Vaseline is a staple in my beauty bag. I lost count of the amount of times it came to my skin’s rescue and helped me out of a beauty emergency.
Hard to believe, isn’t it? Vaseline doesn’t look like much. Plus, it’s so cheap. Surely, there’s not much you can do with it?
On the contrary, my friend. Here are just 22 of my favourite beauty uses for vaseline:
1. Lip Balm
When my lips get all dry and chapped in winter, I slather a thin layer of vaseline on my lips. The taste is awful, but my lips are all soft and moisturized again. Bye bye chapped lips!
Why this works? Vaseline creates a barrier that seals in moisture and protects against cold weather. Plus, it’s safe to use on sensitive skin, unlike some flavored balms that can cause irritation.
Related: How To Treat Chapped Lips
2. Moisturiser For Dry Skin
This is one of my fave beauty uses for vaseline. I have combination skin that gets drier around my cheeks in winter. When that happens, I simply apply some vaseline to the area, and voilà, skin is soft once again.
Vaseline works because it creates a protective barrier on the lips that keeps moisture in. The more moisture your skin has, the softer and plumper it gets.
Vaseline is dermatologist-recommended for eczema-prone skin because it’s hypoallergenic and free from common irritants. It works best when applied after a hydrating lotion to seal in the moisture.
Related: How To Care For Combination Skin
3. Hands And Feet Moisturiser
Harsh winter weather causes havoc on my skin. And, after months of being hidden under clothes and boots, my feet need some TLC.
The solution? You guessed it, vaseline. I apply some on my hands and feet, put on either gloves or socks, and wait about 10-15 minutes, to give vaseline time to soak into the skin. When I take my gloves/socks off, my hands/feet are sooo soft!
4. All over moisturiser
My skin gets insanely dry in winter. I blame it on a combination of freezing cold weather and relaxing hot showers. If I’ve run out of my beloved body butters, I’ll apply vaseline on my body. Works a treat.
Pro tip: Apply vaseline while your skin is still slightly damp to lock in hydration and prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL), a common issue in winter.
5. Eye makeup remover
Vaseline dissolves the oils in your makeup and sunscreen and takes them on a trip down the drain. When I run out of makeup remover, I turn to vaseline. Does the job quickly and effectively.
Its gentle formula makes it safe for removing even waterproof mascara without tugging on delicate lashes. Bonus: Unlike some removers, it won’t sting your eyes.
6. Scrub
I’m not a big fan of scrubs. I prefer chemical exfoliants these days. But if you like to use a good scrub, you can make your own by mixing petroleum jelly with sea salt. Easy peasy.
Related: How To Choose The Best Exfoliator For Your Skin Type
7. Night cream
I don’t like to bring a lot of products with me when I’m travelling. If it’s a short trip, I’ll just use vaseline as my night cream. It does the job well, and I couldn’t leave it at home anyway. It’s so useful! Just remember to warm it up first.
8. Manicure Protector
Before painting my nails, I always make sure to apply some vaseline at their base. It prevents the color from running. You can also use Vaseline to soften cuticles before pushing them back, reducing the risk of painful hangnails.
9. Shaving Cream
When I run out of shaving cream, I use vaseline. I slather a very thin layer (don’t use too much, or it’ll plug up your razor!) on the area that needs shaving. Then, do the deed. No need to use water. The best part? Skin is super smooth afterwards! Vaseline’s lubricating properties reduce the risk of razor burns and cuts, making it a great option for quick touch-ups on the go.
10. Highlighter
Strobing is all the rage now. I wouldn’t suggest using vaseline for that, but you could use the tiniest bit on your cheeks and undereye area for that dewy look. I do sometimes.
If you’re going for an ultra-natural, glass-skin effect, dab Vaseline on the high points of your face, like your cheekbones and brow bones. It reflects light beautifully without looking greasy.
11. Softens elbows
My mom’s elbows were pretty rough. Until she started applying vaseline daily. Now, they’re so soft! To speed up the softening process, exfoliate the area gently with a loofah or sugar scrub before applying Vaseline. This ensures better absorption and faster results.
