©Andreas_Bergerstedt/Shutterstock
Vaseline: it’s a product that has been around since 1870, and you can find it at all major stores, from CVS to Walmart to Dollar Tree. This petroleum-jelly-based product, which is owned by Unilever, has the tagline, “The Healing Power of Vaseline,” and for good reason.
Vaseline is somewhat of a jack of all trades, and, on this list, you’ll find dozens of different ways to use the product, many of which you probably haven’t heard of before. After reading this, you’ll surely want to pop down to your nearest store and pick up a $1.79 container of this wonder-moisturizer.
1. Use Vaseline As A Highlighter
Est. Cost: $1-$2*
Purpose: Replaces makeup, but has the same effect
Both Zendaya and Kim Kardashian, two of the biggest style icons around now, have been known to use Vaseline as highlighter. Rather than spend $20 or more on expensive makeup, you can achieve the same effect with a swipe of Vaseline.
Use Vaseline As A Highlighter @xhenetamian/Twitter.com
Dab Vaseline onto the tops of your cheekbones (or forehead or nose bridge, wherever you want to catch the light). The jelly will not only moisturize your skin, Vaseline will give it a dewy, fresh glow.
2. Unstick A Zipper
Est. Cost: $1-$2*
Purpose: Lubricates a stuck zipper to loosen it
This list isn’t just about health and beauty hacks, as you can use Vaseline for other, practical purposes too. If you’re struggling with the stuck zipper of your new jacket from Target, don’t worry, as Vaseline can save it.
Unstick A Zipper @donnawilson790/Youtube.com
Take a small dab of Vaseline, smooth it onto the zipper and the part on which it got stuck, and then jiggle it a bit. Thanks to the lubrication from the petroleum jelly, you should be able to get the zipper moving again with not too much force.
3. Soften Your Feet
Est. Cost: $5*
Purpose: Smooths cracked, dry feet
Everyone’s feet need a little help sometimes, and this is a no-judgment zone. If your feet aren’t soft and smooth, don’t worry, as Vaseline can do the trick. You don’t need to head to Ulta and buy the latest, most expensive at-home pedicure equipment and products.
Soften Your Feet @rmorenoac/Twitter.com
You can just use Vaseline. Rub Vaseline on dry feet and cracked heels. Then, put on a pair of fuzzy socks. Wear them overnight and do this consistently, and you’ll be able to tame even the gnarliest of cracked, dry heels and soles.
4. Get A Distressed Paint Look
Est. Cost: $1-$2*
Purpose: Can protect and distress furniture with no sanding
Distressed furniture is popular nowadays, though it’s hard to get that effect using only a can of paint from Sherwin-Williams. Luckily, Vaseline makes it easy to get the distressed look while still protecting patches of unpainted furniture.
Get A Distressed Paint Look @unexpectedelegance/youtube.com
Before painting your furniture, rub Vaseline onto the places of the wood that you want to leave “distressed” and bare. Paint the project, let it dry, and then rub a damp rag over the Vaseline-coated areas. This will expose the layer below the paint, giving you a distressed look without any sanding required.
5. Try This Lip Gloss Activity With Kids
Est. Cost: $5*
Purpose: Makes homemade lip gloss for kids
This is a fun activity for kids who want to wear makeup, but are still a bit too young to do so. Kool-Aid and Vaseline can make for a frugal, under-$5 lip gloss, and you can make many different flavors, too.
Try This Lip Gloss Activity With Kids /Pinterest
Put one cup of Vaseline into a microwaveable bowl and heat it for thirty seconds until it is liquid enough to stir easily (though not too liquid). Then, sprinkle your chosen flavor of Kool-Aid into the Vaseline mix. Transfer the “lip gloss” into a small glass container or jar. Wait for it to cool slightly, then enjoy having soft, fruity-tasting lips!
6. Vaseline Can Replace Mascara
Est. Cost: $6-$7*
Purpose: Vaseline can get the same effect as mascara for dark eyelashes
All you need for this hack are clean mascara brushes (you can find a pack at Walmart for $4) and Vaseline. Vaseline can get the same effect as mascara, particularly for those who already have dark eyelashes.
