Historical information

Powder puffs are pieces of soft material used for the application of face powder. They may be shaped as balls or pads.
Historically, powder puffs have been made of very fine down feathers, cotton, fine fleece, etc. In modern times synthetic materials are widely used for powder puffs.
In addition to softness they need to hold powder. These items were used by Marjorie Burton.
Marjorie Burton ( nee Whiteman), born 12 June, in Birmingham, England came to Orbost in 1995. In England she did office work – typing, shorthand and secretarial work - in accountants’ offices and also trained as a comptometrist with Burroughs in London. She came from a middle-class, working, church-going family. Her mother was a milliner who made many of Marjorie’s clothes, hats and outfits.
Marjorie was married in 1938 to a salesman who later became a mechanic in the R.A.F. during WW11

Significance

These items are examples of women's cosmetics commonly used in the mid 20th century.

Physical description

Four round flesh-coloured powder puffs. One is still in a cellophane wrapper and one is larger with a finger pocket.