Patrick Ta, celebrity makeup artist and founder of Patrick Ta Beauty, is admitting he was in fact influenced by fellow celebrity makeup artist Painted By Esther, born Ngozi Esther Edeme, amid controversy over their similar blush techniques.
For years, many have known Esther for her “transition blush technique.” It sweeps blush above the cheekbones, into the temples, and underneath the eyes.
Esther famously popularized the dramatic and airbrushed gradient look on Black women. Notably, we’ve seen it on those with more melanated skin tones, like Olandria Carthen, SZA, Doechii, Kelly Rowland, Gabrielle Union, and more.
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Patrick Ta Accused Of Stealing Painted By Esther’s ‘Transition Blush Technique’ And Trademarking Name For New Collection
After Esther made the technique viral, Patrick began using the technique, adding his own spin, and had also trademarked the “transition blush” name as he released a new product collection. According to the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) website, Patrick and his team applied for a trademark on May 7, 2025, a full year before the collection dropped.
Patrick’s collection includes the powder Transition Blurring Blush Duo, Liquid Transition Brightening Blush, and the Dual-Ended Transition Blush Brush. The latter, he designed specifically to recreate the ombre gradient look, which Esther made viral.
Once Patrick dropped, he was immediately accused of blatantly stealing Esther’s technique — and more notably, he was accused of stealing from a Black woman — a reality seen more often than not.
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Painted By Esther Addresses Online Chatter Accusing Patrick Ta Of Stealing Her ‘Transition Blush Technique’ And Trademarking Name For New Collection
The timeline shows that on May 17, Patrick teased his new transition blush collection on TikTok. Then, on May 19, he fully announced it and gave a tutorial on the collection. On May 23, Esther uploaded her own TikTok addressing online chatter about Patrick’s new collection being influenced by her popularized “transition blush technique.” She captioned the post, “I’ll only speak about this once.”
While beginning her video, she fought through tears and said:
“I’m honestly very nervous to make this video, but I don’t like being scared to say things because you know how easy it is for them to ‘angry Black women’ us. I’ve actually never one time said I’ve started anything. You cannot find me…a singular…proof, tweet, anything that I have ever said ‘I started this. That’s silly. I’m an artist.
… My goal is to constantly reference artists like Kevyn Aucoin, and Danessa [Myricks], and Pat [McGrath], and how they move with grace, and how they move with intention and intentionality. So when I do things, I constantly…I’m aware of what I’m doing. And I’m aware of where I want to take it. And what I don’t like is when people try to rush you to do things. ‘You’re silly because you didn’t patent it. You’re silly because you should’ve said it was your…’ no. Because I’m not given that grace to fully take ownership for anything, because it instantly is met with, ‘Well, you didn’t start it,’ or, ‘You didn’t create it, how dare you,’ so I just never even claimed that.
…It’s already hard being Black and being a woman in this industry. 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.”
Esther also claimed she had several weird and questionable interactions with Patrick Ta and his team, including his company’s co-founder Rima Minasyan.
Patrick Ta Responds To Painted By Esther Amid Accusations Of Stealing Her ‘Transition Blush Technique’ And Trademarking Name For New Collection
On May 24, Patrick responded to Esther directly and said he’s been working on the blush one-and-a-half years prior and that he did not claim to own the look. He praised Esther and recognized her popularizing the look, then added he’s been doing the blush look since 2021.
“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 @Paintedbyesther 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. I am a makeup artist . For context I filmed this video on march 5th. I have nothing but love and respect for Esther.”
Patrick Ta Acknowledges Painted By Esther’s ‘Transition Blush Technique’ Influence And Apologizes
Again addressing the controversy, Patrick Ta released a statement on Monday (June 15). He acknowledged he gained influenced by Painted By Esther’s “transition blush technique.”
“Recently, the launch of Transition Blush contributed to a larger issue than I first understood, and I want to take a moment to take accountability. My intention was to create a product that made a makeup technique I love more accessible. It was never my intention to claim ownership over a blush technique or a way of applying makeup.
As an artist and creator myself, I now understand why Esther and others saw it through a different lens. I’m genuinely sorry for the hurt and frustration caused. That was never my intention, but I have learned that impact matters more than intent. I understand that the reaction wasn’t just about the product itself. It was about something much bigger: recognition, visibility, and the experiences many creators, especially Black creators, have had when their contributions to culture are overlooked or not recognized.
Black creators have had an enormous influence on beauty culture, trends, and artistry, and that influence often goes unattributed and unrewarded. I have tremendous respect for Esther and for all the artists and creators who have helped shape and advance this technique. Artists, creators, and communities are the reason brands succeed, and I recognize my responsibility to acknowledge influence and help ensure that people feel respected, valued, and fairly supported
Right now, my focus is to continue to learn and find meaningful ways to support the artists, creators, founders, and communities that make this industry flourish. Artistry has given me my voice and my career, and it’s important to me to continue to pour into and champion the next generation of artists.”
Patrick captioned the post:
“I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting and listening over the past few weeks. Today, I’m sharing some thoughts from my heart and taking accountability for the impact of my actions. Thank you for taking the time to read.”
On Tuesday (June 16), Patrick Ta then appeared in an interview with Emma Grede on her ‘Aspire with Emma Grede‘ podcast. During the hour-long sit-down, Patrick addressed the Painted By Esther “transition blush technique” controversy again. He admitted he gained influence from Esther and he apologized to those who have felt “hurt and frustrated.”
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