Ngozi Esther Edeme

Ngozi Esther Edeme (born 1996 or 1997),[1] also known as Painted by Esther, is a Nigerian makeup artist based in London. She gained prominence for her blush-centric makeup looks, including her work with public figures such as Naomi Campbell, SZA, Kelly Rowland, Olandria Carthen, and Adut Akech.[1][2]

Life and career

Edeme did the makeup of Tyla for the 2026 Met Gala.[3]

Edeme was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria.[4] She moved to the United Kingdom at age eight and went on to study fine arts at university in North England.[5][1] She resides in London.[5]

Her first celebrity job was in 2018 as the makeup artist for Drake's tour DJ.[1] She has done makeup looks for SZA, Kelly Rowland, Doechii, Tyla, Raye, Viola Davis, Cassie, and Nara Smith.[4][5]

Edeme's signature style is characterized by saturated, gradient-styled blush.[6][7][8] She has also received recognition for the use of this technique on models with darker skin tones, such as Adut Akech.[9][2] In 2025 gained wider prominence with this style, described by Elle as "Barbie blush", during her work with Olandria in 2025.[10][11]

Edeme received media coverage in 2026 when makeup artist Patrick Ta launched a line of makeup products titled "Transition Blurring Blush Duos". According to Allure, "Many people felt like Ta was ripping off Edeme's technique and capitalizing on it as his own, especially by trademarking the words 'transition blush' and by using words like 'created' to describe the technique."[2] In response, Edeme said she did not create the technique: "That would be ludicrous to claim ownership of anything. But what you will not belittle is my influence".[12][2]

Among her inspirations are Pat McGrath, Danessa Myricks, Sam Fine, Kevyn Aucoin's work with Naomi Campbell, and Scott Barnes.[5][1]


References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Ware, Asia Milia (2025-09-23). "How Painted by Esther Went From Doing Campus Makeup to Red Carpets". The Cut. Retrieved 2026-05-29.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Nesvig, Kara (2026-05-26). "Why TikTok Can't Stop Fighting About "Transitional Blush"". Allure. Retrieved 2026-05-28.
  3. ↑ "Tyla Just Set the Summer Mood Board With Her Mermaid Glam at the Met Gala". Marie Claire. 2026-05-05. Retrieved 2026-06-11.
  4. 1 2 Parris, Naomi. "Get to Know Painted by Esther, the Genius Behind TikTok's Viral Blush Movement". PopSugar. Retrieved 29 May 2026.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Akyeampong, Susan. "How Painted by Esther Helped a New Generation Become Blush Obsessed". Allure. Retrieved 29 May 2026.
  6. ↑ Mannino, Lucrezia. "Who is Ngozi Esther Edeme: all about the hottest makeup artist of the moment". NSS G-Club. Retrieved 29 May 2026.
  7. ↑ Feneley, Ruby (2026-05-28). "TikTok's Patrick Ta 'Transition Blush' Controversy Proves Beauty Still Has A Race And Gender Problem". ELLE. Retrieved 2026-05-28.
  8. ↑ "The viral Painted by Esther blush technique — and how to actually do it". www.glamour.co.za. Retrieved 2026-05-28.
  9. ↑ "SZA's Makeup Artist Painted By Esther Shares Her Top Glam Tips". Essence. 2025-10-01. Retrieved 2026-05-28.
  10. ↑ Espy-Jones, India. "How Painted By Esther Turned Olandria Into MACZine's New Blush Icon". Essence. Retrieved 29 May 2026.
  11. ↑ Peters, Sam. "How to Achieve the Viral Barbie Blush Look, According to Celebrity MUA Painted by Esther". Elle. Retrieved 29 May 2026.
  12. ↑ Feneley, Ruby (2026-05-28). "TikTok's Patrick Ta 'Transition Blush' Controversy Proves Beauty Still Has A Race And Gender Problem". ELLE. Retrieved 2026-05-28.
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