Compact face makeup powder, by Maybelline, American, 2012-2013

Compact face makeup powder, made by Maybelline, American, purchased in the UK, 2012-2013. Donated by a young trans person to represent an aspect of their gender identity expression.

Compact face makeup powder can be applied to the face and neck to create an even complexion, add colour, and cover blemishes. It was made by Maybelline, an American makeup company.

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.