40 ways to use multi-purpose balms

If that multi-purpose balm that lives in your handbag or jacket pocket is only being used on your chapped lips, get ready for your mind to be blown.

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This Swiss Army knife of beauty products (which you've only been using for one thing!) will soon heal ailments and be your go-to for achieving a dewy complexion.

And according to Kate Bosworth, you can even use it on the ends of your lashes for a thicker, fuller effect.

For anyone confused by what on earth a multi-use balm even is, we are referring to a skin care formula that's typically thick in consistency, colourless and scent-free. It's purpose in a nutshell is to nourish and hydrate skin.

Our faves include:

• Lano Lips 101 Ointment
• Sukin Naturals Paw Paw Ointment
• Weleda Skin Food
• Aquaphor
• Trilogy Everything Balm
• Vaseline

Got one of those or something like it? Get ready to use it for basically everything...

40 ways to use a multi-purpose balm

1. To treat dry lips 

2. Apply over lipstick to add shine 

3. To treat dry cuticles 

4. To soothe mosquito, spider or various insect bites or stings

5. To smooth hair fly-aways

6. To treat cracked elbows 

7. As a dewy highlighter on cheekbones 

8. To treat cracked nipples 

9. To treat nappy rash 

10. To offer relief from psoriasis 

11. To heal grazes if you’ve fallen over

12. To soothe sunburn 

13. To ease chafing 

14. As a protective barrier for eczema and dermatitis 

15. To treat pash rash

16. To heal minor burns 

17. To hydrate cracked pet paws 

18. To treat cracked heels

19. To remove eye makeup 

20. To prevent split ends

21. Use it as a perfume base for longer lasting scent

22. To help remove tight rings off your finger 

23. As a barrier to prevent hair, brow or lash dye staining skin 

24. As an eyelash conditioner 

25. To lubricate stubborn door hinges 

26. To lift stubborn makeup stains 

27. To turn powder, or pigment makeup into cream products

28. Acts as a barrier for nail polish bleeding onto skin

29. As a leather polish 

30. Apply to dry skin spots before applying fake tan

31. To help insert piercings with ease

32. As a base of lip or body scrubs

33. To prevent nail polish lids glueing to the bottle

34. To stop razors from rusting 

35. As a dewy finish on eyelids

36. To tame unruly brow hairs

37. To define lashes

38. Applied to nipples during a run to avoid rubbing

39. To soothe freshly waxed or lasered skin 

40. To soothe a dry, red nose during a cold

Do you get the most out of your balms? What is the most obscure way you've ever used one?