50 Ways to Use Vaseline Other Than the Obvious

By: Lauren Wurth | Published: Dec 06, 2022

Vaseline is one of those products you always have lying around the house, but it actually has many more uses than you might expect. Vaseline has been around for more than a century and it is still one of the best products around!

Here are some ways you can get the best use out of this trusty salve. Some you might already do, but we bet some of these will surprise you.

1. TLC for Pet Paws

Vaseline isn’t just a magic product for us humans. It can be used to help out our furry friends as well. Any of us with pets want to make sure that their little paws are protected.

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Source: Hepper | Modern Cat Furniture/ Pinterest

If you find that your pet has cracked and sore paws, gently rub some Vaseline on them and they’ll be good to go. This will help moisturize them and irradicate some of the pain for your pups!

2. Rust Prevention

Most of us probably don’t do the best job at keeping our tools clean. I know I just take a rag to them when I’ve used mine. But, Vaseline can be an excellent way to give those tools an extra layer of protection.

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Source: Freds Applicance Academy

This will make your tool last much longer and you won’t have to replace them as often. It’s fast, easy, and super cheap.

3. Relieve Mask Chafing

For any of those nurses and doctors out there that have to wear a face mask for many hours of their day, this is an excellent way to alleviate rubbing and irritation on the sensitive skin of your face.

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Source: Istock

It basically provides a protective barrier between your skin and the fabric of the mask. This is an excellent option for those of us with more sensitive skin.

4. Enhance Nail Polish

Have you seen those amazing pictures of girls’ nails online where their fingers look perfectly moisturized? Well, here’s the secret: Vaseline. Rub a tiny bit into your nail beds and they’ll look clean and moisturized.

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Source: We Heart It/ Pinterest

Not to mention, it’s great for your skin anyways. We do so much with our hands throughout the day so it’s a good idea to take care of them. Vaseline will help them look and feel amazing.

5. Remove a Stuck Ring

Have you ever had a ring get stuck on your finger? It’s incredibly stressful and the more you pull on it to try and get it off, the more anxious you become! But, fear not because there is a simple solution with one trusty product that you likely have in your cabinet.

Source: audry rose/ Pinterest

Rub some Vaseline around your finger and the ring that is stuck on it. Try gently wiggling the ring off. Also, hold the hand above your head to help your hand de-swell. Holding ice on it can also help to shrink your finger.

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6. Protection for New Tattoos

New tattoos need to be protected because they’re extremely sensitive. After all, you just had a bunch of needles press ink into your skin and you probably paid a pretty penny for it.

Source: Daxiao/ Trendy matter

To protect it from sweat, dirt, and any other outside elements while it heals, use Vaseline on the area every other day for the protection of sensitive skin. It will help heal as well.

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7.  Pain-free Earrings

If you have some irritated skin around a piercing, this is the hack for you. This is especially helpful for those with new piercings. Rub some Vaseline on the area before you go to sleep or throughout the day.

Source: J/Pinterest

It will keep the skin soft and non-irritated. This way, if you roll over in your sleep it will hopefully not wake you up. It will also help relieve redness around the ears.

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8. A Quick DIY Full Body Scrub

You can make your own scrub by mixing Vaseline with sugar or salt. Using a gentle, massaging motion will help to exfoliate and soothe your skin. You can also add a little bit of oatmeal to the mix. Oatmeal is an excellent exfoliator, helping to get rid of dead cells and stimulate circulation.

Source: Flickr

If you can get your hands on Epsom salts, this will be even better. Epsom salts are often used for relaxation and relieving stress. They have a soothing effect on the skin and help to remove toxins from the body. Epsom salts can be added to the Vaseline and oatmeal mixture to make it more effective. 

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9. Stop Scars from Developing

When you get a burn or cut, apply a thin layer of Vaseline to the affected area. This will help prevent scars from forming while simultaneously reducing the overall healing time.

