First Look Fridays Interview Series: David Birdwell, Director of Education & Artistry for Buxom Cosmetics

I'm kind of obsessed with gorgeous lip looks. I've always thought that lipcolor is the beauty product that changes your look -- and your attitude -- more than anything else. Just think about it -- a matte red lip gives off such a different vibe than a glossy peach one. So when I discovered David Birdwell, Director of Education & Artistry for Buxom Cosmetics, and the unbelievably FABULOUS lip looks he creates (not to mention the rest of his makeup looks, but his lip ones are literal fire), I basically fell in love immediately upon sight. His Instagram account is chock full of covetable makeup looks you'll be dying to try -- and once in awhile he throws in a picture of his adorable pup, too. Read on to find out what made him fall in love with beauty, the lipgloss he can't live without and so much more.

Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I grew up in a quiet town in the suburbs of Philadelphia, where as a young, creative kid my outlet was art. I enrolled in art classes since I was eight years old, and fell in love with portrait style art -- I would draw at any opportunity. What I love most about portraits is capturing the emotion, and to this day, I refer to my artistic style as emotionally driven.

How did you first become interested in beauty, and what led you to become a makeup artist?
I always, and still do, love beauty. I love making people feel good about themselves, and making them feel like they can conquer the world because they feel beautiful. There’s power in beauty because it is a mindset. It was a very natural transition for me to get into the cosmetics industry because of my artistic background. I used to always watch my mother get ready and put on her makeup, and it was as if a light bulb went off in my head -- I had to do makeup! I started working part time at a department store counter, and that’s how my journey began in the industry. I had such passion for beauty that I grew quickly within brands that I worked for. I worked in sales, was part of an artistry team doing fashion week and designer gigs, then led into a corporate role.

David calls this look Mermaid Vibes -- and I tend to agree (and, um, I tend to be in LOVE).

A glimmering gold stripe in the center of the lip lends such bold flair to this gorgeous matte red lip.

I'm a MAJOR glossy lip fan. I love the wet look here and the ombre purple/pink/orange effect.

How did your involvement with Buxom Cosmetics come about, and what is your process in working with such an incredible brand?
I joined Buxom Cosmetics early this year to head up a department that wasn’t in place for the brand prior -- Education & Artistry. It is a match made in heaven because the Buxom Cosmetics philosophy is all about being Big, Bold and Sexy -- meaning how this makeup brand can make you feel empowered, confident and sexy to unleash your inner bombshell, all with products that plump so everything looks optimized. I love that, because, back on my artistry style being emotionally driven, I love bringing out that attitude with my style.

What are your top 5 beauty essentials and why?

Mascara. I think it helps define the eyes and brings them to life. The contrast of jet black lashes and your eyes is just so sexy. Buxom Big Tease™ Plumping Mascara is my go-to for intense volume and lift to lashes.

Concealer. Hide any imperfections or blemishes with concealer. Sometimes I won’t even use foundation and will just strategically spot conceal.

Tinted Moisturizer. You get beautiful, natural coverage + hydration + SPF protection, which is a win-win across the board. Since tinted moisturizers are sheer, they can be more forgiving.

Bronzer. It can make you look immediately healthy and add the color back to your skin. Buxom Hot Escapes™ Bronzer comes in two shades: Tahiti, which is a more golden tan, and Maldives, which is more of a golden bronze. Both smell like an exotic vacation because they are infused with coconut oil and skin-loving antioxidants for smooth blendability.

Lipgloss. It can make you look more radiant and youthful. I can’t work without Buxom Full-On™ Lip Polish. It plumps lips up with real volume thanks to a specialized peptide, has Vitamins A and E so it glides on smoothly and evenly, and lips love it. It has the perfect amount of sheer pigment and light reflective particles to give gorgeous shine. As an added bonus, it has a stimulating tingle to lips. My clients love the tingle -- and so do I!

What are your top 3 makeup tips?
1) I love double bronzer and blush as eyeshadow. It not only makes the overall effect look harmonious, it helps with a quicker application.

2) When you apply mascara on your top lashes, tilt your chin up and look down. This opens the eye area so you can avoid mascara transfer. Do the opposite for lower lashes.

3) Use a lip liner closest to your lips' natural tone and frame lips for a more structured pout, making whatever you put on top of your lips look even better.

I had to throw in an eyeshadow look from David, too -- because this one is SO GOOD. The little hint of blue in the inner corner brings such uniqueness to the green and mauve hues.

Another gorgeous lip look from David. He calls this one Wine Stain Fade.

What is the most rewarding part of what you do?
I love making people feel beautiful, bringing out their own natural beauty without trying to change them with makeup. My clients always walk away feeling like a heartthrob -- and like themselves!

Being a makeup artist must be fun, but what do you do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I love to travel, binge watch TV shows and play with my dog, Teddy. I try to find inspiration in everything I do, it helps drive the emotion which I use for makeup. I’m fortunate to be able to do my art, in the form of makeup, on almost a daily basis.

How can The Beauty of Life readers find you on social media?
You can follow me on Instagram and check out my makeup work with the hashtag #makeupbydb.