Behind Bars Beauty: Learn How to Create Makeup in Prison

Makeup may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about prison life, but for many incarcerated individuals, it is a coveted luxury. Whether it’s for self-expression or to feel a sense of normalcy, makeup can have a powerful impact on one’s emotional well-being while behind bars. However, obtaining makeup in prison is not as simple as walking into a store and purchasing it. In fact, it is often prohibited and considered contraband. So how do prisoners manage to make their own makeup? In this article, we will explore the creative and resourceful ways that inmates have learned to make their own makeup while serving time in prison. From bold lipsticks to flattering eyeshadows, discover the secrets behind how prisoners make makeup in one of the most unlikely settings imaginable.

When it comes to the world of makeup and beauty, prison may not be the first place that comes to mind. However, makeup holds a significant role in prisons as it is often used by inmates for a variety of reasons such as boosting self-esteem, enhancing appearance, and even creating makeshift currencies. Despite the limited resources and lack of availability of products, prisoners have found ingenious ways to make their own makeup using items readily available within the prison walls. In this guide, we will delve into how to make makeup in prison and share some tips and tricks from ex-inmates.

The Importance of Makeup in Prison

The use of makeup in prison goes beyond just looking good. For many inmates, it serves as a form of self-expression and creativity. Wearing makeup can also help boost an inmate’s confidence and self-esteem, especially in an environment that can be oppressive and degrading. It enables inmates to retain a sense of identity and individuality amidst strict rules and regulations.

Another significant aspect of makeup in prison is its role as a form of currency. With limited resources available for purchase from commissaries, inmates often resort to trading goods or services for items they need or desire. Makeup is one such item that holds value within the confines of a jail cell. In some facilities, it is even used as payment for protection or favors.

Making Makeup in Prison: Tips & Tricks

Making or improvising with makeup requires ingenuity and creativity since most prisons do not allow any type of cosmetics inside their premises. Here are some tips from ex-inmates on how to make makeup using items readily available in prison.

– Eyeliner: One popular method for creating eyeliner is by burning rubber bands until they turn into ash. The residue can then be mixed with small amounts of water to create a paste-like consistency that can be applied as eyeliner using a small brush or toothpick.

– Lipstick: Lipstick is a highly sought-after item in prison, and many inmates have found ways to create their own. Using items like crayons, Skittles, and Kool-Aid, inmates mix these items with petroleum jelly or lotion to create a pigmented and long-lasting lipstick. Some even melt down M&Ms to create a red shade for lip color.

– Eyeshadow: Coffee grounds are often used to create an earth-toned eyeshadow. The grounds are mixed with small amounts of water and applied directly onto the lids or mixed with lotion to create a cream eyeshadow consistency.

– Blush: The vibrant colors of crushed up chalk or colored pencils are often used as makeshift blush in prison. These items are ground up and mixed with petroleum jelly to achieve the desired shade and consistency.

– Mascara: With coffee bags being readily available in prison, some inmates have discovered that the residue left behind can be used as mascara. The particles from the grounds cling onto lashes, creating a natural-looking mascara.

Challenges of Making Makeup in Prison

While makeup has its significance and purpose in prison, there are also challenges that come with making it from scratch. One of the primary issues faced by inmates is the lack of access to proper tools for application. Many use improvised brushes made from strands of hair or toothbrushes.

Another significant challenge is obtaining the necessary ingredients for makeup-making. Inmates must be resourceful and strategically plan when trading for items like coffee bags or colored pencils as they can be scarce commodities in prison.

Moreover, using DIY makeup may not always be safe as many prison-made products are not FDA-approved, and their ingredients may cause skin irritations or infections if not carefully handled.

Makeup holds value beyond just enhancing appearance in prisons; it serves as a form of self-expression, creativity, and even a form of currency. Making makeup in prison may be challenging, but it goes to show the resourcefulness and resilience of inmates in difficult situations. With limited resources and strict regulations, inmates have found ways to make their own makeup using items readily available within the prison walls. However, it is crucial to note the potential risks associated with using these products and to take precautionary measures when experimenting with DIY makeup in prison.

Making makeup in prison is a common practice that many inmates have mastered as a way to express their creativity and maintain their sense of self. With limited access to cosmetics and beauty products, prisoners have become highly skilled at creating their own makeup using basic, sometimes unconventional, ingredients. In this guide, we will explore the art of making makeup in prison and provide you with tips and techniques on how to achieve different looks with limited resources.

The Importance of Makeup in Prison

In prison, where personal belongings are restricted and uniforms are mandatory, makeup plays an important role in self-expression and boosting one’s self-esteem. It allows inmates to feel confident and in control of their appearance despite being confined in a restrictive environment. For some prisoners, makeup also serves as a way to conceal scars or tattoos that might be seen as gang-related or offensive.

Moreover, the act of making makeup itself can be therapeutic for inmates. It allows them to escape the monotony of prison life and express their creativity. Many inmates also use makeup as a form of bartering or currency within the prison community, trading it for other goods or services.