Source: Flickr

Dirt may provide a good breeding ground for bacteria. So, clean the area with warm water and soap regularly to prevent bacteria from building up. Don’t use ointments that contain alcohol because it can dry out the skin. If you have an injury, keep it covered and protected.

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10. Use Vaseline After Waxing and Threading

There are many ways to remove unwanted hair. Waxing is one of the most common methods of hair removal, but it can cause irritation and leave you with noticeable bumps and redness. Apply Vaseline to the skin to help it recover faster, and you’ll be left with fewer breakouts!

Source: Ditaforct

Hair removal creams have been around for a while. They are used in the same way as shaving, but they are not always as effective and can cause a burning sensation if not properly applied. Whatever hair removal method you use, Vaseline can usually be used afterward as a soothing agent. However, if you’re experiencing extreme irritation, it’s best to seek medical advice. 

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11. Cuticle Care

Cuticles are the skin just below the surface of your nail, and they have a tendency to get brittle and uncomfortable if you don’t care for them and keep them moisturized. If left alone, they can become extremely dry and peel off, which is not a pretty sight!

Source: Osovogue.wordpress.com

Cuticles are an important part of your nail anatomy as they serve to protect newly-grown nails from dirt and bacteria. Use Vaseline on your cuticles to keep the surrounding skin soft, healthy, and clean.

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12. Smear Protection When Painting Nails

To prevent nail polish from smearing onto your skin, put a small amount of Vaseline around the skin just next to the fingernails. This will make it easier to wipe off the nail polish if you slip when painting.

Source: KATHLEEN KAMPHAUSEN

If you run out of Vaseline, how do you remove nail polish that has already been dried on your skin? Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol with white vinegar. Apply the mixture to the nail polish with a cotton swab. Finally, rub the nail polish off with a nail brush. 

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13. Lock in Lip Color

Use a thin layer of Vaseline on your lips to extend the life of your lipstick. It will also make it appear more intense as it helps augment the color and body of the lipstick.

Source: Pinkblog

To get the perfect “red lip” look, use dark red lipstick and then add a layer of translucent red over the top. If you are going for a bright pink lip, apply a light pink lipstick over a bright pink lip liner. This is a great trick to make your lips pop.

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14. Fire Igniter

If you have one of those old-fashioned camp grills that have a hard time igniting, this little trick will get it started. Coat a cotton ball in Vaseline and light it. This kindling will last for long enough to get all the other things going. Once the fire is going, add chunks of charcoal or wood.

Source: Flickr

If you are using something like kerosine as a fuel source, be sure to keep it away from your food. You don’t want to ruin your cooking experience by having such fuel sources affect your meal.

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15. Keep Stubble Under Control

A great skincare routine for people who have sensitive skin is to apply some Vaseline before shaving. It softens the skin slightly, which makes it easier to get a close shave. The Vaseline will also help soothe your face and prevent razor burn and ingrown hairs.

Source: YouTube

You can use a lot of different products on your face, including face wash, astringent, toner, and moisturizer. However, it’s important to use things with gentle ingredients that won’t irritate your skin. Vaseline is the mildest and safest of them all.

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16. Stuck Zipper? No Problem!

Sometimes, zippers get stuck when a tiny particle gets in the way. This can be frustrating, but don’t despair – it happens to all of us from time to time! If a zipper is stuck, then you can try to move it back to free it up. If it still won’t budge, it’s time to pull out the Vaseline. 

Source: homehacks.co

Apply Vaseline to both sides of the zipper and then gently try moving it back and forth. This should soon allow you to unzip it easily.

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17. Manage Eyebrows

Vaseline can help keep your eyebrows in order. Just apply a thin layer and use a spoolie to style them the way you want. It’s not an eyebrow gel per se, but it does perform the same function.

Source: Facelift 2015

The best thing about Vaseline is that you can find it anywhere, and it’s always available at a reasonable price. It’s one of those products that’s so inexpensive that you could easily use a tub every day for the rest of your life and still have some to spare!

