Here you will find extensive research pertaining to Sterling Minerals Makeup and to help educate about the differences between most mineral makeup brands and ours and why our minerals are healthier for your skin than traditional makeup. You will learn about ingredients used for centuries in Ayurveda (Holistic Medicine) and how they work in mineral makeup today. We compiled information on allergies and skin conditions certain ingredients may cause, benefits they may offer, and why we use some and don't use others. We will debunk myths and unveil the mysteries surrounding the mineral makeup industry. If you don't find the answer here, feel free to contact us.

1. What makes Sterling Minerals different from other brands of mineral makeup?
2. What is Ayurveda, and why is it your focus in producing your mineral powders?
3. How do I know what I am actually getting in my makeup?
4. Will your Minerals cause me to breakout?
5. Will using your Minerals prevent me from the occasional breakout?
6. Is Sterling Minerals safe and all natural like all other brands claim to be?
7. Can Sterling Minerals prevent me from looking pasty or older like some brands?
8. Why don't you offer all those color correctors or concealers that other brands offer?
9. How can your mineral makeup work for all skin types?
10. Why does mineral makeup tend to make my skin look and feel dry?
11. Can your Mineral Cosmetics correct that oily shine I get from other brands?
12. Many Mineral Makeup companies claim they don't use filler. Why do you use fillers?
13. Will the use of botanicals cause problems for my skin if I have rosacea or acne?
14. With no preservatives, how do you keep the product from going bad?
15. Why is my face getting irritated when I buff my minerals onto my face?
16. I have had a reaction in using minerals in the past…how will yours help with this?
17. What is all the controversy over Bismuth Oxychloride, and why don't you use it?
18. Will powdered minerals leave my face flat or chalky like other types of makeup?
19. I have problems with minerals looking heavy or caked…what am I doing wrong?
20. What can I do to pick the correct foundation shade for me?
21. Do you offer colors for women of ethnic origin and are they natural looking?
22. Will your minerals turn my skin gray since I am an African American Woman?
23. Why does Sterling Minerals feel so light and doesn't cause any irritation to my skin?
24. Is there an easier or faster way to using mineral cosmetics on those busy days?
25. Why do you use Rice Powder despite the controversy to it causing acne?
26. Is there an expiration date on the products that use Jojoba Oil?
27. Are your products able to be used by Vegans?
28. Why do your shade colors vary from the colors on the website?
29. If I use my Sterling Minerals everyday, how often will I need to replace them?
30. Am I able to use mineral makeup without causing problems with my asthma?
31. Can I use your minerals right after my chemical peel or laser resurfacing procedure?
32. Do you do product testing?
33. Can men use Sterling Minerals?
34. If I don't use a plate for application, is using the jar lid okay?

Q: What makes Sterling Minerals different from other brands of mineral makeup? And are they necessarily better for my skin?

A: Our powders are a combination of soothing minerals and skin conditioning botanicals providing you with an all in one formula for truly exceptional skin care. Minerals are hailed by Estheticians and Dermatologists for their positive benefits to skin and for doing it through a natural approach. You can enjoy a 4 in 1 money saving formula of Sunscreen, Foundation, Concealer, and Powder. Our minerals will do more than just calm and prevent irritation; they will assist in healing and repairing your skin, and will prevent flakiness, and the itchy feeling that can occur with some other brands. They are feather light on your skin and will not settle into fine lines. They will trap excess oil and retain moisture against your skin giving you a lustrous, soft, natural looking veil lasting all day until you wash them off. Colors are transfer resistant and are virtually waterproof, sweat-proof, and will hold up in high humidity.

With our added Jojoba Oil, you will appreciate the additional protection over and above our use of other ingredients. Jojoba will provide natural anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant properties, making it beneficial for fighting wrinkles and reducing skin irritations. Jojoba will also assist with the loss of collagen by providing a firmness to your skin due to its' natural affinity to our own, and its' ability to restore elasticity as mature skin thins.

Our silken minerals are formulated without compromise to quality and will help your skin look rejuvenated, feel toned, velvety, and supple once again. They are wonderful for all skin types with a choice of 3 different formulas; Dewy Rose, Delicate Rose, and Velvet Rose. You can go to our “Ingredients” page for more information on our minerals.

Seeing and Feeling the Difference: Through our own testing and consultations with experts in the field of cosmetics, we found much of the mineral makeup industry sticks with basic 4 - 5 ingredient formulations. Some will use Bismuth or Mica (Sericite) as the first ingredient. Untreated Mica (Sericite) will not impart color, typically has low adhesion and can cause too much shine unless treated. Sericite is a finer version of Mica, and we will refer to them as one in the same.

Treated Mica (Sericite) involves coating these with Carnauba Wax (thickener, binder), Magnesium Myristate (emulsifier, binder), or Perfluoroalkyl Phosphate (film former, binder) and these are the most commonly used treatments. Micas coated with these treatments helps reduce dust, gives a certain finish to minerals and are capable of providing creamy texture, staying power, matte finish and oil absorption. In feeling these minerals between your fingers, you notice right away if the Mica (Sericite) is treated or not, due to the heavier creamy texture it imparts even though the coatings used may not be listed on the label. And unfortunately these same coatings are what contribute to a caked look on the face if not careful with application. Bottom line, these coated powders when used in mineral makeup, are one more possible skin sensitizing ingredient added to your product with or without your knowledge, depending on that brands integrity in truth and labeling.

Note: Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide can also be treated with similar coatings along with many others available on the market to achieve a certain texture or capability for blending with other ingredients (example: Dimethicone). We only use untreated USP Grade Titanium and Zinc.

When untreated Mica is used as the only slip ingredient, its poor adhesion quality tends to cause excessive fly away, places a layer of dust on everything in your bathroom (the mess factor) and you end up breathing this dust instead of it going where it is intended. Typically, untreated Mica (Sericite) is better used in smaller amounts and has the ability to refract light or give a pearl finish to cosmetics. However, we chose not to use this cheap ingredient for slip since it has poor adhesion quality, too shiny of a finish, and is unable to stabilize color. Sterling Minerals won't fade, run or change color.

With continued testing and keeping our focus on Ayurveda (Holistic Medicine) uses, we found much better, safer, alternatives. We have taken Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide and enhanced them with more skin soothing and reparative remedies to assist women suffering from skin irritations of all kinds.

The Truth about Sun Protection Factor: You will enjoy the added benefit of natural UV-A and UV-B protection from crushed Titanium Dioxide and crushed Zinc Oxide used in our powders. They are different than liquid sunscreens since they provide a physical barrier and give immediate protection as soon as they are applied. However, we recommend using additional sunscreen in your moisturizer in order to achieve a high level of sun protection if you plan on being outside for extended periods. Just make sure your choice will not cause problems for your skin; non-comedogenic ingredients only.

Unless you enjoy very heavy coverage, (Tammy Faye Baker springs to mind) all mineral makeup on the market is not designed for complete sun protection, but helps to boost it. SPF rating claims cannot be achieved with the amount of powder most women typically use due to the intensity of color and coverage one gets from using so little. Furthermore, there is less sunscreen in darker shades and more in lighter shades since Titanium and Zinc are also considered a pigment for achieving the varying shades you find in mineral makeup. Depending on your shade selection and application rates when using Sterling Minerals, SPF range can be anywhere from an SPF 10 to SPF 25 based on our own field testing. These ratings are beneficial; however you will need to decide how much protection you're actually getting from your use of our minerals. This is why we will not pursue our Sun Protection Factor since it is completely subjective to how much you apply.

