Jen Shah is opening up about an unexpected part of her time behind bars — and how it turned her into a go-to resource for fellow inmates.
In a new interview with PEOPLE, the former “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” star revealed she got creative with her beauty routine while serving time at a federal prison camp in Bryan, Texas — using whatever she could access through commissary.
“There weren’t a lot, but I would make my own (beauty products),” Shah, 52, explained, noting that limited options pushed her to improvise.
How Jen Shah Created a DIY Beauty Routine in Prison
Without access to traditional skincare products, Shah said she relied on unconventional items — including ones not typically associated with beauty at all.
“I had to figure out how to do my skin care while I was there,” she said. “So hemorrhoid pads — which had witch hazel in it and was really the only thing I could use for an astringent on my face — and laundry soap. That was the winning combo for looking young over there.”
What started as a personal workaround quickly became something bigger.
‘I Was Like the Ulta at Prison’
According to Shah, her DIY routine didn’t go unnoticed.
“I had a lot of people that were after my skincare routine,” she told PEOPLE. “A lot of the women adopted it.”
Her ability to stretch limited resources and stock up on essentials also earned her a reputation among other inmates.
“My husband would be like, ‘You need to buy food this week. Please do not buy any more hairspray,’” she recalled with a laugh. “But I got so worried they were going to run out at commissary, so I had backstock.”
That resourcefulness ultimately led to a nickname of sorts.
“I was like the Ulta at prison,” Shah added. “People would be like, ‘Oh my gosh, they ran out of gel.’ ‘Go talk to Shah, she probably has four.’”
Adjusting to Life Behind Bars
Shah, who began serving her sentence in February 2023, said the reality of prison life hit immediately — but she ultimately found ways to adapt.
“I just thought, ‘This cannot be where I’m going to be every day,’” she said. “Everyone knew I was coming. People were yelling things, watching me.”
Despite the challenges, she said she found small ways to maintain routine and perspective.
Reflecting on the Experience
Shah also told PEOPLE she used the time for self-reflection and personal growth.
“I made the decision, when I knew I was going to go away from my family, that I would make the most of every single day and take advantage of anything I could to be better,” she said. “I wanted to do the hard work; to really take a hard look at myself and go through these treatment programs that a lot of people don’t go through.”
While her prison experience came with difficult moments, Shah said she focused on using the time productively — even if that included finding creative ways to maintain her appearance.
And, as it turns out, building a reputation along the way.
