Who originated the “transitional blush” makeup trend? TikTok users have some opinions.
Recently a controversy has emerged in the makeup artist community as some social media users have accused Patrick Ta, founder of Patrick Ta Beauty, of profiting off a makeup technique seemingly popularized by Ngozi Esther Edeme, of Painted by Esther.
Chatter around the two celebrity makeup artists began when Ta shared a video on the social media platform of his new Transition Blurring Blush Duo product.
So, what is transitional blush and who invited the technique? And what have Edeme and Ta said in response to the online conversation? Learn more about the transitional blush controversy, below.
What Is Transitional Blush?
Transitional blush is a makeup technique that seamlessly blends concealer and blush, layering a variety of shades and products to obtain a lifted, soft contoured look. The ending result is a powerful and playful pop of pink on one’s cheeks.
Edeme has been credited for recently popularizing the look, most notably her work with “Love Island USA” Season 7 star Olandria Carthen, Raye, Doechii, Tyla and more.
While she does not take credit for creating the technique, fans took issue with Ta launching products that help others achieve the transitional blush look.
Edeme has shared that she’s been inspired by artists like Kevyn Aucoin, Danessa Myricks and Pat McGrath who are known for their blush applying techniques.
Transitional Blush Controversy Explained
In a May 19 TikTok, Ta said he “created transition blush” to give people the “flawless, seamless, blurred blush application.
In a tutorial posted on May 22, Ta shared how people can use the products he launched to re-create the popular look.
“Have you ever heard of sunset blush? I created that perfect transition blush to give you that golden hour sunkiss effect,” he said.
But the technique looked familiar to some, who called Ta out in the comments. They accused him of replicating a style that Edeme has become known for, taking offense for him using words like “created” and “transitional blush.”
“You mean Painted by Esther created it,” one person commented.
Another said, “So basically the painted by Esther technique.”
A third asked, “Why not collaborate with paintedbyester because this not your original idea?”
But others disagreed and supported Ta, like one who commented, “Guys no one created this . We been layering blushes with other blushes for forever ! He just created a product just for that . This generation is killing me.”
In his May 25 TikTok of him showing off the product, one person commented: “notice how he keeps explaining WHY he made these products and he’s talking about HIS products. never did he say MY technique.. like pls leave this man alone.”
What Ngozi Esther Edeme, of Painted by Esther, Said
On May 24, Edeme shared her thoughts on the situation in a lengthy TikTok. “I’ll only speak about this once,” she captioned the video.
“My goal is to constantly reference Kevyn Aucoin, Danessa, Pat (McGrath), how they move with grace… and intentionality,” she explained in the video, adding that she hasn’t claimed ownership over any technique she is known for. “I am an artist. My driving force is to create and share it. My end goal is to teach and spread my knowledge.”
She later spoke about her experience as a Black woman in the beauty space.
“It’s already hard being Black and being a woman in this industry,” she continued. “You have to fight twice as hard to get just half of what you deserve. “I will reiterate: I did not start anything. I am 29 years old. That would be ludicrous to claim ownership of anything. But what you will not belittle is my influence.”
What Patrick Ta Said
Ta also weighed in on May 24. He uploaded another transition blush tutorial video that he said was filmed March 5.
He addressed the controversy in the caption, writing, “I started working on transition blush 1 and half years ago. I wanted to create a product that was specifically made for this blush look. I do not own this look.”
Ta specifically mentioned and tagged Edeme before adding, “She Is Amazing and so talented. she popularized this look through her work and through Olandria. i also have been doing this blush look since 2021. Not the same as Esther but my own version.”
He maintained that he did not copy Edeme. “I am a makeup artist. For context I filmed this video on march 5th. I have nothing but love and respect for Esther,” he concluded.
TODAY.com reached out to Edeme and Ta for comment.