Q: What is Ayurveda, and why is it your focus in producing your mineral powders?

A: Ayurveda is a 5000 year old system of medicine originating in India combining natural therapies with a holistic approach to treating the affliction. The literal meaning is “Science of Life”. It is a combination in bringing our physical bodies back in harmony with nature through our mind, senses, body and soul. Through taking care of the whole body through proper diet, well being and holistic remedies such as herbs and plant extracts, you can accomplish through less invasive means a recovery from ailments without using substances not found in nature. This is healing the body from the inside out.

Holistic Medicine and Ayurveda are tied together and are chosen as alternative medicines. We believe Ayurveda should not be used to replace conventional medicine, but to complement it. This is known as CAM; Complimentary and Alternative Medicine and is part of the National Institutes of Health. Much of it used today consists of acupuncture, acupressure, massage therapy, yoga and herbal remedies. Many traditional Physicians today are looking into alternative holistic treatment for many of their patients who wish to try a more organic approach to their health care, usually with incredible results. You can now find some Veterinarians practicing similar care for our pets.

Many people are forced to look at alternative medicine when conventional means is not quite curing a chronic condition. They also will use Ayurveda to assist with side effects brought about by conventional treatments. And for those who are not sick at all, they will use Holistic practices in order to remain in good health, avoid complications from using traditional medications (example: depression, hormone replacement) and pursue the feeling of well being through herbal remedies and yoga.

It is from these principles we created Sterling Minerals. Botanicals and Minerals combined to create a perfect compliment to maintaining good skin health through holistic means.

Q: How do I know what I am getting in my mineral makeup when I read “may contain” a (certain ingredient) or "and other ingredients" on my label?

A: Here at Sterling Minerals, we handcraft and create all of our own formulations and do not purchase from mass marketers of bulk mineral powders, so we know exactly what is being put into our makeup jars. There are a significant majority of mineral makeup brands today buying in bulk from other, perhaps larger mineral makeup manufacturers and redistributing to the consumer under private label. Usually their price points reflect this and an ingredients list can be inaccurate. Without accuracy on certain ingredients, this can be confusing and disconcerting for those who may have allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients.

At Sterling Minerals, we truly care about our savvy customers need to know, so attention to detail is of the utmost importance to us and is reflected in the enthusiasm we have for producing an excellent mineral cosmetic. Exception: Our Rose Bloom Eye Color, due to the extensive use of different pigments in order to create many Mica colors, this label does have a “may contain” ingredient list of pigments only.

Our research shows to be within FDA Guidelines, companies purchasing in bulk from other manufacturers must state along with their own name and logo, a phrase such as "manufactured for" or "distributed by" if they are the reseller of a repackaged bulk product. They are further required to list ingredients in descending order of ratios used. Unfortunately, this may not always be the case and cosmetic companies are not strictly monitored to prevent improper labeling practices unlike their pharmaceutical counterpart. You can find some brands advertising certain ingredients, yet will be missing from their product label. Or they will use coated Micas, Titanium or Zinc without listing the coating ingredient and portray the mineral makeup to be simple and pure "Nothing Else Added" when in reality this is not the case. There are currently no penalties for lack of label information and without penalty these companies are free to continue these practices.

Maybe to save money, you purchase what seems to be an identical product in ingredients only to be experiencing some new skin sensitivity and don't understand why. Or you wish to try something new and different, yet you are beginning to realize your old makeup has just been repackaged and sold under another private label. Using Sterling Minerals will bring you a new and refreshing perspective on our product line and our business practices. Truth in labeling and advertising is the only way Sterling Minerals will conduct business.

Sterling Minerals is a proud member of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, Handmade Beauty Network, and a participant and signer on the Truth in Labeling Pledge.

Q: Besides regular acne, I sometimes get cystic acne. Will your Minerals cause me to breakout?

A: No! Sterling Minerals are non-comedogenic due to us not using any ingredients that are known to cause clogged pores. In fact most acne calms down and lessens with consistent use. Scarring can be minimal as well. We don't use Talc, Bismuth Oxychloride, Cornstarch, Heavy Silicones, Parabens, Preservatives, Lakes, Dyes, Waxes, Phosphates, Fragrance, Carmine, Sulfates, harsh Chemicals or irritating organics of any kind. We are Vegan friendly, too. These same ingredients should be investigated in your skin care routine.

Using our minerals will give you long lasting coverage and leave your skin looking blemish free. Our minerals are extremely water resistant and won't “melt out”. Yet they will wash off easily with soap and water. They also offer remarkable oil control. For those with exceptionally oily skin, we have “Evening Rose Veil” for you to use at bedtime or before your foundation as a primer for additional oil control and helping to pull toxins from your skin through the use of Kaolin Clay. Our Jojoba Oil offers anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties for fighting acne. Don't let the word “oil” scare you since it is actually a wax ester. Jojoba mimics your own skins' natural sebum and will help reduce its' overproduction which can clog your pores and create a food source for bacteria. Jojoba will penetrate quickly; decongesting pores while helping to restore your skins' natural pH balance. It will also reduce acne scarring. You can learn more about Jojoba on our “Ingredients” page.

Q: I have been using other minerals and I still get occasional breakouts. Why will using your mineral makeup change anything?

A: Odds are the Minerals are not the issue, unless it contains Bismuth, Cornstarch or Talc or any other chemical additive related to preserving the product. When you purchase Sterling Minerals we advise you not to change your skin care routine so that you may identify a potential problem. Keep it simple in the beginning. Once you have used our minerals for a couple of weeks and your skin seems status quo, or is more than likely greatly improved, then we recommend you change to naturally derived soaps and moisturizers. It is probably the chemical ingredients in your skin care regimen that are continuing to plague your skin on occasion, not the minerals. In fact, Sterling Minerals will help prevent your skin problems from getting worse. We also know our makeup is so pure and gentle you can sleep in them. However true this may be, even if you are not acne prone, you need to wash your face twice per day in order to wash away bacteria, pollutants, and the excess oil your makeup absorbed throughout the day. Safe…Yes! Hygienic…No!

Acne Location: Another important factor to fighting acne besides our minerals is to examine where you are breaking out. If you have recurring acne located around the hairline, such as temples and forehead, this can most likely be from hairsprays, gels, and certain shampoos and conditioners, especially if they have film formers in them. Anything sticky that is used to defy gravity in your hair care will cause clogged pores and seal up the skin preventing it from breathing.

Acne around the mouth and chin can be caused by some unconscious habits with the hands. When sitting at your desk or in your favorite chair, are you constantly resting your chin in your hand with fingers resting against your mouth? Or are you leaning your cheek against your hand while watching television? Every time you do this, you are preventing air flow to the skin and introducing bacteria that may be on your hands to what may already be irritated skin, undoing the benefits of a freshly washed face. Cleansing is moot if you keep touching your face.

Do you have allergies? Are you constantly rubbing and itching your nose? This will also cause breakouts in that area.

What you may think is an oily T-Zone problem may be due to constant rubbing or itching of your nose or pore clogging hair care in the forehead area, and hands on the chin.

Even though you are tempted to feel the wonderful silkiness of our mineral makeup, we encourage you to not touch your face for the cleanest skin possible. Reexamine your use of products and body postures and you may finally end the cycle of continuous breakouts.

Learn more about causes of acne under the Truth about Acne and Cosmetic Grade Food Starches.

Q: Is Sterling Minerals safe and all natural like all other brands claim to be?

