Can you own a beauty technique? (Copy)

Can you own a beauty technique? | Dazed so every make up artist has heard about this debate between celebrity MUA Patrick Ta and creator Ngozi Esther known as Painted by Esther, who is right and who is wrong? Can a person own a technique? Being a make up artist I would say no techniques and methods are adapted and improved over time. it is difficult to claim or trademark a technique but you trademark phrasing, people often adapt and improve looks but where is the difference between being inspired and copying? when a person has a particular style do they own it and how can they prove it is theirs? I thought make up and creativity depended on tips and looks being shared and improved. where would make up be today if techniques hadn’t been modernised and improved? every artist has their own style but I feel are we not all in it together? being creative and experimenting with looks and techniques is how we all work, not one person can take credit for a certain technique as we all use different techniques in the same way. I think social media plays a massive part in who owns what and a person being copied but how can a person prove that a particular look is theirs? Has social media changed the idea of ownership? make up has continuously evolved over the years, reflecting change in fashion, culture and society it has developed into a form of creativity and self-expression. The change can be seen in products, application techniques and attitude towards beauty. From powders, lipstick, cream contour ,highlighters and detailed application techniques the industry has transformed a lot. look at the development to contouring. contouring uses darker and lighter shades to create dimension and definition. although sculpting has existed for years in theatres,drag, and the professional make up industry it is now mainstream through social media. This technique developed from subtle shading into more defined looks with creators demonstrating how different products are used. how a product is evolved over time also changes the way it is applied, foundation has progressed from heavy formulas to a much wider range of finishes and coverage levels. concealers have similarly developed also providing different textures for different purposes but the reputation of a brand does not necessarily mean their product is best for you, just because it is successful does not mean will work for everyone. as a make up artist i am drawn to bright, bold colours as this allows me to be expressive and creative. my technique is not limited to one specific brush stroke or technique. i love the work of Pat Mcgrath, val garland and Alex box as they show colour, texture and include visual storytelling. i am particularly inspired by people who use bright and unexpected colours so my inspiration is not limited to one make up artist. I believe my use of colour is part of me developing my own identity as a makeup artist rather than relying on established techniques. In conclusion although a makeup artist can develop, refine and strongly be associated with a certain technique it is difficult to claim ownership of a method.