As a trans woman in prison, I have to get creative with my beauty routine. I use coffee grinds and Kool-Aid for makeup.

• As a trans woman in prison, I have difficulties getting access to beauty products.

• I get creative by mixing items I can procure, like Kool-Aid, Vaseline, coffee grinds, and pencils.

• My unique beauty routine helps me connect with my true identity in prison.

I'm an incarcerated trans woman, and my beauty routine and self-care practices have become a crucial aspect of my mental and emotional wellness.

Being in prison can be extremely challenging for anyone, but as a trans person, the experience can be particularly difficult. When I was first incarcerated, I struggled to find ways to take care of myself. The environment was harsh, and the conditions were far from ideal.

It was during this time that I began to develop my beauty routine as a way to cope with the stress and anxiety of being in prison. Since getting beauty products can be difficult behind bars, I've had to learn many creative hacks. Through my unusual beauty routine, I have found a sense of comfort and control.

My routine starts with skincare

I make sure to wash my face every morning and evening with a gentle cleanser. Occasionally, I get superior products like CeraVe or Cetaphil facial cleansers from the dermatologist at the prison.

But I'm not always able to get my hands on those products, so I often have to make my own cleanser. I do it by using a very small amount of Noxzema — which I get from the commissary — water, melted-down soap, and some cocoa-butter lotion. All this is mixed into a squirt bottle, and it helps keep my skin moist, tight, and supple.

I follow up with moisturizers, which I also usually get from the dermatologist. Even though I spend most of my time inside, I apply sunscreen to protect my skin and help fight aging. I like to use La Roche-Posay's Toleriane Double Repair UV SPF moisturizer.

I also use a face mask once a week to give my skin a little extra TLC. I typically make my own by mixing watered-down Noxzema, melted cocoa butter, some brown sugar, egg yolk, and coconut oil. I'll typically let this mask sit for about 25 minutes before washing it off.

Coffee grinds mixed with water or coconut oil are also a great exfoliant and help get rid of my dead skin.

Taking care of my skin not only makes me feel good physically but also helps me feel like I am taking care of myself emotionally.