Painted by Esther’s Journey From Art School to Hollywood

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It's after 9 pm in London, and the famous makeup artist Tgozi Edeme talks to me over a video call about his journey in the industry. She's currently on tour with Brandy & Monica and talks about the work ethic that has gotten her into such important spaces. The 28-year-old, best known as Painted by Esther, has been dominating the beauty scene lately thanks to her work with Olandria blanket during her press release for Love Island USA reunion. The look that broke the Internet? A makeup look that reflects the '90s supermodel look, with one signature element: deep pink blush. The moment soon went viral on both TikTok and Instagram, sparking a movement of black women (regardless of skin tone) using blush extensively. It is even called “Drawn by Esther Blush TrendBut let's be clear: Edeme was in the game long before she started working with Carten—since she was six, to be exact.

“A lot of people steal or invent our ideas and creativity as their own, but we are going to continue to break down barriers.”

Edeme was born and raised in Nigeria. Edeme's childhood mornings were marked by the smell of her mother's powder as she prepared and the sound of heels, thanks to which Edeme was fascinated by the idea of ​​beauty from an early age. “My environment growing up was very focused on beauty… you don't look crazy, you always try to look prim and proper,” she tells POPSUGAR. “Every morning I would watch my mom get ready, put on her makeup, and then she would put on my makeup so I could watch her get ready, so I was her companion.” As she grew older, Edeme applied various products to the dolls that her mother brought home to her after a day of work. She fell in love with the craft, constantly getting into trouble in school for wearing too much lip gloss or mascara, setting the tone for the beauty giant she would later become.

This foundation prepared the Lagos native for a time when prominent celebrities (besides Carten) lured her, including SZA, Kelly Rowland, Doechi, Silence, CassieAnd Nara Smith. Her work speaks so loudly that even Naomi Campbell I personally turned to Edema for glamour. Aside from her iconic blush technique, her genuine love for the craft is what keeps the stars coming. “Many of my clients are givers and divas, and rightfully so, but I've learned to be patient and put my ego aside because I crave it. I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t hungry,” she says.

The London-based artist also credits favor as the secret to her success. She is an avid Christian and takes her faith very seriously. “Before I do anything, I pray to God to guide my hands, to help me find the right product at the right time, so that the client and the people around him will be happy with my work,” she says. This method has worked well at Edeme, as no client leaves the chair disappointed. “I did Gabrielle Union's makeup a few years ago and she posted it and responded to DMs from people who asked about me.”

While blush is the star of Edeme's work, it's her instinctive approach that makes it stand out. Believe it or not, she uses products that most of us use and relies on her creativity to achieve results. She also studied fine art in Northern England, where she honed her gradient technique, developing an understanding of halftones and what complements them. Glossier Cloud Paint Plush Blush ($26) is one of her favorites for getting the job done.

As for other foods she likes? Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Smoothing Powder Balm ($39) and also brand Basics: Defining a Palette of Neutral Shades ($68). Edeme also loves a “good shine”, often seeking Universal lip gloss Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb ($22) RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek Glow Quad ($40) and Lancôme Care and Glow Serum Concealer ($32). Other essentials in her kit include Take advantage of the waterproof My Brow Pencil ($16) and MatteTrance Lipstick by Pat McGrath ($39).

Ultimately, Edeme is proud of his work that expands Black culture for further development. inclusivity in beauty. “Even in 2025, many people steal or invent our ideas and creativity as their own, but we will continue to break down barriers,” she says. “I do it every day and I mean it – and I'm here to stay.”

Naomi Parris is an assistant sales editor at Popsugar magazine, based in New York. With over eight years of experience and previous roles in beauty and brand operations, she loves telling stories that connect fashion, beauty and Black culture. Naomi also lent her expert pen to Essence Girls United, Elle, Bustle and Elite Daily. When she's not writing shopping reviews, scoops, beauty features, or trend guides, you can find Naomi on her blog, Eli-Nay, where she inspires readers with style guides, culture pieces, and innovative content on her Instagram.