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18. Rejuvenate Your Lips

If you like the look of your lips but are unhappy with their texture, you can apply some Vaseline and let it sit for a few minutes, then use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub your lips. This will help get rid of the dead cells that make your lips look dull. You will soon have the softest lips you’ve ever had in your life!

Source: Louise McSharry/ DailyEdge

Vaseline can make your lips feel smoother and look more hydrated, giving you that much-needed boost of confidence. 

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19. Paint Remover

After painting all day, don’t worry about having any splatters left on your skin. Just apply Vaseline, wait a few minutes, then gently wipe it away with a soft cloth. Your skin will be moisturized, clean, and ready to receive another coat of paint!

Source: bobvila.com

Vaseline will work its magic and pull the paint off your skin. The science behind this is that Vaseline doesn’t evaporate, so it won’t allow the paint to dry. It’s more of a lubricant than a solvent. 

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20. Worry-free Dyeing

The first thing you should do if you’re going to dye your hair is to protect your skin with some Vaseline. Hair dyes contain high amounts of ammonia that can pose a serious risk to your health if too much of your skin is exposed to it. 

Source: Southern Living

Ammonia can cause irritation, redness, swelling, peeling, and even blistering. It can also make your scalp dry, leaving it more vulnerable to other irritants. Vaseline can help prevent any stray dye from sticking to your skin because of its barrier-creating, moisture-repelling properties.

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21. A Good Aftershave Ritual

To keep your skin smooth and shiny, you’ll want to put a little Vaseline on it before and after shaving. Vaseline is an emollient, which is basically a fancy word for moisturizer. It’s a great way to help your skin heal faster and feel more comfortable. It will also make the hair that comes off of your face softer and easier to shave. 

Source: Static Flickr

Shaving gel will also work as an alternative, but Vaseline is better because it doesn’t have any chemicals that could cause irritation or harm to your skin.

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22. An Easy Regimen for a Healthy Glow

Use a tiny dab of Vaseline if your skin is looking a little dull. It will give you a healthier look. Use an exfoliating sponge or washcloth to remove the dead skin cells that tend to accumulate on the surface. Doing this will help your skin look fresher, smoother, and more radiant.

Source: Pexels

However, avoid using too much Vaseline because it can clog your pores and cause acne to appear on your skin. This is a great trick for special events, but not so much for everyday use. 

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23. An Easy Fix for Gum in Hair

Getting chewing gum in your hair is such a pain. You’ll end up pulling out some of your hair or being forced to cut it out if you try to remove it by force. To save your hair, cover the area around the gum with Vaseline. You should soon be able to gently pull it out. 

Source: Times Food

Absolutely no force should be used. If the gum doesn’t come out, even with the help of Vaseline, try freezing it by applying ice cubes. This should harden it up and remove its stickiness. 

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24. Protect Scabs

Scabbing is a natural defense of the skin that occurs whenever an open wound is left uncovered. Scabs form over the wound to keep out dirt, germs, and bacteria. A layer of Vaseline gently added to a scab helps to keep the skin even more protected.

Source: Medical News Today

Don’t pick at scabs. It spreads germs and makes the skin more vulnerable to infection. When you are cleaning yourself, use a soft cloth and avoid rubbing too hard. Hard rubbing can cause the skin to become irritated and increase your chance of infection.

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25. Soothe Eczema

Eczema is a very common skin condition. It’s caused by a combination of factors, so it’s important to take extra care of your skin to help it stay calm and well-hydrated. After a bath, apply a small amount of Vaseline directly onto the affected areas to keep them moisturized.

Source: Healthy Living SG

Vaseline helps protect your skin from the drying effects of the environment. It’s also great for keeping the skin clean. Use this trick at least once or twice a week to help prevent eczema flare-ups. 

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26. Seal Your Hair’s Moisture

There are many things you can do to make your hair soft and moisturized. You can add more products like oils or conditioners, but you may also try using a tiny bit of Vaseline, which can create a barrier so moisture can’t escape.

