Question & Answer Section

What are crushed mineral cosmetics?

Valana Minerals™ mineral makeup or mineral cosmetics are made from natural minerals that are ground into a fine powder, purified and processed for use in cosmetics to create color, sheen or shimmer. Crushed minerals have been used in cosmetics for thousands of years. Legend has it that Ancient Egyptians used crushed mica for body shimmer and eye color. Many cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies use the same mineral powders to add color and shimmer to cosmetics and it’s even used in toothpaste (read the label).

Loose minerals are a great option because they are concentrated, lightweight and don’t clog your pores. Our products offer excellent coverage and luxurious high quality ingredients. Valana Minerals™ are pure, don’t contain harmful ingredients like talc or mineral oil and don’t require harmful preservatives.

I’m a dark skinned African –American. I’ve used mineral makeup before and it made my skin look gray, shiny and I needed three products (base coat, foundation and veil). What makes your product different?

You aren't alone! You should try Valana Minerals™ because Valana Minerals are specifically for diverse skin tones and realistic undertones. Both skin tone and undertone are crucial in our color development. All of our colors have a yellow undertone with variations of red, blue. This means that the color selection will match a significantly greater number of people. Valana Minerals™ is truly a multi-use product. One product works as moderate coverage foundation, light loose powder and concealer. Our Stardust Luxury Foundation© has only four, pure, natural, radiant ingredients. Valana Minerals™ uses primarily translucent bases, which enhances your beautiful skin. We encourage you to read the ingredients on your cosmetic labels and learn about them.

There are a number of mineral makeup products on the market today. I’ve personally spent several hundred dollars on ‘so called’ natural cosmetics and mineral cosmetics. Many products that are labeled ‘natural’ have harmful preservatives, fillers, and contain animal products.

Some companies actually sell only two shades of brown and tout two colors as sufficient for the diverse shades among women of color. Just take a look around and you know that is simply not true. Most companies don’t produce colors that look good on people with brown skin due to the use of several white and gray fillers nor do they produce a wide range of shades or undertones. For example, many companies use Bismuth which adds a shinny finish but it’s gray and makes brown skin look dry and ‘ashy.’

Our Stardust Luxury Foundation© is designed and created for diverse skin tones and many of the colors we offer are not available from any other company. I am certain of this because I’ve researched the “mineral cosmetic market,” I created the color selection and designed the color selection. They were designed in an effort to better meet the skincare needs of a global marketplace. You will find that the quality of our product lines are luxurious, affordable and the customer service is exceptional. The colors are versatile and so concentrated that they last and last.

 

Do I need to worry about my skin breaking out? My skin is sensitive and I’ve had bad experiences with cosmetics in the past.

Valana Minerals™ is committed to using only pure, natural ingredients. You will not find ingredients that are likely to cause irritation (even if they are natural) in our products. People with rosacea, vitiligo, or acne can safely use our products. Common skin irritants are bismuth, talc and any number of harsh preservatives, none of which are used in Valana Minerals™, nor do we use chemical fillers. Many dermatologists and other skin care professionals recommend mineral foundation for people with a range of skin conditions including acne, rosacea, sensitive skin, dry skin and oily skin.

Many women find themselves caught in a costly cosmetic trap. We buy cosmetics that are full of chemicals, dyes and irritants. The cosmetics cause our skin to break out because of their poor quality. We continue to use the products that caused our problem and we go back to the same companies to buy more products for our ‘break outs.’ Typically the products for ‘break outs’ severely dry out our skin. Our dry skin signals our bodies to produce more oil (like it’s supposed to, naturally). The excess oil leads us to use more of the same damaging products. This cycle can go on for years.

Honestly, there is no 100% guarantee as with any product. However, less is more in this case and the more natural and pure your makeup is, the less likely you are to have breakouts or experience an allergic reaction. One of the primary ingredients in our foundation is Zinc Oxide, which promotes healing, calms inflammation and offers drug free sunscreen protection (as does Titanium dioxide). Remember that Valana Minerals™ uses only the highest quality ingredients and our foundation has only four wonderfully pure ingredients. With our products, you will get excellent coverage and the natural soothing properties of Zinc.

Does Valana Minerals products contain nanoparticle size minerals?

We don’t use nanoparticle size minerals in any of our products. The research surrounding the safety of nanoparticle size ingredients on humans is limited at this time. Because this area of research is still emerging we don’t formulate using nanoparticle size ingredients.

How long will my foundation compact, eye colors, bronzer and blush last?

