Vaseline Documentary Highlights People’s “Skin” Stories

Unilever has been traveling the globe asking people about the importance of their skin to highlight the benefits of its Vaseline Coca Butter hydrating lotion.

The answers to “what does your skin mean to you?” have been compiled in a short film, Vaseline Skin Stories, narrated by Tony Award nominated actress Sanaa Lathan.

The film premieres July 4 at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, which features performances by Mary J. Blige, Chris Brown, Keyshia Cole and Jill Scott. The 20-minute documentary, titled Vaseline Skin Stories, features personal narratives from people living across the globe including South America, the U.K., Africa and the U.S.

Lathan opens the film with a personal story: “My caramel brown skin represents me, but also my history and those who came before me and will come after. They were all shades and beautiful. I hone, love and take pride in my skin because of them.”

At the festival, samples will be offered from a Vaseline-branded booth where reps will collect more personal stories. A meet and greet with Lathan will take place there July 4.

A sweepstakes at http://www.skinvoice.com, which ended June 4, awarded five trips to the premiere. Participants were required to add their own “skin” stories in order enter. A trailer of the film can be viewed at the site. A viral component lets visitors pass the clip along.