Vaseline is a perfect, cheap alternative to moisturiser for all your dry bits and lips. It is 100% petroleum jelly with no colours, no fragrances- absolutely nothing added! Because of this, it is hypoallergenic and suitable for everyone to use- from babies right through to the elderly.
***History***
Petroleum jelly was discovered by Robert Chesebrough in 1859 in Brooklyn, New York. Within 6 months of discovery, Chesebrough had twelve wagons distributing the product, under the trade name Vaseline, across the state. In 1872, Chesebrough patented the process of making petroleum jelly. The patent of Vaseline used to be owned by Chesebrough-Pond's Inc but is now owned by Unilever.
***Range***
Vaseline produce not only petroleum jelly but have, more recently, introduced the Vaseline Intensive Care range, incorporating hand and body moisturising creams, deodorants and anti-perspirants. As this is a review
of Vaseline Petroleum Jelly, I'll stick to talking about that. It comes in the following sizes:
- 'Pocket Size' 20g tin (Priced at 99p)
- 100g Tub (Priced at £1.39)
(Prices taken from www.boots.com) Huge range of sizes, huh? There may be more but these are the only two I've heard of. However, there is no need for any size other than these unless you are using it commercialy. The 20g size is perfect for slipping in your pocket and you'll never catch me outside without mine! It is mainly for using as a lip balm in this size, otherwise you will get through it very fast and it won't be as economical. If you use it as a body moisturiser, the 100g tub is for you. One of these will last you over a year, even using it every day, and only costs 40p more than the 20g size. Do beware when using it as any kind of moisturiser as it is very greasy and will leave marks on your clothes if you dress soon after applying it. Think of it as baby oil but not quite as greasy!
You can buy Vaseline from all good supermarkets and chemists, Boots, Superdrug, and cheap shops like Wilkinsons.
***Uses (there must be hundreds!)***
1. A general body moisturiser. Apply after showering or bathing to slightly damp skin to lock in moisture.
2. An intensive overnight treatment for dry hands and feet- just smooth on and cover with cotton gloves/socks before going to bed.
6. An exfoliant- just add sea salt to a small amount of Vaseline and rub over your body, then rinse.
7. As a lip balm for dry, chapped lips. You can also use it to make your lipstick last longer by applying first, then blotting before applying lipcolour.
8. As a facial moisturiser for dry skin. It is marketed as non-comodogenic (won't clog pores) but although I haven't tried it on my face (I have oily skin) I'm not sure I believe it won't clog pores!
9. For a facial- apply Vaseline all over your face and cover with a warm,damp cloth. Leave for 10 minutes and rinse off well. My mum swears by this one- she says it really works!
10. To apply loose body glitter (only ever use special body glitter, not glitter for craft purposes!), mix with a little vaseline and smooth on.
11. Try applying a very very (I mean very) tiny amount of Vaseline to your eyelids underneath your eyeshadow- it will last longer. Or you can apply over eyeshadow to give your eyelids a shimmery look.
12. Use to soothe skin after shaving or waxing and after tweezing eyebrows.
13. Rub it along your hairline before colouring your hair to prevent the dye from colouring your skin.
14. As a make-up remover- it won't dry or irritate your skin and removes make-up quickly and effectively. It will even moisturise your skin as you clean!
15. To prevent nappy rash, apply Vaseline after changing your baby's nappy. It creates a protective, waterproof barrier. Vaseline is also gentle enough to use anywhere on a baby's body to prevent redness from dryness and harsh weather. It can also help soothe cradle cap.
16. Stop shampoo from getting in a baby's eyes by rubbing a line of Vaseline above the eyebrows. Shampoo will run off to the sides.
17. When you have a cold, your nose can often get dry and sore. A coating of Vaseline can help to prevent and soothe this.
18. Getting chewing gum in your hair is a nightmare! To get it out, rub Vaseline into the hair until the chewing gum slides out.
19. Vaseline can be used on leather to leave it soft, shiny and supple.
20. When painting around windows, apply a thin layer of Vaseline to the edge of the window and any paint splatters will wipe right off.
21. Stop the lids of nail varnish bottles sticking by applying a thin layer of Vaseline around the neck.
22. Apply to minor cuts and burns to speed healing.
23. It is also used in tattooing and piercing to let the needle pass across the skin or through the body more easily.
I could go on! Hope my review was of use!
xxx Laura
www.vaseline.com
Pictures of Vaseline Petroleum Jelly
Vaseline 20g
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
This is the most versatile thing in my beauty bag! I use it on my lips, my eyes and cheeks to provide gloss and shine as well as on very dry skinned bits of my body like my elbows! You've even introduced some new uses to me - a Vaseline expert! Sarah x
bigbardo 28.04.2004 11:43
great review-honestly hadn't a clue it has so many qualites
coolcam7 27.03.2004 10:27
I never knew vaseline had so many uses until I read all these reviews about it! Mine just goes on my lips usually :) xxx
Vaseline Petroleum Jelly is a mixture of mineral oils, paraffin and microcrystalline waxes ... more
that, when blended together, create something remarkable - a smooth jelly that has a melting point just above body temperature. The result - it literally melts i...
Postage & Packaging: £2.95 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Vaseline Petroleum Jelly is a mixture of mineral oils, paraffin and microcrystalline waxes ... more
that, when blended together, create something remarkable - a smooth jelly that has a melting point just above body temperature. The result - it literally melts i...
Postage & Packaging: £2.95 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...