QUICK AND EASY USES OF PETROLEUM JELLY (VASELINE)

CUTICLE CREAM: Keep a little tub of the stuff by the sink and work into cuticles twice a day. It’s all you’ll need to prevent hangnails.

FACIAL MOISTURIZER: Because it’s non-comedogenic, petroleum jelly is perfect for locking in moisture without risking breakouts.

EYEBROW TAMER: Control errant hairs and shape brows by brushing on a tiny dab of petroleum jelly using a toothbrush.

DIY LIP PLUMPER: A pinch of cinnamon or cayenne turns Vaseline into a lip plumper that rivals anything you can buy at the beauty counter.

NAIL POLISH NEATENER: Before applying polish, trace petroleum jelly over cuticles and the skin around your nails using an eyeliner brush or pointed cotton swab. If you then accidentally paint a little outside the lines you can just wipe off the mistakes after lacquer dries.

SHOE POLISH: If you don’t have standard polish on hand, shine and soften shoes almost as well by rubbing on Vaseline and buffing off the excess.

EYE MAKEUP REMOVER: Just a dab instantly breaks up the toughest mascaras and waterproof liners, while leaving skin around the eyes moisturized.

HAIR DYE STAIN PREVENTER: Keep hair dyes from staining your forehead and ears by rubbing a thin layer of petroleum jelly just below your hairline and over each ear before coloring hair.

PERFUME PROLONGER: Smooth a bit of petroleum jelly on your skin wherever you’re going to apply perfume, and spray as usual. It will help the scent to stick.

MAKESHIFT MASCARA: Sweep on a light coating of petroleum jelly instead of mascara. It fakes the appearance of longer, thicker lashes, but looks much more natural.

PATENT LEATHER POLISH: Petroleum jelly revives the glossy shine of patent leather accessories.

LIPSTICK STAIN REMOVER: The next time you get lip-color on clothing, blot petroleum jelly on the spot as a pre-treatment, then launder as usual.

RING REMOVER: Unstick a ring by using petroleum jelly as a lubricat..

OVERNIGHT HAND & FOOT SOFTENER: Avoid having to constantly reapply hand lotion throughout the day by slathering your hands and feet in petroleum jelly and wearing socks and gloves to bed. By morning, they’ll be soft and smooth—and will stay that way.

LUMINIZER: Petroleum jelly can be used on its own as makeup to add a little shine to eyelids cheekbones or lips, creating a surprisingly luxe looking sheen for such an affordable formula.

BODY SCRUB: Concoct your own at-home exfoliator by mixing Vaseline with Epsom salt or brown sugar.

PREVENT ‘CHUB RUB’: If you’re a runner (or just have some extra soft spots), rub petroleum jelly wherever you tend to chafe. It’ll lubricate and protect skin.