Before inclusive became clear in the make-up industry, blush — and many other products — were not “made” for Black women.
Blush, specifically, would be created for fair and lighter complexions. Making products with only lighter complexions in mind lead to the product looking ashy, chalky, or invisible on Black women. However, with the rise of inclusivity and make-up artists like Ngzoi Esther Edeme, or otherwise known as Painted By Esther, blush has become a rising staple for Black women.
Painted By Esther is a Nigerian make-up artist operating in London. Her make-up style consists of the hyperfeminine aesthetic. One of the make-up techniques that Edeme uses is the transition blush. She starts off with the outermost part of the cheek towards the center of the face. With the blush, Edeme either goes light at the outermost to dark in the center or dark at the outermost to light in the center. That creates the transition of colors the technique is known for. Additionally, Edeme makes sure to go back and reinforce the color that is meant to be the focus. According to IPSY, the technique lifts and gives dimension to the face. Along with bringing some warmth and uniqueness to the face.
Click the link below to see a tutorial of Edeme’s blush technique by Eni Popoola
When she is working, Edeme uses a creme blush, concealer, and a powder pink blush. However, for beginners, she recommends that they use three different blush shades. One to be the lightest, the main blush color, and a darker color.
Although she was not the one to invent the technique, Esther has popularized it, especially for people with darker skin tones. Most of Edeme’s star-studded clientele has been Black women. Some of them being Kelly Rowland, Tyla, Lauryn Hill, Doechii, and, most recently, Beyoncé. Moreover, Olandria, who was on “Love Island”, is the most significant example of Painted by Esther’s blush technique.
With the viral transition blush, Edeme shatters the old Black beauty standard rule. A rule that says Black women shouldn’t wear blush. The technique proves that vibrant and vivid colors — such as pink, berry, orange, yellow, and red — can complement and flatter melanated skin tones. It has allowed Black women to get creative and expressive with their make-up.
Furthermore, Black women feel more represented in the beauty industry as make-up companies aren’t just creating products that would fit only fair skin tones.
Edited and Reviewed by Clarence Clark
