For years, blush was treated like an afterthought in makeup routines for deeper skin tones. Many beauty brands barely created shades rich enough to show up on melanin skin, and traditional blush placement techniques often ignored the facial structure and undertones of Black women entirely. But makeup artist Painted By Esther, also known as Edeme, changed that conversation with one signature technique: transition blush.
Known for her dramatic, airbrushed blush application that sweeps seamlessly from the cheeks into the under-eye area, Esther helped transform blush into the focal point of glam for darker complexions. The technique creates a soft, diffused flush that almost “transitions” across the face, blending warmth, color, and contour into one striking look.
Over time, the style became closely associated with Esther’s artistry, especially after she created viral glam moments for celebrities and influencers like Olandria Carthen, Kelly Rowland, and rapper Doechii. Her work stood out because it celebrated rich skin tones instead of muting them. Rather than treating blush as subtle or secondary, Esther leaned into bold pigment, strategic layering, and seamless blending that enhanced deeper complexions beautifully.
Now, the technique is at the center of online beauty conversations after makeup artist and beauty brand founder Patrick Ta faced accusations of borrowing or repackaging the look without properly crediting its origins. Social media users quickly pointed out similarities between Esther’s signature blush placement and newer mainstream beauty campaigns and tutorials.
The debate has sparked larger discussions about visibility and credit within the beauty industry, particularly when trends pioneered by Black creators become popular only after being adopted by bigger or more commercially recognized names. Many fans argue that while makeup trends naturally evolve, creators who innovate and popularize techniques deserve acknowledgment, especially when their artistry shifts beauty standards in meaningful ways.
What makes Esther’s impact especially important is how intentional her work feels for melanin-rich skin. Her blush placement is not simply dramatic for shock value; it is tailored to complement undertones, lighting, and facial dimensions often overlooked in traditional beauty spaces.
Today, transition blush has become one of the most recognizable makeup aesthetics online. From TikTok tutorials to red carpet glam, the look is everywhere. But many beauty lovers are making one thing clear: Painted By Esther helped shape the trend into what it is today, and her contribution deserves to be recognized.
