Perfumes, face masks, and the fifth chat
Their relationship didn't begin with sparks, but with quiet chats, shared serums, and the courage to be seen barefaced
Published Jun 19, 2025 11:17 am
For Raj Traballo, senior product manager, L’Oreal Paris and Carlo Bautista, CEO and co-Founder, LitLab Studios love didn’t arrive with fireworks. It unfolded gently, one honest conversation at a time. Along the way, makeup and fragrance became part of their love story—tools not just for self-expression but also for connection, creativity, and care.
Was it love at first sight or something that grew over time?
Raj: It wasn’t love at first sight. It was probably love at the fifth chat. Hahaha. Carlo and I initially met a few years back and saw each other as friends—no sparks, no butterflies in the stomach. It was very simple. But it grew when we finally got to have longer, deeper conversations online via Instagram. We slowly unfolded who we are as people—our interests, aspirations, likes, and dislikes. Then we thought, maybe this can be something more?
Can you describe your first date?
R: Our first date was very unassuming. It was a museum date at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig (back then it was quite new), followed by dinner at a Spanish restaurant in Makati City. It was during the museum visit that our conversations about arts and culture sparked our interest in each other—given that we both enjoy intellectual conversations. Carlo loves to dress in neutrals, so I’m pretty sure he was in black and white. Street style. That’s also his mood board.
But he wears strong scents. It might have been YSL Y EDP that day, one of his go-to perfumes. That’s Carlo—he might come off as simple, but he’s actually a strong, complex man. Meanwhile, I was dressed in oversized long sleeves. I had to fold my sleeves just to make it look better. I knew I looked like a child—not as well put together, and the clothes didn’t fit perfectly. I only wore a bit of Maybelline concealer to tone down the mess. Carlo didn’t mind it. I believe that look was part of my childlike energy, which I think Carlo was drawn to.
How has your relationship evolved over the years—and has your beauty style changed with it?
Carlo and I have grown together while making sure we keep our individuality. Now, there’s more respect, understanding, and trust, but the love just feels stronger, deeper, and richer.
Our styles have definitely changed! Carlo now owns more perfumes, tries makeup from time to time, and changes his hairstyle every few months. He’s become more creative and experimental. My beauty style has also evolved. not just because of Carlo, but also because I joined a beauty company, L’Oréal. The relationship made me feel safe. Because of that, I get to take risks with how I present myself. I can go fully made-up using my L’Oréal Paris Infallible products, or go for a more subtle look with just a tinted serum, or make my lips a little pinker with a liquid lipstick.
I beautify myself not because I want Carlo to like me more. It’s not that at all. I know that even if I don’t wear any makeup, Carlo will love me. It’s because of this relationship that I feel safe to experiment with how I look—whether to change, conceal, or enhance—when I need to and when I want to. I beautify myself, for myself.
Is there a specific scent, lipstick shade, or product that reminds you of a special moment in your relationship?
Yes, a lot! Carlo recently gifted me Replica’s EDP Soul of the Forest. It was a perfume we tried while on a date in Rockwell. I was drawn to the scent because it smelled very innocent yet complex—very much how I think Carlo would describe me.
Kiehl’s is also a common thread for Carlo and me. He used to be a product manager for the brand at L’Oréal Philippines, and now I’m an avid user! The serums are just the bomb! Carlo is more of a CeraVe user now, though.
Brands aside, I enjoy it when we both do skincare together. We each have our own regimen, but we both care for ourselves. I liken it to how we take care of our relationship—we have our own style, but we share the same goal: to care for and nurture what we have.
How do you make each other feel beautiful—both with and without makeup?
It’s in the simple gestures or words like, “Hey, you look good today (or tonight),” even without makeup on and while wearing simple clothes. It feels reassuring to just be you.
What’s the most romantic gesture?
One of our favorite ways to spend quality time is doing face masks during a staycation—Laneige is our go-to. We’re just watching a movie, masks on, sitting beside each other, not even talking—but it feels really, really good.
What’s your idea of a “beautiful day” spent together?
I feel that we’re most beautiful when we’re just our bare selves—no makeup, no perfumes, no dressed-up looks. It’s when we see each other’s truest, most authentic selves, even with the blemishes, that I feel it’s a “beautiful day.” My relationship with Carlo allows me to feel my most beautiful—when I’m made up, and even more so when I’m not.