A: In technical terms, yes…based on the fact all of our minerals, pigments, and botanicals we use in our formulas come from natural sources. However, those natural sources are then refined into the safe cosmetic grade we use in the finished product. These refined minerals are created in laboratories under strict guidelines as regulated by the FDA. Even Iron Oxides are refined to get the pigments we need to use in our products, as those found in nature cannot be used in cosmetics. Pigments are one of the most strictly regulated by the FDA of all cosmetic ingredients.

Without laboratory manipulation of these natural sources, we would be unable to use them in cosmetics. Refinement removes the heavy metals, like lead, arsenic and mercury. We only use those minerals of the purest refinement, minimally manipulated, and were created under the strict U. S. Food and Drug Administration regulations. Our Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide are untreated USP grade (United States Pharmacopoeia). We have avoided Micronized Minerals, Sericite and untreated Mica in our foundations due to the potential for being lung irritants. Furthermore, all individual ingredients in our products are deemed as inert, non-toxic substances with a required level of safety from accidental ingestion, inhalation, or contact with skin or mucous membranes as found by the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) protection set for the industrial standard. Once formulated into finished products for personal cosmetic use, you may use them with confidence. We are a proud signer of The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.

So to summarize; Yes…our minerals, pigments and organics come from natural sources; No… they are no longer in their natural state once synthetically refined (minerals) by laboratory means or extracted (botanicals) by mechanical means. For more information on our ingredients in our Sterling Minerals go to our “Ingredients” page.

Q: Mineral Makeup in the past has made me look pasty or older. How can Sterling Minerals prevent this?

A: We know when using Sterling Minerals Makeup, it will provide ease of application, a luxuriously silken texture for a smoother complexion, and a wise color selection to fix the problem.

If you are looking pasty or caked with other mineral makeup, it is more than likely you have applied too much at once. Sterling Minerals will not cake or look chalky due to the composition of our wonderful blend of minerals and botanicals. Our minerals are richly pigmented and will give excellent coverage with a couple of sheer layers. Just keep adding until you reach the level of coverage you require saving the nooks and crannies of the face for last. You can get further help on our “Flawless Face Technique” page. Our mineral veils are wonderful to use for an airbrushed look and only a little bit is necessary.

Q: Why don't you offer all those color correctors that other brands offer, and I also couldn't find any concealer available?

A: When a color corrector is used on the skin, it diminishes flaws, but when seen out in sunlight or under fluorescent lighting the color corrector can bleed through your makeup. Green is a very poor choice as a neutralizer of red since it gives a flat, lifeless gray pall to the skin.

We created our foundations to be used to conceal problem areas as well. You will be able to achieve excellent flawless coverage simply by choosing the correct formula for your skin type. All of our formulas are non-drying and protect your skins moisture balance without accentuating fine lines.

We recommend purchasing a shade that has a yellow undertone for correcting redness and blue shadowing under the eye and is 1 - 2 shades lighter than your foundation color. Or use our cool tones for skin that possesses a lot of yellow due to bruising after a cosmetic procedure. We don't recommend trying to alter the true undertone of your skin by going with an opposite shade, it will look unnatural on your skin.

Some examples: Use our Dewy Rose Petalformula (combination skin) for medium coverage. Velvet Rose Petal formula (oily skin) for heavier coverage. Or Delicate Rose Petal formula (rosacea prone, dry or sensitive skin) for the sheerest of coverage.

Mineral Makeup is the most versatile cosmetic on the market today and all foundations are interchangeable, so mix and match to achieve perfection and the coverage necessary for those pesky skin imperfections. You'll love it.

Q: How can your mineral makeup work for all skin types?

A: Because Sterling Minerals offers 3 different formulas providing different coverage and subtle variation in ingredients to assist with the needs of your skin. This is not a gimmick. Certain ingredients used in different dosages, along with certain formula structure of our Boron Nitride powders, will give your skin the care and protection it needs without compromise to quality. Our BN powders are based on skin type and coverage ability and provide excellent anti-bacterial properties. Dewy Rose is for Combination Skin, Delicate Rose is for Dry / Sensitive Skin and in this formula we have left out the Kaolin Clay due to some sensitive skin issues, and Velvet Rose is for Oily Skin.

Q: Why does mineral makeup tend to make my skin look and feel dry?

A: We are aware that Mica and Bismuth based mineral makeup may cause the user's skin enhanced flakiness and feel itchy; however you will not experience this with ours due to the skin conditioners we add to Sterling Minerals. The use of our botanical and mineral blends actually assists in keeping moisture against the skin. It is essential to understand no mineral makeup moisturizes skin but Sterling Minerals provides a protective barrier and prevents the loss of trans-epidermal moisture throughout the day. You still must moisturize well before using a mineral powder. It helps the minerals to adhere to your skin and continues to assist with moisture control depending on the level of moisturizing you gave your skin. ....For more information go to Differences you may experience when switching from liquid foundations to mineral powders.

Experiencing dryness with our minerals is generally rare due to our use of Rice Powder, Methicone and Jojoba, but if you should still feel some dryness, especially living in a dry climate, you can use D20 Moisturizing Spritz over your makeup, or use it to apply your makeup to reduce dryness, or you can apply while your moisturizer is still damp for a nice melding of the minerals to your skin. This method will give a more dewy appearance to the skin. Using Aloe Vera Gel works wonders for areas around the eyes, for toning the skin and making for a nice assimilation of minerals without feeling dry. A few additional drops of pure Jojoba Oil mixed with your moisturizer will work wonders for relieving any dryness you may feel using mineral powders. Jojoba will also help balance and normalize skins' pH. Another reason we offer this in our foundations.

Q: I've tried mineral makeup in the past and all it did was leave my already oily skin shiny and show off my big pores. Can yours correct this?

A: Yes. Since we don't use Bismuth Oxychloride, we have prevented this problem. Bismuth is used to give the illusion of youthful skin. Unfortunately, this ingredient has been linked to causing itching and redness and creates considerable shine, enhancing pore size and an overall oily appearance. Also, the very lack of certain ingredients in the typical mineral foundation can't do anything for aiding in “melt out” or oily breakthrough.

Sterling Minerals uses additional custom blended ingredients to assist with staying power, shine and oil control, while reducing pore size, and will leave your skin looking luminous and alive. Our “Evening Rose Veil” is excellent for daytime application as a primer before using our foundations, or use at bedtime for additional skin healing. “Satin Rose Veil” is also great for diminishing pore size along with our natural looking foundations.

Q: Many mineral makeup companies tout they are all natural minerals without any fillers and those who use fillers are not providing a “true mineral makeup”. Why do you use fillers?

A: All of our ingredients are 100% pure and healthy, yet provide additional benefits to the skin. We don't believe in a one size fits all mentality in mineral makeup. Other basic formulas offered, though safe for most skin types, will not allow women with different skin types to enjoy the benefits of wearing mineral cosmetics.

Don't be fooled by statements that Sterling Minerals isn't real mineral makeup if we have any filler in the product. The word “filler” is a sales tactic and an insinuation that all filler is “bad” and is unnecessary to use when making Mineral Cosmetics. These statements are false and misleading and designed to instill caution in a consumer not having full understanding of what filler is. “Filler” by definition, is any inert ingredient used to create bulk, texture or lubricity to a finished product. For instance, a product containing Mica (Sericite), (main filler, mineral), Titanium, Zinc (active ingredients, essential minerals), Iron Oxides (pigments) and mainly Bismuth Oxychloride (bi-product of minerals, filler) may be referred to as a “True Mineral Makeup” because these are all types of minerals, it just doesn't necessarily make them the healthier choice for skin.

