For Mbali Christina, beauty has never been about simply looking good. It has always been about transformation, storytelling, and finding confidence in your own reflection. As a beauty educator, creative director, digital entrepreneur and one of South Africa’s most recognisable voices in beauty, Christina has built a career rooted in helping others embrace self-expression through makeup.
From hosting masterclasses for leading beauty brands to collaborating with some of the world’s most influential names, her approach to beauty is equal parts artistry and empowerment. Whether she’s creating editorial looks inspired by the runway or sharing practical beauty advice with her growing community, Christina continues to prove that makeup is far more than a cosmetic ritual. It is a creative language.
As winter settles in, we caught up with the beauty expert to talk about her journey into makeup, the products she swears by, and the signature look she’ll be wearing all season long.
How did your journey into beauty and makeup begin, and when did you realise it was something you wanted to pursue more seriously?
My introduction to beauty was cultivated through both curiosity and necessity. As a young dancer and theatre performer, stage makeup was a familiar ritual used to transform into character. However, the process often left me feeling unattractive and insecure because there was a lack of inclusive shades and products available for dark-skinned individuals at the time.
I took it upon myself to learn how to apply makeup in a way that made me feel confident on stage. I became obsessed with watching YouTube creators such as Patricia Bright, Alissa Ashley, Aaliyah Jay, Jennie Jenkins and Jackie Aina to learn about products and techniques suited to Black skin and features.
It wasn’t until someone suggested I pursue freelance makeup artistry as a hobby while studying at university that I began considering a future in the professional beauty industry.
What do you love most about makeup beyond the finished look?
Beauty has always been a reflection of artistry, self-expression and empowerment. It is an ageless ritual with the power to completely transform how someone feels about themselves and how they show up in the world.
I view beauty in a similar way to fashion. It’s an evolution of personal style and a time capsule of who you were at a particular moment. Makeup allows us to document different versions of ourselves as we grow.
When I look back at the graphic-liner-obsessed girl I was between 2020 and 2023, I feel nostalgic and proud. If it wasn’t for that fearless version of myself attempting Euphoria-inspired eye looks before lectures, I wouldn’t have the confidence to wear feather lashes or transform into a blue leopard on a random Tuesday today.
How would you describe your beauty identity and approach to self-expression?At the start of my makeup journey, I was deeply inspired by artists such as Pat McGrath, Kevin Aucoin, Sam Fine and Donni Davy, as well as drag artists like RuPaul, Plastique Tiara and Juno Birch.
That’s why I began my digital beauty career as an editorial glam creator. Today, my style is a blend of sultry ’90s glamour, drag-inspired techniques, and the colour and texture seen on Fashion Week runways. It feels as though I exist somewhere between soft glam and editorial artistry, which is exactly where I enjoy being.
Winter can completely change how makeup behaves on the skin. What are your key preparation steps?
Winter skin preparation starts with protection and hydration. I never skip SPF, and right now I’m loving the Laneige Hydro UV Defense SPF because it’s incredibly moisturising.
I also focus on hydrating from the inside out by consciously drinking more water throughout the day. For skincare, I reach for hydrating moisturisers that help strengthen the skin barrier before makeup application. The Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Gel Moisturiser has been a favourite lately.
And of course, I can never forget aqueous cream. It’s one of those timeless products that ensures my skin feels comfortable and nourished when I wake up on cold winter mornings.
What does your ideal winter base routine look like?Interestingly, my winter base is quite similar to my summer base because I have oily skin throughout the year.
I start with regular exfoliation followed by hydrating toners and serums. My current rotation includes the Laneige Bouncy & Firm Serum, Innisfree Green Tea Hyaluronic Toner and Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream.
For makeup, my must-haves are:
• NYX The Face Glue Primer
• Lancôme Teint Idole Longwear Foundation
• Playgirl Flawless Finish Foundation
• Estée Lauder Stay-in-Place Concealers
• Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Powder
• Fenty Beauty Lip Oils
• Laneige Lip Glazes
To lock everything in place, I rely on the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray and the Fenty Beauty You Mist Setting Spray.
Dewy skin is a winter favourite, but dryness can be a challenge. How do you balance glow with hydration?
I love approaching glow from multiple angles. If I’m not wearing a shimmer highlighter, I make sure the skin on my body is moisturised, radiant and healthy-looking.
My go-to products are the Vaseline Cera Glow Oil and Vaseline Cera Glow Body Butter. They create that beautiful lit-from-within effect that feels especially luxurious during winter.
For the face, I’ve been loving the Dior Backstage Glow Maximizer Highlight Palette whenever I want an extra touch of radiance on the cheeks or eyes.
Winter is the perfect season to be a little bolder because your makeup isn’t battling summer heat all day.
My signature winter look would feature a matte complexion paired with lots of blush, a fierce winged eyeliner, Eylure London lashes and an inner-corner shimmer highlight. The finishing touch has to be an impossibly glossy lip.
For a casual lip combo, I start with Laneige, followed by either a brown Kaleidos Makeup lip liner or a MAC lip liner, a light pink or nude lipstick such as Maybelline Vinyl Ink, and finish everything with a Fenty Beauty shimmery gloss.
Quickfire RoundOne product you always reach for, no matter the season?
Fenty Beauty Diamond Bomb. I use it everywhere, on my hair, body and hands. Paired with Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Cream? Pure magic.
Lip combo you’re currently loving?
MAC Lip Pencil in Chestnut, Kylie Cosmetics Matte Lipstick, Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb in Riri, and Kaleidos Makeup glosses.
Soft glam or bold glam this winter, and why?
Bold glam, always. I’m an artist at heart, and I can never go too long without fearlessly and unapologetically playing with makeup.
