Beauty on the internet has a way of circling back to the simplest ideas. One week, it is a cutting-edge serum powered by laboratory breakthroughs. Next, it is a humble tub of petroleum jelly that has been sitting in bathroom cabinets for decades. TikTok’s latest fascination leans firmly toward the latter. Users are brushing a thin coat of Vaseline onto their lashes and declaring it the secret to curl, lift, and a softer kind of definition. The videos are hypnotic. A swipe of clear jelly, a blink into the camera, and suddenly everyone wants to know if this unassuming classic can truly stand in for mascara or even mimic a lash lift.
It makes sense. Lashes hold a certain power. When they look longer or glossier or more fanned out, the entire face feels more awake. So a trend that promises all of that with a product you already own was bound to catch fire. Still, anything that goes near the eyes deserves a closer look. So what actually happens when you coat your lashes with petroleum jelly, and is any of it worth the hype?
@jacquelinekilikita Never wearing mascara again lol #beautyinatik #vaseline #vaselinelashlift #lashlift #beautyhacks #vaselinelashes ♬ Honeypie – JAWNY
Vaseline is nothing new. It is simply petroleum jelly, an occlusive that creates a seal over the skin. Dermatologists recommend it because it prevents moisture loss and protects the skin barrier. It is used on dry patches, tiny cuts, elbows, lips, and anything that needs softening. Its biggest strength is its ability to lock hydration in place.
That same quality is what pulls people toward using it on their lashes. Anything that coats hair and keeps it flexible will naturally make it feel smoother and more resistant to breakage. Lashes, like the hair on your head, have a cuticle. When it dries out, it becomes brittle. When it stays lubricated, it bends more easily and looks fuller.
WHY TIKTOK THINKS IT WORKS
The logic behind the trend is fairly simple. Condition the lashes, reduce breakage, and they will appear denser. Plus, the jelly finish reflects light, so the lashes look darker and more defined. A thin layer of petroleum jelly gives lashes temporary shine and weight, which makes them seem slightly thicker. It also reduces snapping from curlers or rough mascara removal. In that sense, it can protect what you already have.
Where the trend gets ahead of itself is in suggesting that Vaseline acts like a lash lift or enhances growth. It does not. It cannot change the structure of the follicle. It cannot curl the lashes on its own. And it cannot grow new lashes. What it can do is support the lashes you already have, keeping them from breaking prematurely. Over time, this can mean fuller-looking lashes because fewer hairs are lost.
@selinadasilvaa my secret for the longest & thickest lashes ever 🤭✨ #lashes #longlashes #lashlift #vaseline #fyp ♬ original sound – Mikœ
The eye area, however, is sensitive. Most people tolerate petroleum jelly well, but issues can still occur if it is used without care. When too much is applied, it can clog the oil glands near the lash line and lead to small, painful bumps. If any of it gets into the eye, temporary blurry vision is almost guaranteed. Very rarely, it can cause irritation in the inner eyelid.
If your skin is acne-prone, the jelly can also contribute to breakouts if it spreads onto the cheeks or nose. And if you are prone to styes or have a history of eye infections, it is best to skip this trend entirely.
The safest approach is the simplest. Use a clean spoolie or a clean fingertip. Never dip into an old pot or share applicators. Start with damp lashes because moisture helps the jelly distribute evenly. Apply a small amount and keep it slightly away from the roots. Too much product too close to the lash line is the fastest way to clog a gland.
If you want more shape, curl your lashes after they are conditioned. Do it gently. Once the jelly is on, the hair bends more easily, but that also means you need a lighter hand. When it is time to remove it, use a tear-free cleanser, not harsh rubbing.
The Vaseline lash hack is not magic. It is not a true lash lift. It is not a growth treatment. What it offers is a soft sheen, a bit of conditioning, and a low-effort way to give lashes a more polished look without pigment or fibers. For some, that is enough. For others, it is an inexpensive addition to a routine that already includes curlers and serums.
TikTok may not always deliver flawless science, but every now and then, it reminds us that even the quietest product can have a moment.