There are far better suited fillers to replace certain irritants such as (Bismuth or Mica) and still be an exceptional mineral makeup. It is about the delivery of essential Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide (main minerals) to the face when blended with one or more of these ingredients, Bismuth Oxychloride, Mica (Sericite), (treated or untreated), Rice Powder, Silk Powder, Silk Protein, Boron Nitride, Arrowroot Powder, Tapioca Starch, Silica Spheres, Methicone, Dimethicone, Silicone, Cornstarch, Talc and Kaolin Clay, only to name a few. Out of these fillers we have chosen the best and avoided the rest. They aid in adhesion and ease of application like Bismuth and treated Mica, but the ones we have chosen actually provide additional healing benefit. All mineral makeup by definition has some sort of filler in it. According to the cosmetic industry, Bismuth and Mica are categorized as filler, and they offer little in the way of healing the skin and are known to actually cause further irritation in some people. Without additional fillers, the makeup would not have slip and the essential minerals Titanium and Zinc and pigments of Iron Oxides and Ultramarines would stick to your skin causing unevenness in shading and much irritation.

Also, when filler like Mica (Sericite) is the only ingredient used for slip, these won't offer lasting oil control for women with oily skin or fix their T-Zone area unless they are chemically treated, and even then their performance can be marginal at best. In testing these formulations, we still experienced oily breakthrough after a few hours and varying degrees of “melt out”. (Lack of staying power) Many women experienced irritation from Mica or Bismuth based products, such as a persistent itchy feeling. Micro abrasion from buffing Mica based minerals into the skin can cause tiny facial tears and cause further irritation and inflame acne further. Delivery of the essential minerals is what matters and we have accomplished this through the use of the gentlest and purest ingredients aimed at doing more than just sit on your face. Sterling Minerals helps aid in the healing process while exhibiting a flawless finish that lasts all day.

If it is more important to you that a mineral makeup consists of only minerals in the ingredients list for the sake of just simply being in the mineral category (inorganic), we certainly will not try to dissuade you from buying one of those products since there are many available. But if what matters most is using a truly different mineral makeup possessing the essential minerals combined with soothing botanicals that can help correct and restore your injured, flawed or sensitive skin without causing further problems, then we encourage you to buy Sterling Minerals.

Our formulations were painstakingly created to what we feel is a marked improvement to the standard mineral makeup industry. And by not using less expensive filler like Bismuth and Mica as main ingredients, our minerals do not impart heavy shine, are much healthier for your skin, easier to apply, and don't require endless buffing, (causing more irritation).

The use of expensive botanicals and minerals designed to promote good skin health is the main reason for our pursuit to create a truly exceptional mineral makeup.

Q: I have Rosacea combined with some acne and most makeup including some mineral makeup use botanicals and can cause me to still have flare ups. Why do you use certain botanicals?

A: For their healing power. We use Rice Powder, Allantoin, and Jojoba Oil, in conjunction with our minerals, and these botanicals are noted for their healing benefits. They will soothe skin with natural anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial properties while protecting your skins' sensitive moisture balance. Allantoin is known for its capability of producing rapid cell turnover by removal of necrotic tissue, and along with cooling Rice Powder and Jojoba Oils' moisturizing capabilities, will also aid in healing of wounds or skin ulcers. People with rosacea have had all three of these work very well for their skin and can be found in many acne and rosacea skin care treatments worldwide. Our Allantoin is derived from Comfrey for the finest grade and is used in Ayurvedic Medicine along with our other botanicals. These have been used for centuries in Holistic Medicine and we only use those that have shown a substantial benefit to the skin. We were excited to learn we could add these skin healing botanicals to our dry mineral makeup formulas offering similar benefits to those found in liquid skin care products.

Botanicals can be tricky depending on their process of extraction and / or their source, and what other botanicals they might be mixed with. Anything used in excess can do more harm than good. Witch Hazel, Echinacea, Grapeseed oil and other Essential Oils, Gooseberry and other Herbal Extracts along with many Tea Extracts can be wonderful remedies, but can also perpetuate ongoing problems and cause further irritation when over used; Allantoin is no exception.

Furthermore, not all botanicals will protect acne prone skin from bacteria like Jojoba and Allantoin can without having deterioration rates due to their composition without the use of additional preservatives. Rice Powder contributes to soothing your skin while helping to maintain a moisture balance on the skin.

Not all botanicals are created equal either! Allantoin can be found in many sources other than the purist and gentlest form of Comfrey plant and roots, and those sources we avoid due to their quality in origin. (licorice, tobacco, sugar beets, and coffee leaves, many other plant leaves, synthetics, and uric acid) We also never allow our use of Allantoin to exceed the recommended dosage, since this can be counter productive to aid in skin health. Ratios and how the organic was derived are important factors to how skin will react to them.

Q: With no preservatives, how do you keep the product from going bad?

A: Sterling Minerals is a loose powder and uses all inert ingredients of inorganic minerals. We then combine them with our organic botanicals including Jojoba which is a natural anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant which we offer in some of our products. Jojoba will literally meld with the minerals and provides a nice protective barrier on the skin. Since our minerals are a dry, inert powder, bacteria cannot grow. Any ingredient without chemical reaction is considered “inert”, and this includes botanicals. Introduction of our botanicals does not change the chemical inert structure of our minerals, but serves to improve their healing ability to fragile skin. Our use of Jojoba will actually work to inhibit the growth of bacteria, including those related to acne. Jojoba is used to naturally preserve pressed powders and prolong shelf life in other carrier or essential oils.

If you should get your minerals wet inside the jar, we recommend discarding them for safety sake since a wet environment may promote bacteria or a yeast problem. Trying to dry the minerals out won't be effective since minerals are excellent at absorbing and trapping moisture. These capabilities are what make Sterling Minerals so fantastic, assisting with control of oil, high humidity, or perspiration.

Applying minerals to damp skin or wetting a single application for more coverage is absolutely a safe method for this purpose. Cooling Rice Powder (botanical) and gentle Kaolin Clay (mineral) when wetted have been successfully used in making soothing poultices for healing skin and decongesting pores, and then they are gently washed away.

Although dry, inert mineral powders are naturally resistant to bacterial growth, if they get wet inside the jar, they can become compromised, and this includes any form of mineral makeup. Even those offering liquid or pressed mineral makeup must introduce a preservative to protect them from bacterial growth. This is why we prefer loose minerals to any other form; fewer ingredients mean less risk of skin sensitizers. This is also why we recommend putting your minerals on a plate or jar lid per application, and never insert a dry or wet brush directly to your sifter in the jar. A plate can be washed and the jar lid can be swabbed with alcohol without compromise to the rest of your powders. If you should spill your precious minerals, do not gather them up and put them back into the jar since you may introduce surface contaminants into your minerals. When kept clean and dry, Sterling Minerals have an indefinite shelf life.

Also make sure to wash your brushes a minimum of once a week if you wear minerals everyday and wipe the lids with alcohol if you use them instead of a dish. Even the cleanest most well cared for skin harbors small amounts of bacteria and will transfer to your brushes. Also, your natural sebum will build up on the brush which then can become sticky making for less than flawless mineral application.

Q: I love my minerals… But why is my face still getting irritated when I am buffing my minerals onto my face?

