If you don’t already know, there are many ways to use Vaseline petroleum jelly beyond helping dry skin. Vaseline has been around for over 150 years, and though it may not be the most glamorous item in your makeup bag, its utility makes it an undeniable staple—even if you already use other moisturizers for dry skin.
The simple mixture of mineral oils and waxes was created as a protective barrier to help dry skin heal, but customers soon learned that it does so much more than moisturize. From removing eye makeup to prolonging the life of your perfume, here are some hacks that prove Vaseline can be used to fix virtually any beauty problem.
Soothe Cracked Heels
Vaseline is a true foot saver. If your feet are blistered (or looking dry and flaky), spread some petroleum jelly on your heels before bed and cover them with fuzzy socks. You’ll wake up with baby-soft skin come morning.
Remove Eye Makeup
If you don’t have any makeup remover, massage some Vaseline onto your lids and wipe it away using a cotton pad. Your eye makeup should easily come off.
Make sure to rinse everything with water afterward to avoid clogging your pores.
Help Perfume Last
If you have a perfume that fades a bit too quickly, try this trick. Moisturized skin holds scents better, so rub Vaseline on your pulse points (wrists, inner elbows, back of the knees, and neck) before you spritz. The petroleum jelly base will help your fragrance last longer.
Use as Lash Serum
For longer lashes, coat them with a little Vaseline every morning instead of mascara. This will give you a defined, glossy finish (perfect for a “no makeup” makeup look), leave lashes conditioned.
Prevent Nail Polish Bottles From Drying Shut
If you’ve ever had a nail polish bottle for over a year (like all of us), you’ll know the struggle of the lid drying shut. After use, spread some Vaseline around the inside of the polish lid for effortless opening the next time you use it.
Convert Powder Makeup Into Cream
A smidge of Vaseline is a genius way to transform matte or powder makeup products into cream formulas. Mix loose pigments with the jelly to create custom cream eyeshadow, blush, or lip balm.
Use as a Cheek Highlighter
No highlighter? No problem. Dab some Vaseline on the tops of your cheekbones to create a dewy, luminous glow.
Help Damaged Hair Ends
Hair ends are most susceptible to drying out due to environmental stressors and heat damage. Rub Vaseline on the ends as a leave-in conditioner to smooth down flyaways, reduce the appearance of split ends, and inject extra moisture and shine.
Create a Barrier Against Skin Stains
One of the worst parts about an at-home hair or nail color is the mess it leaves behind on your skin. A light coating of petroleum jelly around your hairline or cuticles will keep dye and polish off the surrounding skin.
Smooth Eyebrows
Keep unruly eyebrows in check by smoothing Vaseline over your arches. The petroleum jelly will play the part of eyebrow gel so hairs don’t move throughout the day.
Remove Stubborn Makeup Stains
Do you have an unfortunate foundation stain that refuses to budge? Add Vaseline to a damp washcloth to lift stains from clothes and bedding. The oil in petroleum jelly will help draw out other oils from makeup stains, making it easier to come out when you toss it into the washer.
Prevent Tanning Streaks
When self-tanning at home, tanning streaks can seem impossible to avoid. The solution: Rub a small amount of Vaseline on the drier parts of your skin before applying self-tanner. The jelly acts as a barrier to keep the tanner from clinging to any dry areas, resulting in patchiness.
Help Earrings Slide On
If you have newly pierced ears or don’t wear earrings very often, sliding in new earrings can be painful. Rub a pinch of Vaseline on your earlobes and the earring backing to help it slide in effortlessly. If your earring holes are still irritated, the petroleum jelly can also quicken the healing process.
Prevent Razor Rust
A razor sitting in a humid bathroom will inevitably rust over. Prevent this from happening by smoothing an ultra-thin layer of Vaseline onto the blades between uses (careful to avoid nicking). It may be an additional step, but it will keep your razor looking brand new.
Exfoliate Lips
Alleviate dry lips by exfoliating with Vaseline. Place some petroleum jelly on your lips and leave it on for a few minutes. Then, gently rub your lips with a toothbrush.
Use as a Face Mask
Make a DIY skin-brightening face mask with Vaseline. Simply mix the jelly with lemon and apply the mixture to your face.
Make a Body Scrub
Vaseline can be used as a body scrub to remove dead skin cells. Mix the petroleum jelly with either sugar or salt before applying it to the skin. Your skin will be smoother and softer, and you will save money using a DIY scrub.
Relieve Sore Skin
Help soothe sore skin after waxing or eyebrow threading. Rub a bit of Vaseline on the irritated area to relieve the soreness.
Avoid Hair Flyaways
Create a sleek, polished look with your hairstyle (braid, ponytail, bun) by using Vaseline. Add a bit of the jelly onto the hair to slick back flyaways.
