For less than the cheapest product in your skincare lineup, you get a jar that can replace half the vanity on your shelf.
Vaseline is that beauty product that never shouts for attention but will come through in a crisis. Like that friend who has a power bank when you need it or magically produces an extra sanitary pad when you’re stranded. Vaseline is petroleum jelly. Humbly sitting on your shelf, allowing itself to be tossed around when you need to get to other beauty products, waiting for you to discover its magic.
A Skincare Staple Our Mothers Trust
First introduced in the 19th century, it is timeless, affordable, and versatile. Its multitasking prowess goes from skincare to beauty. For decades, Vaseline has been the world’s not-so-secret beauty tool. It has survived every trend, imitation, and classism. Truthfully, the iconic blue lid is vintage that sparks nostalgia in us. For generations, our mothers have scooped a handful of Vaseline and slathered it, giving us a thorough polishing from head to toe. I say this because I know you can relate. After all, the internet has made us discover that we all have the same childhood.
Why Vaseline is a Beauty Staple
Before we get to the fun part. Let’s talk about why our grandmothers, mothers, beauty experts, makeup artists, and dermatologists trust this beauty product. Experts call Vaseline occlusive because it creates a protective barrier that locks in moisture and heals dry or irritated skin. It doesn’t hydrate on its own, but it keeps water locked into the skin, and this is recommended for dry or sensitive skin.
For less than the cheapest product in your skincare lineup, you get a jar that can replace half the vanity on your shelf.
Let’s explore six ways Vaseline can change your beauty game.
1. Lip Balm & Scrub Combo
No one has ever looked glamorous with chapped lips. Vaseline to the rescue! Apply a thin layer on your lips and dab it until it is even. This is a childhood norm for some of us. If you want to switch it up, mix it with a little portion of sugar to create a lip scrub. Massage it on your lips for a few seconds, and your lips will be smoother than jelly.
2. Skin Moisturizer
Some people’s knees and elbows cry out for help, literally cracking sometimes. A jot of Vaseline will rescue these areas. Include it in your skincare for both morning and night routines. If your heels are hard and dry, apply a generous amount of Vaseline and put on some socks before going to bed. You will magically wake up with soft feet.
3. Brow & Lash Groomer
When your brows are growing wild instead of chic, Vaseline is the low-budget styling gel you need to tame your brows. Apply a desired amount on a spoolie, and brush through your brows. They will look sleek and naturally glossy.
Why stop there? You can give your lashes a deep conditioning by applying a very light amount before bed.
4. Makeup Remover
This beauty hack is on point. We’ve all been there. After an owambe or a girls’ night out, Vaseline gently dissolves stubborn makeup, without harsh rubbing, even waterproof mascara. Apply a good amount on your face and wipe it off with a cotton pad, and you will see more than half of the work is done. It’s like a makeup eraser.
5. Hand Softener
Your hands can betray your age or tell people you have a habit of washing dishes. If your cuticles are going haywire, just rub Vaseline on your hands before bed. You will wake up feeling like your nails are fresh off a manicure treatment. You can also apply Vaseline around your nail bed when painting your nails to make the color spill come off easily.
6. Natural Highlighter
Want to achieve a dewy glow? Just dab a tiny amount on your cheekbones, eyelids, or the bridge of your nose, and your highlighter palettes will be jealous. It’s subtle, chic, and cheap. Don’t go overboard, or else you will look like you fell face down in a pot of oil.
Before you start slathering Vaseline on everything, here are a few dos and don’ts:
DOS:
- Use a clean hand or a miniature spatula to scoop it from the jar. You don’t want to transfer germs.
- Apply it minimally when necessary. You don’t want to end up looking like a glazed donut.
- Pair it with hydrating serums and moisturizers for maximum effect.
DON’TS:
- Use it on acne-prone areas like your face to avoid clogging of your skin.
- Expect it to heal dryness; you still need hydration underneath.
- Mistake it for a moisturizer. It’s a lock, not a key.
Did you know:
- You can mix Vaseline with a lipstick to create a lip balm?
- You can apply it around your hairline as a hair-dye protector?
- If you dab a little Vaseline on your pulse points before spraying your perfume, it makes the fragrance last longer.
Vaseline doesn’t need a million-dollar ad campaign or sleek packaging to be effective and versatile.
What other Vaseline hacks have you heard of?