A: Actually, it is probably the buffing action that can be causing further irritation. With our minerals you don't need to do excessive buffing. All you do is press and sweep with only slight buffing for blending. Over buffing will definitely cause irritation especially if you are grinding Bismuth or Mica into your skin. Also using an excellent high quality brush can be the answer. Our premium brushes made from natural, cruelty free Squirrel, Pony or Goat Hair are magnificently plush and soft. In fact here at Sterling Minerals, we love to run our brushes over our faces just for the calming effect it brings during our busy work day. ....For more information go to Differences you may experience when switching from liquid foundations to mineral powders.

Q: I have had a reaction in using minerals in the past…how will yours help with this?

A: Although no mineral makeup brand can guarantee to be completely irritant free, we certainly know the minerals and botanicals we selected to use in our powders to be extremely safe and are FDA Regulated and Certified for cosmetic use. We know there are some women with extremely sensitive skin and for those women we hope they give us a try. With our products we feel we can help improve the texture and condition of their skin and Sterling Minerals formulations possess the lowest risk of irritants available today. We have omitted the worse offenders that can cause ongoing problems for the skin. We always provide a full ingredient list on every jar and they are displayed here on our website for every product offered so you can shop with confidence in knowing exactly what you are getting in your mineral makeup.

Q: What is all the controversy over Bismuth Oxychloride, and why don't you use it?

A: Bismuth is a mineral technically; however it is a chemical bi-product of lead and copper refining and is used as filler that offers no benefit for skin health. In fact, in many cases it goes to the opposite extreme. It rarely occurs in nature and can be classified as a mineral salt. Some would like to claim it comes from the earth naturally; however it is most likely the bi-product of heavy metals.

It aids in adhesion, adds luster or a pearlescent finish and aids in smoothness of application…that's it. Since this is also a very heavy mineral it requires that ongoing buffing action other commercial brands instruct you to do in order to force it into the pores, otherwise it will slide off your face giving you that “melt out” appearance. This heaviness will result in clogged pores and irritation of the skin can occur as your body tries to reject the foreign matter, a substance closely related to Arsenic. This is why mineral products using this ingredient accentuate pores. Bismuth is also the reason for ongoing acne breakouts, rashes, and overall inflammation of skin. It is our recommendation those women with rosacea, sensitive skin, contact dermatitis or acne should avoid this ingredient all together despite FDA approval.

Q: Other makeup has left my skin looking really matte or flat looking, sometimes even chalky; will powdered minerals also do the same?

A: No. Talc is typically used in commercial preparations and this is what can cause the over powdered, chalky look. Plus Talc can also enhance pore size. Improper application of certain makeup can also cause this same result. Overuse of Titanium or Zinc can give a chalky appearance as well.

Due to the custom blend of our Sterling Minerals, our foundation will take on your skin tone after a few minutes and literally meld with your natural oils. Plus, the light refracting properties of our crushed minerals will scatter light for that “soft focus” look and give your skin that luminous glow without appearing oily or shiny. Your skin will appear brighter and healthier than it has been in the past and will have that subtle glow you find in young healthy skin. Your face will never look overly matte using our mineral makeup.

Q: I have used mineral makeup in the past and gave up because it always seemed to not blend well, or went on too heavy. What am I doing wrong?

A: It is essential you use the proper brushes for that flawless application. The typical over the counter powder brushes (even expensive ones) are too open and fluffy and not ideal for using with minerals. They will scatter your powder everywhere except on your face. A densely bristled Kabuki or an Ultimate Buffer Brush is the best to use in mineral makeup application. (We offer superior Mineral Makeup Brushes for perfect coverage) These will give precise application and a smoother blending of your Sterling Minerals. Depending on the type of brush you select, will also control what type of coverage you would prefer. Our Kabuki Brush will give you medium coverage, while our Ultimate Buffer Brush will apply a sheer to medium coverage, and our Flat Top Duster will give medium to heavier coverage. Our rich pigmentation along with their ability to build on the skin without caking is what makes using Sterling Minerals so desirable. No endless buffing like with those that use Bismuth. We can assist you with proper application on our “Flawless Face Technique” page.

Another reason for difficulty in application may be your skins' condition. Even if you have oily skin you must moisturize and exfoliate, and women with dry skin especially. Unlike with other mineral makeup, you don't have to wait for your moisturizer to be completely absorbed. This will give slightly more coverage and will only require a bit more blending for flawless finish. We here at Sterling Minerals prefer the moist method of application for a smoother look and never worry about getting a caked finish like with other brands. Our minerals trap moisture against the skin and used with Jojoba Oil are excellent for fighting flakiness in any skin type.

Be aware however, that use of petroleum products or certain skin soothing oils for very dry skin or an oily lotion or cream can still cause problems with application. We recommend using this type of skin care at nighttime and apply a lighter moisturizing cream for day use to prevent shading problems. Products that use Shea Butter are wonderful for the face and readily absorb into your skin. Using a couple of additional drops of pure Jojoba Oil with your moisturizer is excellent too and will not pose a problem with application of your minerals.

Q: I have difficulty matching my shade to my skin. What can I do to pick the correct foundation shade for me?

A: We fully understand the color theory for formulating colors for your complexion, and basically there are 4 true skin tones consisting of Fair, Light, Medium / Tan and Dark with subtlety in different undertones. Light and Medium skintones being the most commonly used shades.

We have created and captured the correct overtones and undertones to accommodate most women of all cultural backgrounds. We offer varying levels of Cool, Warm and Neutral Beige (Olive) with always some level of yellow undertone within the shade. Our shades go from the fairest of the fair to the richest and deepest of skin tones.

Along with fair skinned women being neutral ivory, with some pink or yellow undertone, and usually a combination of both, some fair skinned women may have neutral beige skin which can also be considered a cool olive skintone. No distinct pink, yellow or peach tones. Women with a richer depth of beige may appear greenish, ashy, or sallow, (possessing some yellow).

No matter what your skin tone always purchase a shade that closely matches your own natural undertones. Many women have been advised by the makeup industry for years to use another shade to change your natural color in order to correct it with the idea you are making yourself appear more beautiful. Foundation should only be used to even out and correct facial imperfections, tone down redness or too much yellow, and give you a nice flawless canvas to work with. Love and live with your skins' natural undertones and always let your own natural beauty shine through.

Think in practical terms, if you apply a foundation that doesn't match your natural skin color, it won't improve it or really even change your undertone, but will only appear to everyone around you, that you have simply applied the wrong shade of foundation and then you are back to looking like you are wearing a mask of makeup. Again, another wonderful reason to use mineral powders. They will provide you with an even skintone while allowing "you" to show through, only with more natural, healthy looking skin.

Some beige neutrals offered by other companies tend to be gray looking due to the use of chromium oxide green. These neutralized beige tones should be avoided and can make a persons' skin look ashy, flat and lifeless. Olive skinned women especially don't need to appear more ashy. This is the reason we do not use this ingredient for formulating our foundation shades. Test it: If you are currently using a beige neutral, get it wet and apply to your forearm. If chromium oxide green has been used to neutralize the red in the shade, it will take on a deep, ashy gray color. Imagine the finished look if you should get it wet on your face from high humidity or perspiration. The effect would be ghost like in appearance. For learning more about selecting the right foundation shade for your skin tone go to our Choosing Foundation Shades.

Q: I am of Greek descent…Do you offer colors designed for women of ethnic origin and are they natural looking?

A: Absolutely! All too often many companies ignore women of Ethnic background and cater more to Caucasian women. Our Sterling Minerals founder was sensitive to this fact and was committed to creating a complete color line of foundations, blushes and shadows for all skin tones. Our minerals are designed to mirror your natural shade while enhancing it so an exact match is not necessary. Providing you with the correct and balanced overtones and undertones will eliminate much of your frustration.

