This Filipina Went Viral for Her Labor-Proof Makeup That Lasted for 14 Hours
And she didn’t even use setting spray!
by Kyla Villena
Published on Sep 17, 2025
More than 700,000 people have watched Rika Javier’s TikTok video of herself applying makeup while lying on a hospital bed “at 5 cm before epidural and in between contractions.” According to her caption, the behind-the-scenes clip was taken by her husband, who “couldn’t believe what he was seeing”—a moment that highlights the surreal wonders of a woman’s body.
It made her first pregnancy even more memorable, with her makeup lasting through all 14 hours of painful labor (yes, you read that right). Filled with awe, Preview spoke with the 31-year-old to learn more about her experience and get every detail behind her labor-proof look.
Rika Javier on the Importance of Beauty During Pregnancy
The first-time mom had no plans to pull off an out-of-the-box look for the special moment, but she did make sure to prepare. “I definitely packed my makeup as part of my hospital bag,” Rika tells Preview. “I remember telling my husband as I was having contractions while being wheeled into the labor room, ‘Do not forget my eyelashes!!’”
As an aesthetic doctor and cosmetic surgery fellow-in-training, Rika knows how essential beauty is to everyday life—and the day one gives birth is no exception. “It’s my first time [to give birth] and I wanted the first picture with my husband and my daughter to be something I can look back on.” While feelings of fear naturally arise when facing the unknown, Rika’s love for beauty helped her reframe the experience. “I feel like it’s a way to set your mind into thinking that the delivery is something to look forward to.”
She explained that whether she’s heading to work, fulfilling her duties, spending time with her husband and friends, or welcoming her daughter, beauty is something she always relies on. “I make an effort to fix up because it makes me feel good about myself.”
The Exact Products in Rika Javier’s Tried and Tested Labor-Proof Makeup Routine
A low-maintenance, low-effort makeup routine is one you can always count on—and Rika is living proof of this. While she wasn’t able to bring every single product she usually reaches for, the ones in her hospital bag did not let her down. Find the exact pieces below.
Kyla Villena loves a good lip gloss and a trip to the art gallery. She is Preview's beauty girl, who doubles as a self-proclaimed motivational speaker.