would be a close second. MAC would be my preferred lip colour band at the moment, I also like Maybelline mascara and Lucas Pawpaw lip balm.
Inspiration
I am obsessed with art galleries and museums. I stand in front of a painting and look at the faces, colours and shadows. I’m inspired everyday looking at faces on the street or beautiful pictures in magazines.