Source: BeBeautiful.in

Petroleum jelly is a good option if you have frizzy or dry hair because it can help seal in moisture. The downside is that Vaseline can be sticky and may leave your hair feeling greasy. So, apply it sparingly, focusing on the dry ends of your hair. 

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27. Soothe Dry or Scaly Skin

If you are suffering from dry and cracked skin, there is a simple solution that will make your skin soft and smooth. Just apply Vaseline, and it will keep your skin hydrated, leaving it feeling soft and smooth. Remember to apply it evenly and cover all parts of the affected area.

Source: Flickr

Dry skin is usually a sign of dehydration and low water levels in your body. It can be caused by many factors such as stress, excessive sweating, lack of sleep, and overexposure to the sun. It may also be due to illness or health problems.

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28. Protect Against Diaper Rashes

The first diaper change of the day is when diaper rashes are most common. Vaseline can be used as a preventive measure against the formation of rashes. In addition, petroleum jelly applied to the area around the diaper rash will help reduce the risk of irritation and chafing.

Source: Flickr

A rash that develops on the skin around the diaper area is often a result of a bacterial infection. This rash can be made worse by using an unsanitary cloth or disposable diaper, so be careful. 

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29. Easy Light Bulb Removal

Light fixtures and light bulbs are not always easy to remove. Sometimes, there is a safety concern if you attempt to do it yourself. You can always call a professional to remove and replace the light fixture for you, but there are ways to do it safely yourself. 

Source: Flickr

If you don’t want to have to fight with hard-to-remove light bulbs but also want to save money by not calling someone to do it for you, put some Vaseline on the base of the bulb before installing it. It will easily come right off the next time you want to change the bulb.

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30. Prevent Skin Damage from Windy Days

Before venturing out on a cold and windy day, apply a thin layer of Vaseline to your hands and face. This will protect them from the harsh elements. Absolutely no moisturizer is needed! If you’re going to be hiking up a steep mountain, wear a pair of walking boots or sturdy sneakers.

Source: Flickr

You might also consider wearing a hat and sunglasses. Also, don’t forget to bring along plenty of water. Keep yourself hydrated and nourished by drinking plenty of water. The body needs water to help regulate its core temperature.

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31. Prevent Chafing from Clothes

If you’re prone to chafing, use Vaseline before you put on that favorite outfit. It will keep the itchy, uncomfortable feeling at bay. If your skin is sensitive, be sure to wear clothes that are comfortable and breathable. 

Source: BeBeautiful.in

The best advice is to avoid cotton underwear in summer. Cotton absorbs sweat, becomes heavy and uncomfortable, and could aggravate chafing. For daytime wear, choose lightweight, natural fabrics such as linen, silk, or blends of these materials. Avoid rayon and polyester, both of which can cause irritation.

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32. Renew Your Scalp

If your scalp is in a bad state and you need to repair it, massage a little Vaseline into your scalp before shampooing your hair. This will help protect your skin and nourish it by preventing the shampoo from stripping away your natural oils.

Source: Pexels

Ammonia and parabens are the two most common shampoo ingredients that need to be avoided. They are harmful chemicals used in hair care products that are known to cause cancer, especially among women. Ammonia is a highly corrosive chemical that can damage your hair, scalp, and eyes. Parabens are synthetic preservatives that are used to keep your shampoos and conditioners from spoiling.

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33. Soothe Your Feet

You can apply a layer of Vaseline all over your feet and then wear socks to lock in the moisture. Then, all that’s left to do is to slip into bed feeling completely comfortable and pampered.

Source: Pexels

You can also use foot baths to keep your feet feeling great and fresh before applying Vaseline to them. Fill a basin with warm water, add some essential oils, and soak your feet for 15 minutes. Make sure you’re not overworking your feet, especially if they have been injured in the past.

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34. Keep Shampoo Out of Baby’s Eyes

This trick could be helpful for parents who are worried about getting shampoo in their baby’s eyes. Apply Vaseline to your baby’s eyebrows first. The petroleum jelly will act as a water-repellant.

