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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Fashion and Beauty devider Stories of loving out loud, shared rituals, and beauty as a form of expression

Stories of loving out loud, shared rituals, and beauty as a form of expression

Beauty is their love language

Published Jun 19, 2025 12:40 pm
In celebration of Pride Month, we spotlight a love that glows like highlighter and lingers like a signature scent. Manila Bulletin Lifestyle chats with couples Lesley Ann Guevarra and Bea Besa, Mervin Teo V. Wenke and Eric Kimson A. Reyes, and Raj Traballo and Carlo Bautista about relationships grounded in comfort, care, and a shared love for beauty.
Two lipsticks, one love story
For marketing manager Lesley Ann Guevarra and performance marketing director Bea Besa, love grew quietly—through laughter, shared playlists, and small gestures that added up over time.
“On our first date, we watched Safe House at the cinema,” the couple recalls. “It also happened to be the first movie we ever saw together. It was such a random pick, but that’s when we discovered we both enjoy action and thriller films. And since we knew we’d be sitting close to each other, we made sure we smelled good!”
Twelve years later, they’ve nurtured a relationship built on ease, affection, and a shared passion for beauty. Over time, their favorite products became sentimental markers in their love story.
“For me, it’s Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair—my ultimate skincare staple, which I’ve probably been using for as long as we’ve been together, and something Bea has also grown to love,” Lesley muses. “For Bea, it’s MAC Russian Red—her signature bold red lipstick that’s been a constant through the years. And most recently, Le Labo Another 13 has become extra special to us because it reminds us of our anniversary trip to Japan.”
“I find it really sweet that Lesley always brings her A-game, especially when I have to attend formal events,” Bea adds. “She preps all her skincare and makeup products with a full range of brushes just to make sure I look my best. It’s one of the things I love most about her.”
Read more about Lesley and Bea here.
Lingers like perfume
“It wasn’t love at first sight,” Mervin Teo V. Wenke confesses. “It was something that grew over time. Eric is cute, so I was interested—but what made me fall in love with him was his values, style, intelligence, and perspective.”
Mervin and Eric Kimson A. Reyes are a proud couple whose shared passion for makeup and perfume goes beyond aesthetics. For them, it’s a form of self-expression, empowerment, and connection. From experimenting with the latest makeup trends to discovering niche fragrances together, their beauty rituals reflect pride, partnership, and the freedom to be unapologetically themselves.
When asked about the product that reminds them of a special moment in their relationship, one fragrance brand came to mind:
“Le Labo perfumes! It all started when Eric gifted me Santal 33 for our seventh anniversary in 2020,” Mervin says. “That gift kicked off our love for niche perfumes, and now we’ve lost count of how many bottles we’ve gone through.”
But beyond fragrances and cosmetics, Mervin and Eric express their love through everyday care—being present in both joyful and difficult moments.
“We make sure to really listen and be there for one another,” Mervin says. “We’re also very vocal about appreciating how each other looks—with or without makeup. We love everything from our oily or just-woke-up faces to our nighttime skincare routines. It’s all beautiful to us.”
Read more about https://mb.com.ph/2025/06/19/love-lipstick-and-le-labo target=_blank>Mervin and Eric here.
Skincare, scent, and soulmates
Raj Traballo and Carlo Bautista’s love story didn’t come with fireworks. It unfolded gently—one honest conversation at a time. Along the way, makeup and fragrance became a part of their connection: tools for creativity, bonding, and care.
“Carlo and I have grown together while making sure we keep our individuality,” Raj says. “Now, there’s more respect, understanding, and trust—but the love feels stronger, deeper, and richer.”
Their relationship, like their beauty routines, has grown more thoughtful and adventurous. Among their favorite finds are Replica’s Soul of the Forest EDP, Kiehl’s serums, and CeraVe essentials.
“Brands aside, I really enjoy it when we both do skincare together,” Raj shares. “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.”
These love stories remind us that beauty isn't just found in perfumes or perfectly lined eyes—it’s in everyday moments of care, laughter, and love. Whether experimenting with the latest blush or simply enjoying a quiet night in, their relationships are a celebration of authenticity and joy. In a world that often tells people to dim their light, these couples choose to glow—boldly, proudly, and together.
Read more abouthttps://mb.com.ph/2025/06/19/perfumes-face-masks-and-the-fifth-chat target=_blank> Raj and Carlo here.

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fashion and beauty Pride month LGBTQIA+
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