You Look Moist: Aurora James on DIY Lip Balm and the Ultimate Pimple Antidote

Welcome to You Look Moist, a column in which Man Repeller asks cool people with glowing visages how they achieved their supreme hydration (amongst other things). Today’s installment features Aurora James, the founder of Brother Vellies and 15 Percent Pledge.

How would you describe your skin?

My skin and I have had a volatile but passionate relationship for as long as I can remember. I spent much of my earlier years largely ignoring it–only to be faced with a backlash in my twenties, which led to a string of overcorrections. For the past five or so years, we have not only been at peace but in a very committed and healthy relationship. I think part of this shift was acknowledging that the conditions I provide for my skin change, and as such I need to adapt what I give it. Traveling so frequently in the past made for a lot of dry moments in my otherwise pretty stable moisture balance. I tend to get breakouts right before my period as well.

How would you describe your skincare approach in general?

I feel like it’s high maintenance, but then I read other people’s routines and realize it’s super low. I went through a stage last year where I wanted to strip back as much as possible. My mom has great skin and does almost nothing to it, so I wanted to join her squad. During quarantine I think I’ve been more aware of my skin in its natural state–essentially uninterrupted. I haven’t been wearing makeup most days, which is a big deal. I’m drinking a minimal amount, maybe one or two mezcals a week, and obviously travel is out of the equation. Without those variables, my skin has really been thriving. I keep fantasizing about doing a mask, but that still hasn’t happened.

 

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