Use for Massages
Use Vaseline for body massages. Since petroleum jelly helps heal dry skin, this is an excellent way to lotion the skin and soften a massage.
Soften Cuticles
Help your nail cuticles heal with a bit of Vaseline. Rub the product into dry cuticles to help them soften.
Do this periodically to maintain soft cuticles—especially before a manicure.
Use for Lip Gloss
If you run out of your favorite lip gloss, don’t despair. Vaseline can be applied to your lips for a shiny look that also helps keep moisture sealed.
Protect New Tattoos
Help protect your new tattoo with Vaseline. Apply it over newly healed tattoos to create a protective layer and help soothe irritated skin.
Avoid Lipstick Stains
All too often, we apply a gorgeous lipstick color only to have it stain our teeth. Spread Vaseline onto your teeth before applying your lipstick. This helps prevent the color from transferring onto teeth.
Soothe Mild Sunburns
After a day at the beach or picnic in the park, you may come home with a mild sunburn—even if you did your best to apply sunscreen. No worries. Apply Vaseline to the affected areas to help soothe and alleviate the sunburn.
Remove Gum From Hair
If you (unfortunately) get gum stuck in your hair (or your child comes home from school with gum in their hair), Vaseline can help. Cover the gum and affected hair with a generous amount of petroleum jelly. Then, gently pull on the gum until it comes out.
Avoid Bra Strap Discomfort
Even with the most comfortable bra, sometimes the bra straps can cause itching or discomfort. Apply Vaseline to your shoulders before putting on your bra to help prevent irritation.
Prevent Shampoo From Getting Into Eyes
Spread some petroleum jelly above your eyebrows to help avoid shampoo from getting in your eyes. Shampoo suds will slide off to the side of your face, protecting your eyes.
Relieve Your Itchy Scalp
A dry scalp is a general cause of dandruff. Massage a bit of Vaseline onto your scalp before washing your hair to help with dandruff and itchiness.
Don’t use too much petroleum jelly on your scalp, as it can be challenging to remove. Use about a dime-size amount (and no more).
Keep Facial Hair Groomed
Use petroleum jelly on facial hair for a sleek, groomed look. You can use Vaseline as-is on the hair or combine it with beeswax.
Moisturize Under the Eyes
If you’re out of eye cream, add Vaseline petroleum jelly under your eyes before going to bed. The moisture locks in while sleeping, and you’ll wake up with a refreshed look.
Avoid Swimmer’s Ear
Keep water out of your ears with a little bit of Vaseline. Before swimming, simply smudge the jelly onto cotton balls before inserting them into your ears.
Heal Minor Cuts and Injuries
Apply petroleum jelly to minor injuries (like small cuts or burns) to help them heal faster. The Vaseline will create a waterproof layer on your skin to help protect it as it heals.
Be sure to clean and disinfect the area before using Vaseline to avoid infection.
Soothe Bug Bites
Apply petroleum jelly onto bug bites (mosquito, wasp, ant, and more) to help relieve the itchiness. The moisturizing effect of Vaseline will help reduce the itchy feeling and help you scratch less.
Try putting the Vaseline container in the freezer before applying it for a cooling effect.
Ease Sore Noses
When you have a runny nose from allergies, a cold, or the flu, it can become raw and red. A little Vaseline around the nostrils can help add moisture and soothe the soreness.
Prevent Skin Chafing
Add a thin layer of petroleum jelly on your inner thighs to avoid irritation from the legs rubbing together. This works great when wearing a skirt or dress, on hot days, and during intense workouts.
Remove Jewelry
We all know slipping off a ring or tight bracelet can be difficult when bloated. Easily slip off your jewelry by applying a dab of Vaseline onto the area.
Relieve Itchy Skin
Since Vaseline helps moisturize skin, it works great for itchy spots. If you have an area of itchy skin—especially after shaving—rub on some petroleum jelly to help the itch go away.
Protect Scabs
If an injury is scabbing over, put some Vaseline over the scab to help safeguard it. The jelly will help the scab heal faster by adding a protective layer.
Avoid Scars
A little petroleum jelly on injuries will also help prevent scars from occurring. Apply the Vaseline during healing.
Soothe Razor Bumps
Since Vaseline helps with many skin irritations, it can be used to alleviate razor bumps from shaving. Simply rub the jelly onto the area for relief.
Protect Hair From Heat Tools
Apply petroleum jelly onto hair before blow-drying or using other hot hair tools. This step helps prevent the hair from getting dry or rough.
Create a Glittery Look
For a fun night out (or day festival), spread Vaseline onto your skin, then add glitter. You’ll have a festive, sparkly look.
Do this on your neck, collarbone area, and small patches of your face.
Dissolve Eyelash Glue
Petroleum jelly can help get rid of eyelash glue left behind from false eyelashes. You can also use Vaseline along the strip line of the lashes to loosen the glue and more easily peel them off.