Source: Pexels

When you wash your baby’s head, the water will bead up and run off the Vaseline-coated eyebrows. Don’t use too much Vaseline – just enough to make the hairs on your baby’s brows stand up a little. You may wash your baby’s hair after that.

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35. Pain-free Eyelash Removal

A good way to remove false eyelashes painlessly is to apply a thin layer of Vaseline to the base of the lashes so you can then pull them out easily. Surprisingly, this simple trick works like a charm.

Source: Flickr

Another tip is to use a pair of tweezers and gently tug on the lash band – just enough to loosen the glue but not enough to actually remove the lash. You can then slowly pull the lashes off with your hands. By doing it this way, you will have full control compared to using tweezers.

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36. Alleviate Sunburn

If you don’t have any aloe-based ointment around, you can rub Vaseline into the burn to soothe it. Gently slather a tiny dab on the affected area. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then gently wipe away the excess with a clean cloth or paper towel. 

Source: Facebook

You can also use a cold compress to reduce the swelling and discomfort caused by your sunburn. The skin is more sensitive when it’s hot, so applying a cold pack will help ease the pain and discomfort.

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37. Make an Infused Lip Balm

Mix Vaseline with flavored drink powder, and the result will be a delicious, flavorful lip balm that will leave your lips feeling soft and supple. This is one of the best natural lip balms for dry, cracked, or chapped lips. It’s made from all-natural ingredients, and it contains no parabens. It also has a wonderful taste that lingers long after you apply it!

Source: Flickr

Vaseline is a good base for many other things, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Vaseline is the all-purpose friend of the mechanic, the homemaker, and the adventurer.

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38. Get Sparkly During Festivals!

Festival-goers should make sure they bring glitter and Vaseline with them. They’ll be able to apply the glitter and leave it on their skin without having to worry about it coming off. The glitter will give the effect of a thousand tiny fairy wings, and the Vaseline will keep the glitter in place all day long.

Source: Bespoke-Bride

The glitter on your face will create that perfect festival look. Furthermore, when you are dancing, the glitter will sparkle on your skin, adding that special electric fizz to your look and aesthetic.

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39. Smooth Rough Elbows and Knees

It’s always a good idea to moisturize your elbows and knees. You don’t want to miss any spots. Your elbow skin needs special care, so does the skin on your knees. Vaseline is effective for penetrating the thickest skin layers, so it can effectively treat both of these areas.

Source: Flickr

For the best results, apply moisturizer to the elbow and knee areas in the morning. Wait a few minutes. This will allow the cream to penetrate the deeper skin layers. Finally, lock all this lush moisture in with a layer of Vaseline. This should be done at least twice a week.

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40. Clear Scuffs

The best way to remove scuff marks from leather is to use a little Vaseline on a soft cloth to buff them off. This will make the leather look new and shiny again. It will “re-polish” the surface of the leather. 

Source: Flickr

This trick works very well with all leather, but it is especially useful when you are trying to make an old pair of leather shoes look like new again. Don’t use a hard brush or any kind of abrasive material on the leather. It could damage the surface. Vaseline, a soft cloth, and a bit of patience are all you need. 

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41. A Handy Makeup Remover

It’s common to run out of makeup remover and resort to using an old cotton ball or piece of tissue paper. To make matters worse, this can actually cause your makeup to cake on even more. If you are like everyone else and find yourself doing this all the time, then it is time to take a step back and look at some new ways to remove makeup.

Source: Getty Images

Next time you run out of your favorite makeup remover, try adding a bit of Vaseline to a cotton pad and using it in the same way you would apply your usual product. Your makeup will come right off. Indeed, Vaseline may become your new favorite makeup remover! 

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42. Renew Leather Furniture

Leather furniture is an investment that you will keep for many years. If you want to extend its life and get the most out of your investment, you should take good care of it. However, leather furniture can start looking a little shabby when it begins to show wear and tear. Thankfully, all you have to do is apply a little Vaseline to the worn spots and rub it with a cloth to give it a new, polished look.

