As the beauty industry debates originality, M·A·C chooses recognition with Painted By Esther x Olandria Collab

In an industry where conversations around credit, originality and visibility continue to dominate headlines, M·A·C Cosmetics is sending a different message.

At a time when Black women creators are increasingly speaking out about having their ideas replicated, their influence diluted or their contributions overlooked by larger entities, —born —and breakout reality television personality Olandria Carthen feels particularly timely.

The collaboration arrives amid broader industry discussions surrounding originality and ownership in beauty, where viral trends often move faster than proper attribution.

Rather than simply borrowing inspiration from the internet, M·A·C chose to spotlight the artist behind the aesthetic, placing Esther’s artistry front and center while pairing her with one of the most talked-about young personalities in pop culture today.

For many watching, the partnership represents something larger than a beauty campaign. It demonstrates what recognition can look like when a global beauty brand intentionally invests in the creators shaping culture instead of merely replicating their work.

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What makes the collaboration especially compelling is that Esther's signature blush technique has become instantly recognizable. Her approach isn't about applying color to the cheeks—it's about using blush as structure, dimension and storytelling.

The Painted By Esther Philosophy

"Something HAS to pop on the face," Esther shared with M·A·Czine. "And blush was just always what I reached for."

Her signature aesthetic is built around four key elements: bold blush, spiky lashes, highlighted skin and juicy lips. Together, they create the soft-glam yet impactful look that has become synonymous with her artistry.

For Olandria's campaign look, blush takes center stage.

How To Recreate Olandria's Painted By Esther Blush Look

For Olandria Carthen, blush isn't just a makeup step—it's the focal point of the entire look.

"I love blush – shout out to Esther – I truly feel like it brings out my features, and I really want a lotta women with deep, dark skin tones to not be scared to put blush on. It's beautiful and it highlights our beauty that we already have within."

According to Painted By Esther, the key is creating dimension, gradient and structure through intentional color placement.

Step 1: Gather Three Blush Shades

Esther recommends using three blushes instead of one:

  • Transition Shade: The softest color that helps everything blend seamlessly.
  • Main Shade: The color you want to stand out most.
  • Deeper Shade: A richer tone used to blend the blush into the outer face.

For Olandria's look, Esther used:

  • M·A·C Skinfinish Colourstruck Blush in Snob
  • M·A·C Skinfinish Colourstruck Blush in LaLaLavender
  • M·A·C Skinfinish Colourstruck Blush in Candy Yum Yum

Step 2: Start With Your Main Color

  • Apply your boldest blush shade first.
  • Focus placement on the upper cheek area for a lifted appearance.
  • For Olandria, the vibrant pink tones create the statement moment.

Step 3: Apply From The Outside In

Instead of placing blush directly on the apples of the cheeks:

  • Begin at the outer cheek area.
  • Blend toward the center of the face.
  • Keep the strongest concentration of color on the outer portion of the cheek.

Step 4: Add Your Transition Shade

  • Use the softest blush color closer to the center of the face.
  • Blend it into the main shade.
  • This creates a softer, more natural transition.

Step 5: Deepen The Outer Edge

  • Apply the deepest shade to the outer portion of the blush placement.
  • Use it to connect the blush back into the face.
  • This adds dimension and creates a sculpted effect.

Step 6: Create A Gradient

One of Esther's signature techniques is ensuring every blush look has movement.

As Esther explains:

"I tend to start light-to-dark or dark-to-light. It always has to have some sort of gradient."

The goal:

  • Darker on one end.
  • Softer on the other.
  • No harsh lines between shades.

Step 7: Blend Using Corresponding Tones

When creating brighter blush looks:

  • Lay down the main color first.
  • Blend each side with complementary shades.
  • Allow colors to fade naturally into one another.

As Esther explains:

“If I want a vibrant berry on Olandria, I will use a magenta-pink to get the colour on her face first, and then blend each side with its corresponding tone,’” Esther explains to MACzine.

Step 8: Layer Blush Throughout Your Routine

Esther doesn't wait until the end of her makeup application.

  • Apply blush during multiple stages of the routine.
  • Add more after foundation if needed.
  • Reinforce color after powders or bronzer.

Her philosophy:

“Honestly, there’s no such thing as blush blindness,”Esther states.

Step 9: Finish With Esther's Signature Details

To complete the Painted By Esther aesthetic, pair the blush with:

  • A spiky lash
  • Highlighted skin
  • Juicy lips
  • A radiant complexion

Together, these elements create the fresh, lifted and expressive look that has become Esther's signature.