12. Lipgloss
Another of my fave beauty uses for vaseline and here’s why. I’m a sucker for lipglosses, but I never buy clear ones. When I just want a bit of shine on my lips, I’ll use vaseline. It’s more moisturizing than any lipgloss I’ve ever tried, too.
13. Makes Fragrance Lasts Longer
Some perfumes smell gorgeous, but last so little! To make it linger longer, apply a thin layer of vaseline on your wrist (or wherever else you’re going to apply perfume) before spraying the fragrance on. You’ll be surprised at how well it works. This trick works especially well with oil-based perfumes, as Vaseline helps lock in the scent molecules and prevents evaporation.
14. Lip exfoliant
I like to exfoliate my lips before using a bold red lipstick. First, I apply petroleum jelly to my lips. I wait a few minutes and then, using an old toothbrush, I scrub my lips. The result? Soft, smooth lips.
15. Protects skin from hair dye
When I used to dye my hair blonde, I would first apply some vaseline around the hairline. It protects skin from the harsh chemicals contained in the dye. This trick is also great for at-home root touch-ups! It prevents stains and keeps your hairline looking clean and polished.
16. Conditioner
If you have dry hair, you can apply some vaseline to the scalp before shampooing. It’ll condition it and make it soft. To avoid greasiness, focus Vaseline on the ends of your hair rather than the scalp. It’s great for taming flyaways and sealing split ends, too.
17. Seals in split ends
Unfortunately, there’s no way to repair split ends for good. But you can hide them. How? Just put some vaseline on them. It’ll seal them in and make them look like they aren’t there. But don’t do this too often. It takes a couple of shampoos to remove vaseline from your hair! For an alternative, mix a pea-sized amount of Vaseline with a leave-in conditioner to make application easier and less heavy.
18. Cream blusher
If I don’t have the right blush shade in my makeup bag, I’ll make my own. It’s really easy. I just mix some vaseline with a bit of lipstick, and apply the paste on my cheeks. Lovely! This hack works wonderfully for a dewy, fresh-faced look. Add a touch of translucent powder over it to keep it in place all day.
19. Prevents uneven tanning
I don’t use tanning lotions anymore, but if you do, you need to know this trick. If you put some petroleum jelly on dry spots before using a fake tan lotion, your tan will be even all over. Wonderful, isn’t it? And so easy! Focus on areas like knees, ankles, and elbows—spots that tend to absorb more product and look patchy without proper prep.
20. Moisturizes and tames eyebrows
If I need to tame some unruly eyebrows, I’ll use vaseline. Quick and easy. Use a spoolie brush to apply Vaseline for a more precise, natural look. It doubles as a clear eyebrow gel, keeping your brows in place all day.
21. Prevents chafing
Do you have a gorgeous pair of shoes that hurts and chafes at your feet? I do too. If I want to wear them, I’ll just apply some vaseline on my heels and the balls of my feet. Now I can walk in them without feeling the pain. This hack is also great for preventing thigh chafing during summer or when wearing skirts. Apply a small amount to areas prone to rubbing.
22. Stains remover
No matter how careful I am, sometimes a bit of makeup ends up on my clothes, staining them. Whenever that happens, I turn to vaseline. It does the trick well and quickly. Rub Vaseline gently over the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before blotting with a damp cloth. It works particularly well on oil-based stains like lipstick.
The Bottom Line
And there you have it. 22 Vaseline beauty uses that prove this humble little tub is an absolute game-changer. It’s not fancy, it’s not expensive, but wow, does it pull its weight when it comes to saving the day in beauty emergencies.
From keeping your skin soft and smooth to helping your perfume last longer, Vaseline beauty uses are all about getting the most out of a single product. It’s a staple for a reason!
About Gio
Hi, I’m Gio. I’m a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever – every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what’s worth the splurge and what’s best left on the shelf – using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.
