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powder puffs

Object/Artifact

A round cosmetic powder puff for applying face or body powder, of soft dense pile — a plush, fleecy or wool/mohair-type material — in a cream/off-white color. It is a flattened oval-round pad with a fluffy, slightly curly nap. Unlike the companion puff in the collection, it has no ribbon hand-strap: it is a simple pile pad, held directly in the hand or fingers. The puff is soiled and discolored from use, toned to grayish-tan with darker staining and matting/compression of the pile in places, consistent with extended use absorbing cosmetic powder. No maker's mark or label is visible.

2025.1.134

Used as a cosmetic puff by Gertrudis Caraballo Gálvez

The Cabrera Arús family collection

2025.1

Fair

Gertrudis Caraballo Gálvez

owner

Havana

Cuba

Caribbean

Central America

use

Powder puffs were a standard accessory of mid-20th-century cosmetic practice, used with loose face or body powder.