What Happened When This Makeup Artist Accused Real Techniques of Stealing Her Work

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As we've seen with the Kylie Jenner/Vlada Haggerty (aka @vladamua) drama, makeup artists on Instagram are constantly at odds with big companies that allegedly take "inspiration" from their work. Earlier this week, Australian makeup artist Katina, known as @doyouevenblend on Instagram, called out Real Techniques for posting a photo on Instagram of an eye makeup look that appeared uncannily similar to one she posted back in December. The beauty tools brand apparently didn't mention or tag Katina in the eye shadow image (something she claims it always does for other artists), so she took it upon herself to speak up.

On Wednesday, Katina posted a meme featuring a side-by-side of her creation with Real Techniques's. She wrote in the caption that aside from copying her work, what upset her most was that "a big cosmetic company paid a different artist to copy it so they could use it to market their brand instead of just hiring me."

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After accusing Real Techniques of foul play, the post was ultimately removed from Real Techniques's Instagram page. Real Techniques reached out to POPSUGAR with the following statement from Eva Oreskovich, Vice President of Global Marketing for Paris Presents Inc. (owner of Real Techniques):

"We made a mistake and have since reached out to the artist to apologize personally. We are embarrassed by the situation. Real Techniques prides itself in being authentic to those who want to create, experiment and transform their makeup routines. We also apologize to our fans and followers."

Katina faced some backlash for her reaction, but insisted that she had no issue with people re-creating her looks — so long as they give credit where it's due. "For those saying I should 'just be flattered,' 'get over it,' 'people copy all the time,' 'just take the gift and shut up.' You've completely MISSED the point," she wrote in an update. "I NEVER have an is sue with anyone re-creating anything that I do . . . I still have the right to DEFEND myself and my work. This is something that has happened to a lot of artists by major companies and other huge accounts here on Instagram, and I feel it's important to speak up." Read on for Katina's full statement about the incident.

Hey guys since the comments on here are getting a little crazy, I feel it it would be easier to just address everyone's general reponses this way!...... 1. @realtechniques have apologised for "any harm caused" on their behalf, and for the "misunderstanding". They've have added "inspired by @doyouevenblend" in their caption. Take from that what you will. ... 2. To all my fellow artists, followers and people in general who get the point, and understand where I'm coming from. Thank you, so much. Seriously! Your support means alot.🙏❤💋.... 3. For those saying I should "just be flattered", "get over it", "people copy all the time", "just take the gift and shut up". You've completely MISSED the point. I NEVER have an issue with anyone re-creating anything that I do. I said in my previous post that I love it! And I honestly do. This situation has nothing to do with that. I'm not on Instagram for money or receiving free gifts! If that was the case, you would've already seen me post at least a dozen paid ads for tea, teeth whitening, hair extensions, lashes and make-up in the past year. I TURN THEM ALL DOWN!! If I'm not into a product/brand or it has no relevance to what I'm posting, I'm not going to talk about it just for a pay check or a PR package. 4. For anyone that has an issue with the way I reacted to the situation, I'm not responsible for how that's made you feel. I reacted in a way that came naturally to me in the moment (with emotion) and a way that I felt was appropriate. Especially considering the initial response I was given when I asked about the work. Although my use of language may have been harsh, I still have the right to DEFEND myself and my work. This is something that has happened to alot of artists by major companies and other huge accounts here on Instagram, and I feel it's important to speak up. ⬇⬇⬇ CONTINUATION IN THE COMMENTS

A post shared by KATINA (@doyouevenblend) on Jul 19, 2017 at 6:50pm PDT

Swipe to continue reading. This is the last time I will be addressing this. I edited the caption on my original post as it seems people have misunderstood my initial response and explanation. Hopefully this makes it clearer! Thank you all for your time and apologies for the spam regarding this. ✌💋 P.s. I realise I keep misspelling THEIR. Haha I actually don't know why my brain insists on doing this 💁😂. It's glitching. Need to reboot. K bye.

A post shared by KATINA (@doyouevenblend) on Jul 20, 2017 at 6:29am PDT