Who is Ngozi Esther Edeme: all about the hottest makeup artist of the moment Tyla and SZA, Naomi Campbell and Doechii: they all love her
If you haven’t met Esther Edeme yet, aka Paintedbyesther, you’ve probably already seen some of her work without realizing it, scrolling through Instagram or watching the Met Gala. She is the mind (and the hand) behind the looks of Naomi Campbell, SZA, Kelly Rowland, and Adut Akech. At just 28, the London-based Nigerian makeup artist has conquered the beauty world with an approach that is not just aesthetic, but almost philosophical: makeup is not a rule, it’s freedom.
Who is paintedbyesther: all about the hottest makeup artist of the moment
Her style in two words? Blush and color
While half of the beauty world insists on invisible bases and nude lips for that no-makeup makeup effect, Esther goes straight to the point: color is everything to her, and blush is the focal point of every look. Pink, peach, coral, the way she applies it not only sculpts, but brings the face to life, making it vibrant and three-dimensional. It’s why her makeup is instantly recognizable. Unsurprisingly, among her influences are the 2000s video vixens, Brigitte Bardot, and especially drag queens, who inspired her to see makeup as a true performance art. Her talent is no accident: with a background in portraiture, Esther has learned to read faces like canvases. "I already know how light falls on features and how facial structure interacts with light and space. I know where to place everything, maybe not perfectly, but I know exactly what I’m doing. It feels almost natural to me," she told New Wave Magazine. This is where her strength lies: by carefully observing each face, Esther never replicates the same makeup, but always creates a tailor-made look, designed to enhance the uniqueness and natural beauty of the wearer.
Why everyone wants her
There’s something almost therapeutic about her approach: "There’s no right or wrong way to do makeup, as long as it makes you feel good." As she explains, you shouldn’t be afraid of products or experimenting, if you don’t like it, you can always remove it. This mantra explains why icons like Naomi Campbell, Saweetie, and SZA have turned to her for pivotal moments like the Met Gala or the Super Bowl. Esther has turned blush into a tool of empowerment and makeup into a form of radical expression. In an industry that often pushes conformity, her voice resonates loud and clear: more color, more freedom, more beauty.
Some makeup tips
Esther admits that achieving the perfect base is simple: layer and press. The idea is to build the face step by step, blending and adding until everything looks natural yet solid. She prefers cream products, always set with a light dusting of powder and a setting spray to meld it all together (her favorite is the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless). And a clear tip: while you can skimp a little on eyes and lips, the base deserves careful attention. Dior and Lancôme, in her opinion, are worth every penny. Among the brands she uses most are Isamaya French eye palettes, Tatti Lashes false lashes, YSL blushes, and products by Danessa Myricks.