Vaseline Can Replace Mascara @refinery29/Pinterest
You can replace mascara with Vaseline to get longer, darker, and more moisturized lashes. Just dip a clean brush into the Vaseline and swipe onto your eyelashes, being careful not to get any in your eyes. Less is more with this hack, and the Vaseline shouldn’t flake off or clump while you wear it.
7. Fix Tiny Scratches On Screens
Est. Cost: $1-$2*
Purpose: Can buff out small, insignificant scratches on phone screens
Vaseline might be able to help fix tiny scratches on your tablet or phone screen, so long as the scratches are small enough to get buffed out. You can find a video tutorial on how to buff your phone with Vaseline on YouTube.
Fix Tiny Scratches On Screens @EasySteps_Sidhu/youtube.com
Just fill the tiny screen scratch with Vaseline; then, wipe off the excess using a damp cloth. Be careful that you don’t rub the jelly into your phone screen. This hack should work, but if a scratch is more severe, don’t mess with it. Take the phone to a tech repair shop.
8. Make The Best Lotion Ever
Est. Cost: $15-$20 to make*
Purpose: Makes the ultimate dry-skin lotion
This lotion isn’t too expensive to make, costing around $15-$20 in total. You can also find what you need at major stores or, of course, on Amazon. Once you’ve made this winter-warrior lotion, you won’t want to go back.
Make The Best Lotion Ever @Karlha_/Pinterest
Use baby lotion, Vitamin E cream, and Vaseline to create a smooth, luxurious, moisturizing lotion for winter. Just mix equal parts of the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth, and rub onto any skin that needs some TLC.
9. Make Your Perfume Last Longer
Est. Cost: $1-$2*
Purpose: Makes perfume last all night/day
Make your perfume last longer with Vaseline, and this applies whether you’re wearing a cheap or expensive perfume. Vaseline can amplify your perfume when you rub it onto your pulse points before applying the scent.
Make Your Perfume Last Longer @MeeblesSporella/Youtube.com
The jelly holds the scent firmly, keeping it smelling sweet longer than if you were to spray it on dry skin. We have social media sites like TikTok and Instagram to thank for this genius scent hack.
10. Vaseline Can Sooth Sore Piercings
Est. Cost: $1-$2*
Purpose: Sensitive ears will feel better with Vaseline on earrings
Piercings hurting a little bit? Vaseline can help. If you have sensitive skin on your ears, Vaseline can help. Just dip the earring backs into Vaseline before putting them in like normal. The jelly will coat the earring, keeping ears from getting sore.
Vaseline Can Sooth Sore Piercings ©sashapritchard/Adobe
Of course, if you have an ear piercing infection, that’s a different story. You’ll want to go to the doctor if your piercing is red, sore, swollen, itchy, tender, or leaking pus. New piercings can especially be tricky, and you don’t want to “treat” an infection on your own with Vaseline.
11. Unstick A Stuck Ring
Est. Cost: $1-$2*
Purpose: Vaseline lubricates the ring so it will come off
If your ring from Kay Jewelers or Zales just won’t come off, Vaseline can help. Vaseline is the OG of getting rings unstuck (well, that and butter). A stuck ring can induce a sense of panic, as well as a sense of semi-claustrophobia.
Unstick A Stuck Ring @chaelisamusic/Twitter.com
Apply Vaseline to your ring and finger, making sure to coat the two repeatedly and thoroughly. Twist the ring side to side or back and forth, adding more and more Vaseline. Be as gentle as you can and it should come off after a few minutes.
12. Get Beautiful Cuticles
Est. Cost: $1-$2*
Purpose: DIY manicure at home
Expensive cuticle creams are for the birds, and you shouldn’t waste a dime on them as long as you have good ol’ Vaseline. Vaseline seals in moisture, hydrating and softening cuticles. It also works wonders for the actual nail, too, hydrating it as well.
Get Beautiful Cuticles @michaellynann/Pinterest
For best results, you should apply Vaseline to clean hands at night, wearing soft gloves as you sleep. But, if you’re in a time crunch, you can rub the Vaseline in and let it sit for five minutes, wiping off the excess after the time is up.