They may be powder or cream (5)
I believe the answer is:
puffs
'they' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are plural nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?
I can't explain the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for puffs that I've seen before include "pastries" , "Adverts" , "pants" , "unwarranted praise?" , "Exaggerated praise" .)