Chances are, if you’re scrolling through Instagram or TikTok, you’ll stumble across a viral video featuring a real life Barbie-doll speaking a chaotic yet perf mix of Arabic and English while servin’ us with a full beat. Meet Christina Reigns aka Christina McBarron.
We watch her break down beauty trends and also create them. Case in point, her recent Labubu makeup tutorial is currently living rent free in our minds. She navigates life across cultures and infuses heart, humour, and highlighter into everything she shares.
We caught up with the blue-eyed beauty to chat about move to the Gulf, the power of staying authentic and the moment she knew she was *that* girl.
Cosmo ME: Where are you from originally and how did you end up in Bahrain?
Christina: I am originally from Donegal in Ireland and I moved to Bahrain after meeting my Bahraini husband, Hussain. He was studying architecture in the UK while I was working as an executive makeup artist for Tom Ford in Harrods.
Cosmo ME: How did you learn Arabic and what was the first phrase you nailed?
Christina: I’m still learning Arabic, it feels like a never ending journey. Arabic has over twelve million distinct words. To put that into context, the Oxford English Dictionary includes just over 170,000 words. As one example, Arabic has 23 words for love.
I’m currently learning the Levantine dialect with an online instructor. She’s helping me stay on schedule and really knuckle down even though my work schedule is crazy. Consistency is key for me.
Cosmo ME: What’s one thing they always get right about you?
Christina: When people meet me they are very shocked about how similar I am to my online persona. Of course, online I’m a little more theatrical as I trained as an actress for three years in Dublin.
I’ve always loved entertaining people and putting a smile on their faces. So when people meet me, they say, “Wow, you’re actually so friendly and nice!” I know I have my platform because of my audience. I’m truly grateful anytime I get to meet and interact with my fans.
Cosmo ME: If your content had a tagline, what would it be?
Christina: Makeup made fun, beauty made easy.
Cosmo ME: Do you ever post something and think, “Wait, was that too much?”
Christina: I know I’ve shared things in the past that may have caused concern, and I want to make it clear that it was never my intention to be disrespectful.
I come from a different culture, and as someone building a life here, I’m still learning every day. I truly want to honour and respect not only this beautiful region and its culture, but also myself, my husband, his family, and all the incredible people who have welcomed me with such kindness.
I’m doing my best to navigate this journey thoughtfully. I may not always get it right, but I believe it’s okay to make mistakes as long as we’re open to learning and growing from them.
Cosmo ME: If someone spent a day with you in Bahrain, where are the three places you’d take them?
Christina: The Ritz-Carlton is my go-to for a chill beach day. I always take my family when they visit because it has good vibes, great service, and I leave feeling totally refreshed.
I’m obsessed with Marassi Galleria in Amwaj. It’s perfect for a cute walk and a little shopping fix. It’s super clean, right by the beach, and feels bougie but relaxed. I always leave feeling like I did something nice for myself whether it’s shopping, eating, or just walking around taking it all in.
I like to take my family to the Bahrain Fort to explore the island’s rich heritage. It’s a beautifully preserved historic site that offers a meaningful glimpse into Bahrain’s ancient past and culture.
Cosmo ME: What’s one trend you’ll never do, even if it’s viral?
Christina: I would never take part in a trend that marginalises any group. That’s not the kind of influence I believe in. I’d rather use my platform to bring people closer to kindness, confidence, and a healthier mindset inside and out.
Cosmo ME: Give us your “I knew I was that girl” moment.
Christina: I’m so excited to share an incredible collaboration coming up with an amazing GCC brand. When they asked me to be their very first collaborator, I honestly felt like, “Wow, this is a dream come true.”
It’s so special to me, and I can’t wait to bring it to everyone. I’m bursting at the seams to make a TikTok and scream it, but for now I have to be quiet.