In the realm of beauty and skincare, there exists a humble yet versatile hero. Petroleum jelly. This unassuming product holds a treasure trove of creative and unexpected uses for your beauty routine.
“From nourishing lips to highlighting certain features, here are some hacks to make the most out of this classic staple,” explains Themba Ndlovu, Clere Petroleum Jelly brand manager.
DIY cream highlighter Who needs expensive highlighters when you have petroleum jelly on hand? Mix a small amount of your favourite shimmery eyeshadow or highlighter powder with petroleum jelly to create a customised cream highlighter. Dab it onto your cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of your nose for a natural, dewy glow that catches the light beautifully.
Soften elbows and knees Dry, rough elbows and knees can be a stubborn skincare challenge. Fortunately, petroleum jelly is up to the task. Regularly massage a thick layer of petroleum jelly onto these areas to soften rough skin and lock in moisture. For an added boost, consider mixing in a few drops of your favourite essential oil for a soothing and aromatic experience.
Save those cuticles For those who love a good at-home manicure, petroleum jelly can be a game-changer. Before painting your nails, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly around the edges of your nails. This acts as a barrier, preventing nail polish from staining your skin. Additionally, it helps to soften and moisturise your cuticles, keeping them looking healthy and neat.
Lip stain Love the look of a natural lip stain? Create your own custom shade by mixing a small amount of petroleum jelly with a bit of powdered blush or lipstick. Apply this concoction to your lips for a subtle, flushed tint that lasts throughout the day. The petroleum jelly ensures your lips stay hydrated while adding a hint of colour.
Protective barrier for hair dye Before starting your home hair dye session, protect your skin from staining with petroleum jelly. Apply it along your hairline, ears, and neck to create a barrier that prevents hair dye from clinging to your skin. This simple step makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your hair is the only thing that gets a vibrant new colour.
Lip care Dry, chapped lips are a common woe, especially during the change of seasons. Instead of constantly reapplying lip balm, consider slathering on a layer of petroleum jelly before bedtime. It creates a protective barrier that locks in moisture, leaving your lips soft and supple by morning. For a little extra TLC, mix a tiny amount of sugar with petroleum jelly to create a gentle lip scrub that exfoliates and hydrates simultaneously.
Soft feet Say goodbye to dry, cracked heels with this simple trick … before bed, massage a generous amount of petroleum jelly onto your feet, paying extra attention to rough areas. Slip on a pair of socks and let the petroleum jelly work its magic overnight. Wake up to noticeably softer and smoother feet.
Eyeshadow intensifier Transform any powder eyeshadow into a rich, creamy formula with the help of petroleum jelly. Mix a small amount of petroleum jelly with your desired eyeshadow colour to create a vibrant, long-lasting cream eyeshadow. Not only does this intensify the colour, but it also helps the eyeshadow adhere better to your lids, preventing creasing throughout the day.
Makeup remover Stubborn makeup, meet your match. Petroleum jelly makes for an effective and gentle makeup remover, especially for waterproof mascara and long-lasting lipsticks. Simply apply a small amount onto a cotton pad and gently swipe away makeup. Not only does it dissolve makeup effortlessly, but it also hydrates the skin in the process.
Brow and lash tamer Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly onto a clean mascara wand or an old, cleaned-up eyebrow brush, then brush it through unruly eyebrows and your lashes. This not only shapes and grooms them but also conditions them over time, promoting healthier growth.
You’ll find affordable Clere Petroleum Jelly at stores including Clicks, Pick n Pay and Takealot. For more great beauty tips visit clere.co.za
