'CoverGirl' liquid foundation makeup, by Procter & Gamble UK, British, 2012-2013

'CoverGirl' liquid foundation makeup, by Procter & Gamble UK, British, 2012-2013. Donated by a young trans individual to represent an aspect of their gender identity expression.

‘CoverGirl’ foundation, made by Procter & Gamble, is liquid makeup applied to the face and neck to create an even complexion and cover blemishes.

This object was donated by a young trans individual following its display within a temporary exhibition at the Science Museum titled "What makes your gender?" in 2013, curated by a group of fifteen young transgender individuals working in partnership with the charity Gendered Intelligence. It was chosen as an object associated with expressing gender identity - how a person publicly expresses or presents their gender. Gender identity can be expressed through behaviour, clothing, hair, makeup and other aspects of an individual's external appearance.

'CoverGirl' cosmetics first launched in 1961 as a brand of medicated face make-up. The brand's name raises questions about gendered associations of make-up.