First Impressions
The first time I saw the Patrick Ta Transition Blush Duos, I felt a familiar pang of déjà vu. As someone who spends hours scrolling through beauty TikTok, I’d watched Painted by Esther’s technique—layering cream blush, concealer, and powder blush with a fluffy brush—become a staple in countless tutorials. It’s a look that feels both fresh and approachable, like a soft-focus filter for your cheeks. So when Patrick Ta dropped his version, complete with a trademarked name and a dedicated brush, my initial reaction wasn’t excitement—it was confusion. The beauty community has a long history of borrowing and iteration, but this felt different. It felt like a direct line from Esther’s viral videos to a $100 product set.
I’ve been a beauty editor for over a decade, and I’ve seen trends get commercialized before. But the speed at which this controversy erupted—within hours of the launch—told me this wasn’t just another case of “inspired by.” The comments sections were a warzone. Fans of Esther felt betrayed; Patrick’s defenders argued that techniques can’t be owned. I dove into the rabbit hole of videos, captions, and statements, and what I found was a messy, emotional, and very human story about credit, race, and the thin line between homage and theft.
The Deep Dive
At the heart of this drama is a simple question: When does inspiration become appropriation? Patrick Ta’s Transition Blush collection includes four cream-to-powder blush duos and a specially designed brush. The technique involves applying cream blush, blending it with concealer, then setting it with a matching powder blush—exactly the steps Esther popularized. In fact, Patrick had previously credited Esther in his videos, saying, “My version of Painted by Esther.” That acknowledgment made his subsequent trademark of the phrase “transition blush” sting even more for her fans.
Esther’s response video was raw and powerful. She didn’t claim to have invented the technique—she explicitly said she never said she started it. But she did point out the systemic issue: as a Black woman, she feels she’s not given the grace to take ownership of her work without being labeled angry or entitled. She also revealed a troubling past interaction with Patrick’s team. While in LA, she received a booking request for a “do and go”—a standard makeup session—only to be asked on the day of to allow recording. She canceled, sensing something “conniving.” To her, it felt like they wanted to capture her technique without paying for a teaching session.
Patrick Ta responded with a TikTok caption and a separate video, explaining that he started developing the product 1.5 years ago and that many makeup artists have used this technique for years. He showed his own version of the look, dating back to 2021, and emphasized that the product was designed to make the technique easier. He ended with, “I have nothing but love and respect for Esther.” But the damage was done. The internet remembered a comment from August 2023 where Patrick said he “switched for the painted by Esther look,” contradicting his claim of independent creation.
Real Results
I’ve been testing the Transition Blush Duos for two weeks now, and I have to separate the product from the controversy. The formula itself is impressive—the cream side is pigmented but blendable, and the powder side sets everything without looking dry. The brush, with its dense, slightly domed shape, does make application effortless. On my combination skin, the look lasted a solid 8 hours without fading or settling into fine lines. On my friend with oily skin, it held up for about 6 hours before needing a touch-up.
But here’s the truth: you can achieve the exact same look with products you already own. A cream blush, your regular concealer, and a matching powder blush will do the trick. I tried it with a drugstore cream blush and a setting powder, and the results were 90% as good. The Patrick Ta version is more convenient—everything is color-matched and designed to work together—but it’s not revolutionary. It’s a luxury shortcut for a technique that has been democratized by creators like Esther.
The Honest Truth
What didn’t work for me? The price tag. At $38 for a single duo and $58 for the brush, the full set costs nearly $100. For a product that essentially repackages a technique you can learn for free, that feels steep. I also found the shade range limited—only four shades, all leaning warm. If you have cool or olive undertones, you might struggle to find a match. And while the brush is nice, it’s not a must-have; a dense powder brush from any brand will work.
Who should skip this? Anyone on a budget, or anyone who already has a cream blush and a setting powder you love. Also, if you’re sensitive to the ethics of the launch, this might leave a bad taste. The controversy isn’t just about technique—it’s about power. Patrick Ta is a celebrity makeup artist with a global brand; Esther is an independent creator who built a following through hard work. When a giant profits from a trend popularized by a smaller creator without meaningful collaboration or compensation, it reinforces an ugly pattern in the beauty industry.
Pro Tips
If you do want to try the Transition Blush technique without buying the product, here’s how: Start with a cream blush on the highest point of your cheek. Blend it outward with a damp sponge. Then, apply a thin layer of concealer just below the blush, blending into the color. Finally, set with a powder blush in a similar shade using a fluffy brush. The key is to use light layers—too much product and it will look cakey.
For those who buy the duos, I recommend using the brush in circular motions to diffuse the edges. Don’t forget to tap off excess powder before applying—this prevents patchiness. And if you want to extend wear, set your entire face with a hydrating setting spray before the powder step. It melts everything together for that airbrushed finish.
Final Verdict
Would I buy this again? Probably not. The technique is beautiful, and the product is well-made, but the controversy and the price make it hard to recommend wholeheartedly. This is perfect for someone who wants a foolproof, all-in-one solution for a trendy look and doesn’t mind the premium cost. But for the majority of creators and enthusiasts, I’d say: save your money, learn the technique from Esther’s free tutorials, and invest in a cream blush you love. That’s where the real value is.
The beauty community is messy, but it’s also powerful. This drama has sparked important conversations about credit, race, and the economics of influence. I hope it leads to more collaboration and less extraction. Until then, I’ll be over here, blending my drugstore blush and thinking about what it means to truly own a look.
