Photos Courtesy of @cristinalii
In the world of social media, trends come and go, but some leave a lasting mark—just like the strawberry makeup look. Cristina Li, a rising influencer, shares her step-by-step routine while opening up about her journey, the challenges of content creation, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
The Makeup Routine That Stuck
“Hi Roe Magazine, it’s Cristina, and today I’m going to show you my strawberry makeup routine that I use every day,” she says as she preps her skin. “It’s a trend that came and never left.”
She starts with a hydrated base and applies her favorite Bobbi Brown Vitamin C Primer for a smooth canvas. Next, she reaches for her Even Better Clinique concealer and Benefit Porefessional Powder to set everything in place. “I have a lot of imperfections—little pimples and everything that I don’t like—so this step is super important.”
For the eyes, Cristina opts for soft, peachy, and plummy tones using a Clinique eyeshadow stick. “I love a shimmer bright pink—it adds just the right touch.” She curls her lashes and coats them with Lancôme mascara, then defines her eyes with Sephora’s waterproof eyeliner.
To achieve the signature strawberry blush, she layers Party Pop’s freckle pen, Rhode’s Freckle Blush, and MAC’s Copartone Blush for a soft, natural finish. “This combination helps set the buttery texture of the Rhode blush perfectly.” For a radiant glow, she blends two Benefit highlighters—Cookie and Dandelion—to balance shimmer and softness.
Her final touch? MAC Squirt Lip Gloss in Heat Sensor 12. “I love this one—it smells amazing, plumps a little, and gives a natural finish.”
A Decade-Long Passion for Aesthetics
Cristina’s journey into influencing didn’t happen overnight. “I remember being 15 and loving the aesthetic side of Instagram—flat lays, curated feeds, everything. But it wasn’t until about a year and a half ago that I started taking it seriously.”
For years, she saw Instagram as a creative outlet rather than a business. “At first, it was just about sharing my perspective on the world. But now, my profile means something different. I care more about the relationships I build and the persona I bring rather than just posting perfect pictures.”
Despite growing her following, Cristina remains grounded. “It still doesn’t feel real sometimes, knowing that my followers see me as a friend rather than just a face on the internet.”
The Struggles of Balancing Work and Content Creation
Behind the glossy content, the reality of being an influencer isn’t always as effortless as it looks. “I work a 9-to-5, and balancing both worlds is hard. There’s never enough time.”
Going into 2025, she’s setting new boundaries. “I want to stop overbooking myself with events and content planning. I want to create more organically, without feeling the pressure to always be ‘on.’ When I’m with friends, I want to be present, not just thinking about content.”
Cristina admits she’s had moments of doubt. “I hit a point where I questioned everything—why am I doing this? Am I even growing? I felt stuck and exhausted. But then I took a softer approach, stopped obsessing over aesthetics, and just started living in the moment. It completely shifted my mindset.”
Standing Out in a Saturated Industry
With so many creators in the space, staying unique can feel like a challenge. “Sometimes it feels like my identity is being stolen. But at the end of the day, no one can replicate your essence. That’s what makes you stand out.” She’s now making a conscious effort to show more of her real life. “I don’t want people to see just a pretty face, a curated lifestyle. My life isn’t always glamorous—I work long hours, I struggle, I cry, I get stressed. It’s important to share that, too.”
The Reality of Monetization & Knowing Your Worth
One of the hardest lessons Cristina has learned is understanding her worth in brand partnerships. “People assume being an influencer is easy—just taking pictures and posting videos. But it’s the creative process behind it that’s the real work.”
When she landed her first paid collaboration, she was in disbelief. “I remember thinking, ‘Wait, is this real money? Why am I getting paid for this?’ But then I realized—it’s not just a picture. There’s brainstorming, strategy, execution. It’s a job.” Navigating rates and negotiations wasn’t easy. “If you don’t have friends in the industry or an agency to guide you, it’s tough. But you learn. You start to understand your value.”
Now, she’s selective about the brands she partners with. “I want brands to work with me for who I am, not just for my follower count. If a brand doesn’t respect my creative input, then they don’t deserve to work with me.”
Final Thoughts
As Cristina finishes her makeup, she reflects on her approach moving forward. “At the end of the day, you can’t be everywhere at once. It’s about balance, staying true to yourself, and knowing your worth.” With her signature strawberry glow in place, she smiles. “And that’s my everyday look! See you next time.”
🎥 Watch Cristina Li's full GRWM and influencer journey on Roe Magazine’s YouTube
Where to find Cristina Li: Instagam