An example of poor shading; some offer shades with more yellow / golden or bronzy tone for olive skin thinking this will mask their complexion. This is not the answer, since not all olive skinned Asian, Latina or Mediterranean women are dark. They can be fair when not partaking in sun worship. Also their skin is not described as yellow, but sallow and can be incredibly beautiful to look at.

We have accomplished a rich black with the reddish / blue undertone. We also have deep caramel shades for light to dark skinned African American, Latina, and Indian women possessing the deep golden undertone and rich browns with red and neutral undertones.

At Sterling Minerals we don't attempt to change your hereditary overtones or undertones, but strive to enhance them beautifully without dulling your skin and making your face smooth, luminous and alive.

Q: I am an African American woman and I have tried mineral makeup in the past and it turned my complexion gray, almost ashy looking. Does that mean I can't wear mineral makeup?

A: No, not at all. In fact some of our richest pigments offered are for women of ethnic origin. It is possible you selected a shade that had blue, olive, or cool undertones, or are using another brand offering the neutral beige which grays the skin. This would make your skin turn gray or ashy when you have strong yellow undertones. If you are between shades, we offer blending jars so you can shake your Sterling Minerals together to create a custom blended shade. It's that easy. Keep trying and eventually you will hit the right shade. Once you have it right you will never go back to chemical based foundations again. If you have the time, using our samples for this purpose will save you frustration and money.

Q: Why does Sterling Minerals feel so light on my skin? And why isn't there any irritation using them?

A: Well, think about the liquid formulations offered today. They are loaded with heavy silicone oils, waxes, preservatives, chemical slip agents, dyes, and other chemicals you can't even pronounce, much less spell. Chemicals which can cause discomfort when applied to acne or any other skin irritation, only serve to inflame already flawed or injured skin. When these go on your face, it is like pouring gasoline on a fire, seeping into pores, irritating your skin, weighing it down, creating a place for bacteria to flourish until you wash it off. And the cycle repeats itself each and every day.

Sterling Minerals Makeup is lighter than all commercial cosmetics and allows your skin to breathe. Due to nature's chemical structure of our minerals, they do not just sit on top of your skin, and they do not clog up your pores. Our minerals will actually warm and then meld with your own natural surface oils giving the appearance of natural bare skin. With all this, you will finally break the endless cycle of fighting skin ailments. And because they are primarily inert and inorganic by nature, along with our use of anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial botanicals, bacteria cannot flourish, inflammation is calmed and reduced, creating just clean, healthy skin.

Q: I don't seem to be able to get the hang of using mineral makeup. It takes so long sometimes to apply. Is there an easier or faster way to using mineral cosmetics?

A: Yes. Technique is the key to applying any makeup for that flawless look. Our Sterling Minerals Makeup is no different. In fact once you get used to using mineral makeup, you'll find it is much faster to apply than the standard liquid makeup. Simply swirl, tap, press, buff and go! Proper brushes are essential for quality application, and we offer tips in our “Flawless Face Technique” page. Usually after several tries you will achieve nice results, and after about a week you will become the mineral makeup Queen of quick and easy, flawless perfection.

Q: There seems to be controversy over the use of food starches in makeup……Why do you use Rice Powder?

A: It is simple really…Rice Powder is an ancient secret from the Orient that offers skin softening benefits and leaves the skin with a porcelain, shine free finish. This botanical offers moisture control and slow oil absorbing properties as well. With excellent adhesion to the skin, it will stay on longer and will not melt out like Mica, Bismuth or Cornstarch. Getting it wet does not create irritation, itchy skin or promote acne, and it actually will set up again nicely on the face without hassle. This silken powder soothes inflamed skin from acne and rosacea. In fact, Rice Powder is used in Ayurveda (Ancient Holistic Medicine from India) for use in poultices to bring fast relief to inflamed or bleeding pimples or skin ulcerations. When kept dry in its jar it can have indefinite shelf life. It also has been determined to be completely safe and non-hazardous under normal conditions of use as determined by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and why it is our leading slip ingredient.

We have chosen to avoid Cornstarch since it has been linked to itchy, irritated skin, especially once it gets wet or a woman perspires. Once wet, due to poor adhesion quality, it can shift on your face, then thicken and begin to clog pores in the skin where it settles, and reapplication is necessary throughout the day. It offers no skin healing benefit and melt out occurs frequently with this ingredient. And in our testing of products containing cornstarch, we experienced these same problems. Cornstarch is vegetable based and is an extract of corn so it does have a shelf life. Products containing cornstarch should have date of expiration for freshness unless a preservative is used in the product. Although it gives a wonderful silken texture to the makeup you may use, it offers little benefit.

Truth about Acne and Cosmetic Grade Food Starches: Acne myths persist despite the lack of evidence.

Many mineral makeup companies in their advertising postulate that use of food starches in traditional makeup or mineral makeup, like Oat, Soy, Arrowroot, Rice and Corn, to name a few, feed or support bacteria and stimulate its growth on the face. These statements are completely false and misleading. This may be the popular belief, but it is not supported by scientific evidence. During our research and development of our products, we learned through our discussions with many experts in the rice and cosmetic industry, and dermatologists, exactly how and why rice powder can be utilized safely in our cosmetics.

The truth about cosmetic grade food starches is they have been modified (which typically means sterilization) in most cases for use in the cosmetics industry in order to achieve a desired texture or consistency, or slip and silken feel such as in baby powders, spray powders, pressed powders, moisturizers, bath soaps, facial masks, with the list being endless. Raw grade food starches are not typically used in cosmetics and tend to have a moister or grittier tactile feel. Corn starch is the exception due to its consistent smooth texture it can be used straight from a box; however it has a shorter shelf life before being modified. Rice or oat starches (flour) are excellent in their raw, natural state for use in poultices and gentle exfoliation of the skin. These will not possess the fine silken feel and slip we enjoy from the modified starches. Modified food starches were developed in order to create greater stability, free from bacteria and molds, extend shelf life and create a more free flowing powder giving a better consistency in cosmetics while offering holistic skin healing benefits. Armed with this information, use these ingredients in whatever skin care product you prefer with confidence.

To understand acne conditions further, you can locate information from reputable sources, such as Web MD or acne informational organizations, which will provide you with detailed information on causes and care of acne. The facts are as follows:

Acne is caused by a buildup of sebum in the pore that is not functioning properly, then it gets clogged and the usually harmless bacteria which is naturally occurring in your skins' pores begins to multiply, which are called Propionibacterium Acnes. The bacteria take its' food source from this sebum buildup, not from any ingredient applied to your face.

As the pore remains clogged the bacteria multiply which in turn releases chemical substances, which then causes inflammation, which then gives birth to the latest pimple on your face. If not tended to, the acne can grow to become cystic.

Getting and keeping the pore unclogged is the important factor, and this is why using Jojoba and Allantoin in our products can help with this problem. Allantoin aids in skin cell proliferation throughout the day, while Jojoba will inhibit the over production of the bacteria and help to naturally replace and dissolve the sebum plugging your pores due to its affinity to your own skin. Jojoba further explained below. Rice powder gives an additional soothing, skin cooling element to the face, while our use of Kaolin Clay draws out the toxins and helps to dry up the pimples. Zinc Oxide, also a natural anti-bacterial, reduces inflammation and also assists with skin repair by calming irritation.

All of these ingredients, less the Allantoin, are in “Evening Rose Veil” and it is exceptional for use at night to gently work on your skin problems while you sleep.

