Home Tips & Trends Good to Know 21 Surprising Ways to Use Petroleum Jelly in Your Beauty Routine


21 Surprising Ways to Use Petroleum Jelly in Your Beauty Routine

Possibly the MVP of your beauty routine.

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Petroleum Jelly, beauty routine
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Petroleum jelly, also known as petrolatum, and otherwise known as Vaseline, is one of those beauty staples that most of us have tucked away in our bathroom cabinets. But did you know that this common product can do so much more than just moisturize dry skin?

I absolutely love finding multiuse products that save me time and money in my beauty routine. It’s like discovering a hidden gem in your makeup bag! Vaseline is one of those unsung heroes that often gets overlooked but is actually a mighty multitasker. Its versatility never fails to amaze me – from nourishing dry skin to taming unruly brows, there’s almost nothing that blue tub can’t take on! Plus, knowing that I can rely on one product for multiple purposes is one of my favorite ways to save money.

Ahead, I rounded up some unexpected ways you can use petroleum jelly in your beauty routine. From taming flyaways to creating a DIY lip scrub, these tips and tricks are not only safe but also incredibly effective. So, grab your tub of petroleum jelly and let’s get started on unlocking its full beauty potential!

21 Unexpected Uses for Petroleum Jelly
  1. Tame Flyaways: Rub a small amount of petroleum jelly between your palms and smooth it over any unruly flyaways for a sleek, polished look.
  2. Moisturize Your Lips: Create a DIY lip balm by mixing petroleum jelly with a drop of essential oil. Apply it to your lips for a hydrating and glossy finish.
  3. Highlight Your Cheekbones: Dab a tiny amount of petroleum jelly onto your cheekbones for a natural-looking highlight that catches the light beautifully.
  4. Remove Stubborn Makeup: Use petroleum jelly as a gentle and effective makeup remover for waterproof mascara and long-wearing lipstick.
  5. Soothe Dry Elbows and Knees: Massage petroleum jelly into dry elbows and knees to soften and hydrate rough skin.
  6. Enhance Perfume Scent: Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to your pulse points before spritzing on perfume to help the scent last longer.
  7. DIY Lip Scrub: Mix petroleum jelly with sugar to create a gentle lip scrub that exfoliates and hydrates your lips.
  8. Protect Your Skin: Before applying self-tanner, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to areas like your elbows, knees, and ankles to prevent streaks.
  9. Heal Cracked Heels: Apply a generous amount of petroleum jelly to cracked heels before bed and cover with socks. Wake up to softer, smoother feet.
  10. DIY Nail Polish Barrier: Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly around your nails before painting them to prevent polish from staining your skin. Simply wipe away the jelly after painting for a clean finish.
  11. Fix Split Ends: Temporarily tame split ends by applying a small amount of petroleum jelly to the ends of your hair. This can help smooth frayed ends and add a healthy shine.
  12. Softening Rough Cuticles: Massage petroleum jelly into your cuticles to soften and moisturize them. This can help prevent hangnails and keep your nails looking neat.
  13. Gloss Up Your Eyelids: For a dewy, editorial-inspired look, dab a tiny amount of petroleum jelly onto your eyelids. This can give your eyes a glossy, wet look that’s perfect for a night out.
  14. Eyebrow Tamer: Use a small amount of petroleum jelly to groom and shape unruly eyebrows. This can help keep your brows in place throughout the day.
  15. DIY Hand Scrub: Mix petroleum jelly with sugar or salt to create a nourishing body scrub. This can help exfoliate and moisturize your skin, leaving it soft and smooth.
  16. Prevent Hair Dye Stains: Apply petroleum jelly along your hairline and ears before coloring your hair to prevent the dye from staining your skin.
  17. Shoe Polish Alternative: Use petroleum jelly to shine and condition leather shoes. Apply a small amount to a soft cloth and buff the shoes for a glossy finish.
  18. Nail Polish Bottle Sealant: Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly around the rim of your nail polish bottles to prevent them from sticking shut. This can help prolong the life of your nail polish.
  19. DIY Lip Gloss: Mix petroleum jelly with a small amount of powdered eyeshadow or lipstick to create a custom lip gloss color. Apply to your lips for a glossy, hydrating finish.
  20. DIY Brow Pomade: Mix a small amount of petroleum jelly with a bit of eyeshadow in a shade that matches your brows. Use a spoolie brush to apply the mixture to your brows for a defined and natural look.
  21. Shiny Finish: After painting your nails, wait for them to dry completely. Then, apply a small amount of petroleum jelly over the painted nails and gently buff them with a soft cloth or buffing block. This will give your nails a glossy shine and can also help to moisturize and protect the nail bed.
Precautions When Using Petroleum Jelly

While petroleum jelly is generally safe for external use, there are a few precautions to keep in mind:

  • Avoid Ingestion: Petroleum jelly is for external use only. Do not ingest or use it on your lips if you have a habit of licking them, as it can be harmful if swallowed
  • Patch Test: Before using petroleum jelly on larger areas of your skin, perform a patch test to check for any allergic reactions or skin sensitivities. Apply a small amount to a small patch of skin and wait 24 hours to see if any irritation occurs.
  • Keep Away from Eyes: Avoid getting petroleum jelly in your eyes, as it can cause irritation. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.
  • Use Sparingly: A little goes a long way with petroleum jelly. Use a small amount and apply it thinly to avoid feeling greasy or sticky.
  • Not for Acne-Prone Skin: If you have acne-prone skin, be cautious when using petroleum jelly on your face, as it can clog pores and potentially exacerbate acne.
  • Consult a Professional: If you have any concerns about using petroleum jelly, especially if you have sensitive skin or skin conditions, consult a dermatologist or healthcare professional before use.

By following these precautions, you can safely incorporate petroleum jelly into your beauty routine and enjoy its many benefits.

author avatar
Janene Mascarella