25 Vaseline Hacks We Wish We Knew Sooner

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.com

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! 

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.com

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. 

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. 

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.com

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. 

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.

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/stock.adobe.com

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. 

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. 

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.com

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. 

Est. Cost: $1-$2*
Purpose: Fixes minor scratches 

Though you might be wondering who still buys CDs and DVDs when so many streaming services are available, a lot of people do. And, for those people, you can use Vaseline to fix minor scratches in your discs.

Repair Scratched CDs/DVDs @techzaada/Youtube.com

Just apply Vaseline to the scrape to smooth it, rubbing it on with a soft, dry, clean cloth. Wipe off the excess, and the CD or DVD should be good to go, with no more annoying skips or pauses from the scratch. Of course, this only works for minor scratches that aren’t too serious.

Est. Cost: $1-$2*
Purpose: Can keep paint off of things while you do your DIY project 

Calling all DIYers, this hack is for you. You can apply Vaseline to doorknobs, hinges, lightswitch panels, and the like to mask surfaces where you don’t want paint to stick. This comes in handy when you’re painting, and all you need is a thin layer.

Keep Doorknobs, Hinges, Light Switches, Etc. Paint-Free @axiuminspections/youtube.com

For example, if you’re painting a door, you can first apply a thin layer of Vaseline to the doorknob. When you’re done painting, remove the Vaseline, and it will take any droplets of paint with it, leaving the knob unstained.