Painted by Esther’s Journey From Art School to Hollywood

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It’s after 9PM in London, and famed makeup artist Ngozi Esther Edeme is chatting with me on a video call about her journey in the industry. Currently on tour with Brandy & Monica, she’s speaking to the work ethic that has landed her in such major rooms. The 28-year-old, best known as Painted by Esther, has dominated the beauty scene recently thanks to her work with Olandria Carthen during her press run for the “Love Island USA” reunion. The look that broke the internet? Makeup that reflected the look of a ’90s supermodel with one distinct element: heavy pink blush. It wasn’t long before the moment achieved virality on TikTok and Instagram alike, sparking a movement of Black women (regardless of skin tone) liberally using blush. It’s even referred to as the “Painted by Esther Blush Trend,” serving as a relief from European beauty standards, especially for dark-skinned women. But let’s be clear, Edeme has been in the game long before she started working with Carthen — since she was six years old to be exact.

“Many people are stealing or reinventing our ideas and creativity as their own, but we’re going to keep breaking barriers.”

Born and raised in Nigeria, Edeme’s childhood mornings were marked by the scent of her mom’s powders that she used to get ready and the sound of her heels, leaving her fascinated by the idea of beauty from an early age. “My environment growing up was very beauty focused . . . you don’t go out looking crazy, you always make sure you look prim and proper,” she tells Popsugar. “Every morning, I’d watch my mom get ready, put her makeup on, and then she would make me up to watch her get ready, so I’d be her companion.” As she grew older, Edeme would apply different products on the baby dolls her mom would bring home for her after a day’s work. She would grow to fall in love with the craft, constantly getting in trouble at school for having too much lip gloss or mascara on, setting the tone for the beauty giant she would soon become.

This foundation prepared the Lagos-born professional for when she was beckoned by prominent celebrities (aside from Carthen) including SZA, Kelly Rowland, Doechii, Tyla, Cassie, and Nara Smith. Her work speaks so loudly that even Naomi Campbell personally reached out to Edeme for glam. Outside of her iconic blush technique, her authentic love for the craft is what keeps the stars coming. “A lot of my clients are givers and divas, rightfully so, but I’ve learned to be patient and take my ego out of things because I’m hungry for it. I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t hungry,” she says.

The London-based artist also attributes favor as the secret to her success. She’s an avid Christian and takes her faith very seriously. “Before I do anything, I pray to God to guide my hands, help me pick up the right product at the right time, and that the client and people around them are satisfied with my work,” she says. This method has worked well for Edeme, as no client leaves her chair disappointed. “I did Gabrielle Union’s makeup a few years ago, and she posted it and answered people’s DMs asking about me.”

Though blush is the star of Edeme’s work, her instinctive approach is what makes it noteworthy. Believe it or not, she uses products most of us use, and relies on her creativity for the outcome. She also studied fine arts in North England, where she honed her gradient technique; developing an understanding for undertones and what complements them. The Glossier Cloud Paint Plush Brush ($26) is one of her favorites for getting the job done.

As for other products she’s loving? The Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder ($39), as well as the brand’s Groundwork: Defining Neutrals Palette ($68). Edeme also loves a “good glow,” often reaching for the Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer ($22), RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek Glow Quad ($40), and Lancôme Care and Glow Serum Concealer ($32). Other essentials in her kit include the Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil Waterproof Eyebrow Definer ($16) and Pat McGrath MatteTrance Lipstick ($39).

Ultimately, Edeme prides herself in work that amplifies Black culture to further inclusivity in beauty. “Even in 2025, many people are stealing or reinventing our ideas and creativity as their own, but we’re going to keep breaking barriers,” she says. “I do this every day and I really mean it — and I’m here to stay.”

Naomi Parris is an assistant shopping editor at Popsugar, based in New York. With over eight years of experience and previous roles held on the brand’s Beauty and Operations teams, she enjoys telling stories that merge fashion, beauty, and Black culture. Naomi has also lent her skillful pen to Essence Girls United, Elle, Bustle, and Elite Daily. When she’s not crafting shopping roundups, high-profile features, beauty op-eds, or trend guides, you can find Naomi behind her blog “Eli-Nay,” where she inspires readers through style guides, cultural pieces, and innovative content on her Instagram.