'Flip or Flop' Star Christina El Moussa Surfaces, Hiding Wedding Ring Finger

Christina El Moussa's marital status is complicated, to say the least, which explains why the "Flip or Flop" star is going out of her way to keep her wedding ring a mystery.

Paps got Christina out shopping Tuesday in the OC -- the first time we've seen her since TMZ broke the story about her separation from Tarek. She was rockin' freshly bleached roots, running errands and looking pretty carefree. As her shirt says, "Pink champagne can't complain."

She kept her left hand under wraps though ... so, it's unclear if she's still wearing a wedding band.

As we reported, Christina and Tarek are separating after what they call a "misunderstanding." Witnesses called it Tarek taking off into the woods with a gun ... causing a suicide scare.

As we reported ... the show will go on, and the former couple will keep working together. For now.