MAC Cosmetics has spotlighted MUA Painted by Esther, and her long-time client and Love Island USA star Olandria [full name Olandria Carthen], for the third issue of its relaunched MACzine.
The May issue of the digital publication highlights the Estée Lauder Companies-owned cosmetics giant’s blush collection, calling on make-up artist Painted by Esther [full name Ngozi Esther Edeme] to bring the collection to life.
The MUA – whose client list includes singer Tyla, actress Viola Davis and model Anok Yai – is known for her signature blush technique and maximalist approach to applying the product, with the brand hailing her as the ‘blush blueprint’.
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MAC Cosmetics shared a teaser of the issue on Instagram on 28 May.
The caption said: “Everything you ever wanted to know about Painted by Esther’s signature blush technique.
“From placement to blending tips, plus why she and Olandria agree the more blush, the better – exclusively on MACzine.”
In the issue, Painted by Esther covers the art of gradient blush, experimenting with shades and why a single blush shade is never enough.
Her partnership with MAC Cosmetics drops amid a social media backlash surrounding MUA Patrick Ta’s latest blush launch from his eponymous brand, Patrick Ta Beauty.
Some social media users have speculated that Ta’s new product has allegedly been designed based on Painted by Esther’s blush techniques.
These users allege that Ta's two-step blush system, named Transition Blurring Blush Duo, will allow Ta to profit from Painted by Esther’s techniques without giving any credit to the make-up artist.
Painted by Esther took to TikTok to speak on the controversy, allegedly claiming that Ta’s team had even tried to book a session with her to learn the technique.
The MUA’s video has amassed more than 3.4 million views and almost 500,000 likes.
Cosmetics Business has reached out to both Patrick Ta Beauty and Painted by Esther for comment.
This is not the first time Patrick Ta Beauty has faced scrutiny, with the brand previously having to defend the pricing of its US$42 eyeshadow following backlash from consumers.
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