Gathering Ingredients

One of the challenges of making makeup in prison is having limited access to ingredient options. However, with some resourcefulness and creativity, inmates are able to create effective products using items that are readily available in the commissary or common household items.

Some common ingredients used in making prison makeup include water-based markers or ink pens for eyeliners, crayons mixed with lotion for lipsticks or blushers, coffee grounds for eyeshadows, and cocoa powder for bronzer. Inmates may also use ingredients like baby oil or petroleum jelly as base products for various cosmetics.

It is important to note that not all prisons allow inmates to freely purchase these items from the commissary. Therefore, it is crucial for inmates to find alternative sources such as trading with other inmates, receiving donations from family or friends, or even smuggling these items in.

Creating Makeup Products

Once the necessary ingredients are gathered, it’s time to get creative and mix them together to make various makeup products. The key to making prison makeup is improvisation and experimentation. There are no exact formulas for creating specific products, and it may take some trial and error before finding the perfect combination.

For example, to create a lipstick using crayons, inmates can melt down a small piece of crayon with a spoon over a flame (such as a lighter), mix in some lotion, and then mold it into a small pot or container. For eyeliners, water-based markers can be used by crushing the nib and mixing it with baby oil before applying it with an eyeliner brush.

When creating mascara, inmates must be extra cautious as not all ingredients are suitable for use near the eyes. Some have reported using toothpaste mixed with baby powder as an alternative mascara option. However, this is not recommended as toothpaste may contain chemicals that could irritate the eyes.

Tips for Achieving Different Looks

With limited resources and ingredient options, achieving different makeup looks in prison can be challenging. However, there are some tips and techniques that inmates have developed over time to achieve certain looks using their homemade cosmetics.

To create a smokey eye look using coffee grounds or cocoa powder, inmates can dampen a small brush before dipping it into the powder. This will help intensify the color and reduce fallout. For those who want more vibrant colors on their eyes, mixing water-based markers of different colors can create various shades that can be used as eyeshadows.

Another tip for achieving bold lip colors is by mixing lipstick shavings with vaseline or chapstick to create a lipstick balm. This way, the color will be less intense but still provide enough pigmentation for a dramatic look.

For those looking to add some shimmer or shine to their makeup, inmates have been known to use glitter nail polish mixed with baby oil as an alternative highlighter. This can be applied lightly over the cheekbones or any other desired areas.

Safety Precautions

While making makeup in prison can be a fun and creative process, inmates must also prioritize safety when using these homemade products. Some ingredients may not be suitable for use on the skin and could cause irritations or allergic reactions.

In addition, sharing makeup and tools with other inmates can also lead to the spread of infections and diseases. Therefore, it is important to only use your own products and avoid using communal supplies.

Making makeup in prison is an art that requires creativity, resourcefulness, and patience. It not only serves as a means of self-expression but also provides a sense of control and empowerment for inmates in a restrictive environment. With limited resources and ingredients, inmates have mastered the art of creating different makeup products and achieving various looks. While the ingredient options may be unconventional, the passion and skill that goes into making prison makeup cannot be denied.

1. Can prisoners make their own makeup in prison?
Yes, prisoners can make their own makeup in prison using simple and easily accessible materials.

2. What materials are needed to make makeup in prison?
Some of the common materials used to make makeup in prison include baby powder, crayons, petroleum jelly, and lotion.

3. Is it safe to use homemade makeup in prison?
Safety depends on the ingredients used and the correct methods of making the makeup. It is important to properly test and clean all materials before use.

4. How do prisoners obtain the materials needed for making makeup?
Prisoners may obtain materials for making makeup through commissary items or by trading with other inmates.

5. Are there any guidelines or regulations regarding prisoners making their own makeup?
Each prison facility may have different rules and regulations regarding inmates making their own makeup. It is important for prisoners to consult with their facility staff before attempting to make any products.

6. Can inmates sell their homemade makeup products to other inmates?
It is not recommended for inmates to sell their homemade makeup products as it may violate prison rules and regulations. Inmate-made items are also not regulated by health authorities, posing potential health risks for buyers.

In conclusion, the process of making makeup in prison serves as a means of self-expression, creativity, and resourcefulness for inmates who are often deprived of basic human necessities. Despite the limited materials and resources available, prisoners have found ways to create their own makeup products using everyday items such as pencils, toothpaste, and coffee grounds.

However, this practice also sheds light on the inadequate support and resources provided to inmates in the criminal justice system. It highlights the lack of access to basic hygiene products for prisoners, which not only affects their physical appearance but also their self-esteem and mental well-being. The issue is further compounded for female inmates who have specific beauty needs and are often forced to rely on makeshift solutions.

Moreover, the process of making makeup in prison also raises questions about the impact of excessive regulations on prisoners’ autonomy and freedom. In an environment where every move is monitored and controlled, having control over one’s appearance can be empowering for inmates.

It is important to recognize that this topic goes beyond just makeup; it speaks to larger issues within our prison system such as dehumanization, lack of rehabilitation programs, and unequal treatment towards marginalized communities.

In conclusion, the creation of makeup behind bars is a reflection of the resilience and creativity of incarcerated individuals. However, it also highlights