Overview
- Patrick Ta Beauty released a Transition Blush line in May 2026 that spurred online accusations that the brand repackaged a technique associated with London-based artist Painted by Esther.
- Ngozi Esther Edeme publicly addressed the controversy on TikTok, saying she has had “weird experiences” with Patrick Ta’s team and describing a cancelled Los Angeles booking after a request to record her work.
- Reporting reviewed by Glossy shows emails that the brand says point to a rate disagreement rather than a recording request, while Patrick Ta posted that he began developing transition-focused products about 18 months ago and credited Painted by Esther for popularizing the look.
- Creators and commentators rallied behind Edeme and raised alarm about reports the phrase 'Transition Blush' was being trademarked, prompting criticism of influencers who praised the product without addressing attribution.
- The contested technique layers cream blush high under the eye for a diffused glow that reads on deeper skin tones, and the dispute has renewed wider concerns about how Black creators’ innovations are credited and commercialized as Edeme prepares a June masterclass in South Africa with NYX.