Source: KnowtoLove.com

Always make sure the leather is clean and dry before you start working. Dirt and dust can cause the leather to break down. It is also important to protect your leather from excessive heat.

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43. Keep Razors Clean

It’s important to keep your razor blades clean and rust-free, so they will last as long as possible. Rust can build up on the blades over time and cause them to dull prematurely. To clean and protect your blades from rust, wash and rub them dry after each shave, and then coat them with a thin layer of Vaseline.

Source: essence.com

Vaseline’s ability to lubricate while repelling moisture will prevent the blades from getting dull. This also protects your blades from the elements and helps them last longer. 

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44. Emphasize Those Cheekbones!

If you want to improve your face without invasive surgery, put Vaseline on the top of your cheekbones and along your jawline and let it gently reflect the light. It’s a simple, inexpensive way to get a more attractive appearance without any effort at all. This will enhance and emphasize your natural facial contours.

Source: Flickr

For a more dramatic effect, you can also mix a little bit of bright-pink lipstick in with the Vaseline to create the illusion of having more pronounced cheekbones. Of course, we don’t recommend using the pink flush on your jawline! 

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45. Manage Facial Hair Easily

If your beard is in need of a little tender loving care, add some Vaseline to it. The petroleum jelly will make it soft and manageable. Just rub it in well, and then style it into the shape you want to achieve.

Source: Flickr

Don’t go overboard with your grooming routine. Beards are not the same as the hair on your head and can be very sensitive to styling products. You don’t want to use a product that will dry out your beard and cause it to become brittle. Avoid styling products that contain parabens and ammonia.

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46. Make Perfume Last Twice as Long

Vaseline is the perfect solution for those times when your favorite perfume just doesn’t seem to last all day. Use Vaseline and then apply your favorite perfume to get a long-lasting fragrance. The unique combination of petroleum jelly and fragrance gives perfumed Vaseline an extra-long lasting scent that’s perfect for any occasion.

Source: Flickr

Alternatively, you can use your very own special blend of essential oils to create a long-lasting, organic perfume! Simply mix a few drops of your favorite essential oils with a few tablespoons of Vaseline, and you’re ready to go!

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47. Make Those Powders into Creams

Powder makeup often works better in a cream form. Use a small amount of Vaseline to create your own awesome products. Mixing powder makeup with a little Vaseline is the perfect way to get a creamy, light coverage without having to worry about the mess.

Source: Flickr

Just mix a little bit with your fingers and apply it over your face. For extra coverage, you can mix a little bit of concealer with your powder makeup. The concealer will help cover up any spots or blemishes you may have, and the powder makeup will help set it all in place.

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48. Loosen a Frozen Lock

If you have a jammed door handle, try applying a dab of petroleum jelly to it before banging and screaming. The petroleum jelly may help free up the stuck door handle and make it easier to open the door.

Source: Flickr

Without a doubt, this simple little trick will save a lot of grief for a lot of people. We bet you didn’t know there were so many things you could do to make life better with no more than a tub of Vaseline. Don’t worry – we didn’t know either until we compiled this list! There are still a couple of excellent tips to come, so do keep reading.

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49. Solve Squeaks

If you have squeaky door hinges, you know they make a horrible racket, especially if you have kids. You can prevent the noise by applying some Vaseline to the hinge mechanism.

Source: Kuulpeeps.com

Hinges are just one of those things about a house that tend to wear out over time and need attention. If you pay attention to little things like this, you will extend the life of your house and save a lot of money in the long run.

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50. Get Lustrous Lashes

Petroleum jelly can make your lashes appear plumper and more voluminous. A tiny bit of the stuff applied to the tips of your eyelashes can give them a glossy appearance. Because petroleum jelly is an emollient, it can help protect the delicate skin around your eyes from dryness and irritation.

Source: Flickr

A little petroleum jelly applied to the bottom lash line can also prevent eye makeup from smudging under your eyes. Vaseline can also be used as a make-up base for waterproof mascara. Who would’ve thought petroleum jelly would have so many awesome uses!

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