Photo via @paintedbyesther
If you live and breathe beauty, chances are you’ve heard of professional makeup artist Esther Edeme, better known as Painted by Esther. She’s the celebrity MUA that has worked with the likes of Chloe Bailey, Saweetie, Nara Smith, and more, with a signature blush look that’s become her signature. Think ethereal, shimmering eyes paired with unapologetically fluorescent cheeks. She’s even been dubbed the “final boss of blush blindness” on social media, inspiring countless creators, especially darker-skinned women, to embrace light-pink cheeks with confidence. And now? We’ve cracked the code to recreate the Painted by Esther viral blush technique.
Prep
Start by slipping on a pair of hydrating eye patches (we love Peter Thomas Roth Instant Firmx) to inject the under-eye area with moisture. This is key because the blush placement is a bit higher. While they work their magic (wait around 10–15 minutes), perfect your brows and eye makeup. Once removed, apply a hydrating primer like Milk Makeup’s Hydro Grip. Follow up with a thin veil of foundation, then brighten and conceal where needed.
Blush
Now for the most essential part of the Painted by Esther aesthetic: the blush. Start with a bright pink liquid blush, like Rare Beauty Soft Pinch in Lucky, and dab it high on the cheekbones near the hairline. Gently tap and blend along the upper edges of the cheeks to keep the color lifted. To add dimension, layer a cooler-toned liquid blush in the center of the cheek and blend softly. Lock everything in with a pink-toned pressed powder, dusting lightly over the same areas for a dreamy, diffused finish. Set the under-eyes with a puff and loose setting powder to perfect the flush. For added depth, finish with a mix of hot pink powdered blush with a cool-toned powder blush layered on top – this final step amps up the color and creates that signature multi-dimensional glow.
@paintedbyesther Watch me Glam queen @Huda & i tried the new Unreleased Easy Bake shade… What do you think? Is U** a vibe or WHATT? 💜💓#hudabeauty #HUDA #fyp #makeup