Aggravating Factors: Things like hairsprays, types of creams, gels, heavy oils, chemically-laden cosmetics and certain waxes are what contribute to acne by further clogging pores.

Body postures, wearing hats, eye glasses, masks and headbands that are blocking air flow especially after prolonged sweating or high humidity, keeping the damp fabric against your skin are a huge factor in contributing to acne.

A product that is non-comedogenic like Sterling Minerals will give you better control over your acne problem by controlling perspiration on the face while allowing your skin to breathe.

Myths: like eating chocolate, drinking soda, eating greasy foods, dirty skin, once believed to be a cause of acne, are now found to be unrelated. Only acne causing bacteria can create the skin ruptures of acne and not other forms of bacteria unrelated to acne such as those found in dirt or other sources. Blocked pores, with an over production of sebum are the problem for acne prone skin types.

Other Factors: Hormonal changes in men and women are what contribute greatly to the problem by causing an overabundance of sebum giving that oily shine to the face. Testosterone in both men and women can be a leading culprit. Women during a menstrual cycle can have severe outbreaks. This is why hormonal teens struggle with acne as well.

Accumulation of dead skin cells can create a problem by blocking pores, so make sure you gently exfoliate your skin daily. Again, Allantoin is an excellent natural preventative against cell build up.

Certain drugs like lithium or barbiturates are known to play a role in the long list of acne causes.

Unfortunately, you may simply be plagued with acne due to hereditary factors and there is nothing you can do to change that except practice good skin care treatments and use our minerals for gentle makeup needs.

Also, over use of acne treatments, too much scrubbing of the skin and over cleansing will exacerbate the problem and cause further inflammation.

When the glands are working correctly, sebum is what keeps the collagen in your face healthy, and naturally keeps the skin moisturized. When afflicted with acne it can damage collagen cells and the skin will begin to thin, causing scarring.

Care And Treatment: To prevent further inflammation do not pick the acne, squeeze or pop it, this can further damage the cells that produce your natural sebum.

Over buffing mineral makeup, especially those with irritants like Bismuth and Mica, then grinding the ingredients into the skin, will clog pores, increase bacterial growth, and aggravate already tender skin.

To avoid hurting your skin further, use botanical poultices, clay facial masks and our Evening Rose Veil for gentle extraction of pore clogging sebum. Also keep your pillow cases fresh since sebum and bacteria can build up on the sheets and be deposited back onto your skin while sleeping. Also if you should drool on your pillow case at night and have your face buried in it, this will certainly lend insult to injury for your skins' acne problem.

AHA creams are great for gentle exfoliation of your skin, especially one with Salicylic Acid. Benzoyl Peroxide creams used under your makeup are excellent to help keep pores clean. These will aid in reduction of acne and keep bacterial growth to a minimum. Do not use Benzoyl Peroxide creams at bed time unless you don't mind discoloration of your sheets. Instead substitute our Evening Rose Veil for overnight healing.

People with acne should not use facial scrubs, and should only wash their face twice a day, maximum, unless doing so after extreme exercise, and even then, a simple rinsing of the skin with warm water may be all that is needed. Use all natural creams and soaps without pore clogging ingredients with one of our wonderful gentle Waffle Weave Washcloths. Or for those with extremely sensitive skin or those who had a skin treatment of some kind, our Velvet Touch Washcloth which is extremely gentle to fragile skin. They will buff skin to a lovely healthy shine without any irritation. And remember, you must moisturize even if you have oily skin since acne treatments will tend to cause severe dryness to the face creating an environment for more sebum to be produced. D2O Moisturizing Spritz will help keep skin soft and supple and can assist with reducing bacteria related to acne. You can find our Washcloths and Facial Care Products in our “Beauty Boutique”.

Please realize that the use of our Allantoin in our minerals may result in a few more blemishes due to the cell proliferation it causes in removing dead skin cells from the face, and any acne treatment can take up to several weeks before you notice an improvement and can make it seem as though your acne is getting worse. A new acne regimen can cause a massive breakout due to the cleaning of the pores and the regeneration of new skin occurring much more rapidly. These pimples were already there hiding under the skins surface, just not showing yet. So be patient and allow the new regimen of skin care and the use of our mineral makeup time to help correct your acne problem. Be kind to your face with the proper skin care and the use of Sterling Minerals will be gentle to already fragile skin.

Skin Care: We are currently researching the use of certain botanicals and herbal extracts to be formulated in cleansers and moisturizers to provide nourishment to skin while aiding in excellent skin health. It is our wish to be able to provide a complete body and facial line of an excellent skin care regimen for all skin types in the future. We will keep you posted as we progress in our endeavor.

Q: I am concerned about the use of Jojoba Oil in some of your products, since vegetable oils will go rancid over time. Does Sterling Minerals give an expiration date on the products you use it in?

A: No. An expiration date is not necessary since Jojoba Oil is not a true vegetable oil so it will not turn rancid. Jojoba is actually a wax ester that liquefies at room temperature and is extracted from the beans of the Jojoba shrub. In fact, our Organically Grown Cold Pressed / Unrefined Jojoba is used to preserve other carrier oils. It is expensive and is a natural anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial oil used in many skin preparations, such as; healing scar tissue, wounds, rashes, inflammation, acne, rosacea and other skin problems, while helping to replenish and prevent moisture loss caused by outside pollutants inflicted on your skin, whereby reducing wrinkles. Since it mimics skins own sebum, it helps strengthen the epidermis layer while restoring skin softening moisture, whereby reducing scarring. It is rich in anti-oxidants, Vitamin E and Vitamin C.

Jojoba Oil, just like our minerals will utterly meld to your skin rapidly, leaving your face feeling like velvet, not oily or greasy feeling. Multiple studies have shown Jojoba Oil inhibits bacterial growth on the skin naturally; especially those related to acne and will help restore you skins' natural pH balance. It further assists with dissolving clogged sebum from the pores by replacing your own, and shutting down cells that might be overproducing too much. This is why we include it in our Rose Petal Foundations and our Evening Rose Veil since it is an excellent addition to our products for an overall healthier skin. As seen with this botanical, not everything organic can or will provide an environment for bacteria to grow by clogging pores, but perform just the opposite.

By making our minerals in small batches and adding Jojoba as the last step right before packaging, we can provide the freshest possible mineral makeup in your skin care regimen.

Q: Are your products able to be used by Vegans?

A: Yes. We are totally Vegan friendly. We do not use anything in our products that would be related to animal bi-products, including Silk Protein (Powder) which comes from the Silk Worm Cocoon or Carmine which comes from crushed beetles and is used to create many shades of red. We only use Iron Oxides and Ultramarines to achieve the wide array of different shades of blushes and eye colors you can find in our Sterling Minerals line. The only products we carry that a Vegan may wish to avoid would be our brushes as they are comprised from cruelty free obtained Pony, Squirrel and Goat hair.

Q: Why do your Blushes, Foundations and Eye Colors not always look like what is on your website?

A: Although we photograph all of our beautiful colors with Professional Digital Photography, we simply cannot guarantee their color due to the varying computer monitors available. This is another reason we offer affordable samples so you can try before you buy. In fact, you will be amazed at their richness when seen upon opening your first jar of Sterling Minerals. And once applied, the undertones will become noticeable for perfect blending. Minerals are a wonderful surprise at how well they will mirror your actual skin tone.

Q: If I use my Sterling Minerals everyday, how often will I need to replace them?

A: Most of our Foundations and Mineral Veils will last up to 4-6 months and 9-12 months for Blushes and practically forever on Eye Colors. The powders are highly concentrated in pigments and coverage is excellent using so little.

