I'm a beauty product junkie by nature and profession. Yes, that means I use fancy creams on my face and expensive sulfate-free shampoos on my hair–but that doesn't mean I don't go DIY from time to time. In fact, you'd never guess what I use for my under-eye circles or my ashy elbows? Two words girl: Petroleum jelly. Yup, like the popular Vaseline you probably have sitting in your medicine cabinet. You'd be surprised how much you could do with this stuff–it works wonders!
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I'll never forget the first time I incorporated petroleum jelly into my beauty routine. My abuelita had recommended I use it as an eye cream to treat dark circles and prevent wrinkles. It worked like a charm and I've been hooked ever since. I even use it to smooth cracked heels and to remove my makeup. I rounded up 14 unusual uses for petroleum jelly that will absolutely blow your mind. Check them out!
Image via Corbis Images
Smooth cracked heels
My heels tend to dry and crack easily, don't ask me why. So to keep them soft and smooth all year long, I slather on a thick layer of petroleum jelly all over my feet and then quickly cover them with socks.
Use as an eye cream
I'm telling you, petroleum is a godsend when it comes to dark circles and puffiness. I layer it over my actual eye creams.
Apply as a night cream
If you're not acne-prone like me, petroleum jelly could be a cheap anti-aging savior. My abuelita and tias use it as a night cream. It keeps their skin super soft and supple.
Highlight
My makeup artist cousin swears by petroleum jelly when it comes to achieving a dewy, luminous complexion. She always tells me to dab some on my cheekbones and brow bones. And you know what? It really does work!
Smooth skin
I like apply petroleum jelly to the areas of my body that are more prone to dryness, especially during the winter. Like my elbows or knees for example.
Remove makeup
Whenever I'm out of makeup remover, I scoop out a little bit of petroleum jelly and spread it all over my face. It works every time!
Make your perfume last
A friend of mine suggested I massage a little petroleum jelly to my neck to help my perfume last longer. How cool is that trick?
Seal split ends
You might want to be careful with this one. Make sure to apply only a teeny tiny but of petroleum jelly to help smooth out split ends. Too much could leave your hair looking sticky and gross.
It's perfect for hair dyes
I never understood why my hairstylist always applies petroleum jelly around my forehead and behind my ears before a dye job. Well for starters, it protects the dye or bleach from burning your skin. It also prevents stains from showing up.
It's a great after-shave
For smooth, silky legs, apply petroleum jelly right after shaving. It'll look like you just had them waxed.
Smooth cuticles
This stuff works just as great, if not better than most of the cuticle oils out there.
Makes lashes look longer
Want to give your lashes a mascara break? Apply some petroleum jelly using a cotton swab. It makes lashes look longer and fuller.
Use as a lip scrub
During the winter time I like to mix a tablespoon of brown sugar with some petroleum jelly for a perfect DIY lip scrub. It gets those flakes out ASAP!
Use it to groom your brows
I keep my naturally thick brows tame by apply a little bit of petroleum jelly to them using a cotton swab. It's cheaper than any of the brows gels out there–that's for sure!