Reapplication during the day is not typical. If you were to compare our products to even the least expensive traditional liquid, commercial or mineral makeup company you will soon see and feel the difference in our hand crafted minerals and the incredible value they offer. We strive to achieve perfection in all of our minerals.

Q: I sometimes have a problem with dust and I have a mild form of asthma. Am I able to use mineral makeup without this problem?

A: Only your doctor should answer this question. And this is also one question no other mineral makeup brand addresses.

We at Sterling Minerals share a genuine concern and have worked diligently to create powders with a lower risk of asthma related problems. Yes, they are comprised of dry ingredients, so there is a dust potential with any dry powder. However, out of necessity due to her own mild asthma issues, our founder strove to formulate her minerals to greatly reduce the excessive fly away you can get when using mineral makeup. She carefully formulated her products without using lung irritants like Sericite and untreated Micas and substituted our Rice Powder, Methicone and Boron Nitrides for slip.

Sterling Minerals goes where you place them, and for the most part there is very little residual dust to be seen floating in the air, especially with Jojoba Oil added and applying them with our moist application method. In her own personal experience her asthma has not flared when using her Sterling Minerals as it did with other brands tested. It is strictly a trial and error if you should choose to give us a try. But be sure to check with your doctor first before switching to a dry powder formulation. We do not use micronized minerals due to nano-particle size which can occur since there is some controversy over their safe use. We feel this was a positive step in order to help reduce problems that might occur for people even with mild cases of Asthma.

Another technique for reducing excessive fly away, is avoid loose and open brushes and do not sweep back and forth, but apply by pressing and then sweeping in one direction only, until most of the powder is where you want it, and then proceed with a light buffing for blending of color. Also spraying brush tips with water or D2O Moisture Spritz and then dipping into minerals on a plate is a great way for not only cutting down on dust, but gives wonderful smooth coverage. Sterling Minerals, like other mineral powders are no exception if applied incorrectly.

Although using our minerals is very safe and are non-toxic in terms of inhalation, we do realize that certain powder ingredients may cause a problem for some asthmatics while others might be completely benign and cause no significant issues at all. And if you have used other minerals which may or may not have caused significant breathing problems, you may or may not have the same result with ours. Do your research, check with your doctor, and we hope we may assist you with your first purchase of Sterling Minerals.

Q: Can I use your minerals right after my chemical peel or laser resurfacing procedure?

A: Our minerals can be used right after a microdermabrasion or a light chemical peel. The minerals will provide a barrier against outside elements and from the sun after getting one of these procedures done. They will help to cover the redness, and through the use of Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide (natural sun protection, anti-inflammatories), will help to calm erythema that occurs and our Allantoin will help skin reepithelize. Rice powder will cool and soothe skin and Jojoba will provide a barrier against trans-epidermal moisture loss. Remember, after procedures such as these, your skin will be extremely photosensitive and must be protected. Even the use of AHA products can cause similar results for making it much easier for you to burn in the sun in a shorter period of time. Sterling Minerals powders will provide soothing comfort while giving excellent added sun protection.

D2O Moisturizing Spritz will be beneficial for tender skin since you can spray soothing moisture on your face without having to touch it whenever you desire to keep the skin from feeling dried out after any skin treatment. It will not sting and has wonderful ingredients for prevention of flakiness on your face. Also our wonderfully gentle Waffle Weave Washcloth for acne prone skin and our Velvet Touch Washcloth is exceptional to use after a special skin treatment. Both unique in their performance, yet neither will cause any irritation to sensitive or delicate skin.

For laser resurfacing, only your doctor should answer this question. It is depending on how deeply the epithelium was penetrated. Typically it can take 5-14 days of recovery time. Once your epithelial tissue has recovered, then the minerals will provide the added protection from sun. Sterling Minerals are very gentle to the extremely sensitive skin. You will not worry about using them in the least, and they will further aid in a faster healing time. The fewer ingredients used in a product, the less the irritation response. This is why Sterling Minerals is a key factor in regaining nice skin texture, while offering phenomenal protection to fragile skin. Only use with a Physicians Permission.

Q: Do you do product testing?

A: Yes we do…on ourselves and the many volunteers we have to try each and every product before we place it on the market. If it doesn't work on our skin, it won't work on yours and the process of trial and error begins again. We have determined our minerals to be safe when used in accordance with directions, and free of any complications when used correctly. In fact our volunteers love it when we have a new product to try. None of our products are tested on animals, nor do we understand this practice since in the modern world of Cosmetics Science today, we feel animal testing is outdated and unnecessary.

Q: Can men use Sterling Minerals?

A: Absolutely! In fact we have a male customer base that are Golf Enthusiasts and love to wear our products before going out to enjoy their game. Sshhh! They don't call it makeup though, but “Sun Protection Powder”. They also appreciate how it covers ruddiness from prior sun damage and evens out their skin tone. In fact many men prefer our Bronzing Powders. Due to application ratios, we still recommend using additional sunscreen protection for an all day outing.

As more and more men are having cosmetic procedures done, our customer base is growing due to that fact. Since it appears so naturally on the skin and is so easy to use, men are grateful our minerals will discreetly minimize the signs of their procedure while aiding in faster healing without irritation.

The husband of our Sterling Minerals founder uses the powders to cover and protect his own skin after his skin treatments from sun damage. His face is left completely natural looking, and all the ruddiness is covered, his complexion completely evened out, and the inflamed skin is calmed.

Q: You advise placing Sterling Minerals onto a plate for cleanest application. Is the jar lid okay also?

A: For the cleanest application a plate is the best when available for use at your vanity. However, for travel away from home, the jar lid is a second option for daily use and does not pose a problem for application. We do recommend wiping the inside of your lid with alcohol weekly to clean the bacteria and sebum which gets deposited from the brush after touching your face. Rule of thumb, when you clean your brushes, clean your jar lids at the same time. Simple! We never recommend touching brush to sifter to avoid bacteria and sebum buildup. Our Suede Facial Mitt can be used for touchups by simply sifting minerals directly onto mitt for clean application.

If you should have any questions or concerns about our products or the ingredients we use, don't hesitate to contact us. Your concerns are our concerns as well, and we will always be diligent in our quest for providing the safest, gentlest and purest in Mineral Cosmetics.

Product Warranty: Sterling Minerals are carefully formulated and handcrafted and we maintain high standards in production to provide an exceptional mineral makeup. All mineral packaging will possess a tamper resistant seal for your protection. Our minerals are for external use only and are determined safe when used in accordance with our directions. Ingredients are clearly listed on each package and should only be used on the areas of the body they are intended for. Products containing Ultramarines, Chromium Oxide Green or Ferric Ferrocyanide are not recommended for use on the lips. Our product pages clearly state their use and ingredients, and we advise not to use any minerals on the lips unless otherwise directed. Keep all powder cosmetics out of reach of children.

Sterling Minerals.com makes no medical claim as to the benefits of our ingredients. Our information is not meant to replace those opinions of your doctor. Any concerns should be shared with him or her. The information provided is not intended to prescribe, treat, cure, or prevent certain diseases or ailments and these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. We furthermore make no warranty as to the effectiveness of our ingredients. Our descriptions are strictly informational as a courtesy to our customers in order for them to have a better understanding of our formulations and to assist them in making an informed decision as to our product quality. Customers may or may not have similar experiences. Results can vary.

Allergic reactions are uncommon in people using our products. However, in an unlikely event of using Sterling Minerals Cosmetics, should redness or irritation occur, discontinue use. If irritation persists, consult a Physician.