Our products are economical and concentrated. Depending on how much makeup you use, your jar can last from six (6) weeks to six (6) months. Some people use one sheer layer of foundation each day for light translucent coverage and others use three layers each day for heavier coverage. Once a day application is usually enough and your coverage should last all day. Personally, my Stardust Luxury Foundation© lasts about three (3) months. I use two layers of coverage over my entire face and I use and additional layer around my eyes as concealer.

Overall, your crushed minerals should last:
3 to 6 months for Stardust Luxury Foundation©
6 to 12 months for Eye Indulgence©, Cheeky Cheek Pots©, Oasis Oil Control Powder©

Does mineral makeup offer complete coverage?

Valana Minerals™ offers full to sheer coverage. It really depends on how you want to use our product, which is not the case for all brands. You can vary the level of coverage by using different brushes, mixing the foundation with your favorite natural moisturizer or actually layering the Stardust Luxury Foundation©. Using a flat top bronzer brush or a concealer brush can offer heavier coverage than the typical kabuki brush. By mixing the foundation with your natural moisturizer can also vary the coverage. The more foundation you add the heavier the coverage. You can also layer your foundation by adding multiple thin layers using a Kabuki brush (use the application techniques guide). Just don’t try to add thick heavy coverage all at once as you might with other brands. The more layers you add the more coverage you will achieve and remember that a little goes a long way.

Does mineral makeup hide wrinkles and fine lines?

Stardust Luxury Foundation© doesn’t settle into fine lines and wrinkles. Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide and mica, three of the main ingredients in our foundation, reflect light. This means that fine lines and wrinkles will appear less noticeable offering a 'soft focus' effect. Because our products have no artificial ingredients or harsh fillers you will find that the coverage is light and smooth not thick and cakey and it will not settle into your “lines of wisdom” (also known as wrinkles). You should visit the "Photo Gallary" section of our webstore and check out the makeover pictures.

Is your product also sunscreen?

The ingredients Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide are natural drug free sunscreens that offer full spectrum protection from UV and UVB rays. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) lists Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide as two of the ingredients that can be used in cosmetics for suncreen. However, the government regulates drugs that claim a specific SPF number and they must complete laboratory tests in order to legally sell SPF drugs. Because Valana Minerals™ is a small company we don't make 'over the counter drug' claims and are not licensed to sell FDA approved drugs.

Sunscreen is very important as the risk of skin cancer and melasma rises. Sun damage also leads to premature aging (wrinkles). African-Americans, Latinas and our Middle Eastern friends are also at risk. The melanin in beautiful brown skin offers some protection but brown skin can not completely protect you from the damage of the sun.

Your sun protection does not have to be entirely cosmetic. School children in Australia are required to wear hats when they play outside at school to protect them from the sun’s damage. You can wear hats too; make them part of your wardrobe and have fun. Many companies make inexpensive sunglasses with UV protection. This can protect your eyes from cataract damage and it can help limit premature aging around the eyes. So, use your Stardust Luxury Foundation©, put on your sexy sunglasses and your cute hat and you are ready to safely strut your UV protected stuff.

Do I need two different foundation shades?

Sometimes it’s necessary to use two different colors to achieve your perfect match. Second, your skin tone may change from winter to summer and you may want to change foundation tone accordingly. Third, sometimes using two shades allows you to create interesting effects or a more realistic look, as no one is really one solid skin tone. Two colors may simply give you more options in finding the perfect shade for you. However, our foundation color selection is diverse and we are constantly expanding our color selection to give you more choices.

If you do mix two of our foundation shades to achieve your perfect shade, let us know. If there is customer demand for a new shade, we'll create it and add it to our line.

If your face and neck are two different colors (like most people) you might match colors based on your neck or your face. Most try to match the tone of their face then blend into the jawline and neckline. Make sure to check your colors in natural sunlight. The yellow undertones in Valana Minerals™ may also help balance out red or ‘ruddy’ skin undertones

I’ve heard that mineral makeup is so pure you can sleep in it. Is that true?

It’s pure, natural and the ingredient list is simple. If you sleep in it you won’t wake up with a face full of blemishes. In general, you should also check for skin sensitivity. I don’t suggest sleeping in the foundation or eye colors. Remember that the skin around the eyes is very delicate. However, in my opinion (this is just my preference), I prefer to go to bed with a clean face. I don’t want my minerals all over my pillow in the morning. I prefer to wash and moisturize my face before bed. Then in the morning, I mineralize my face. You can sleep in it but personally, I don’t want to. If you want to sleep in it that’s wonderful and I will be happy to provide you with all the minerals you need for daytime and night use.

How do I clean my brushes?

Wash your brushes at least every couple of weeks. Use a mild soap (like baby wash or a mild hand soap) and water. Wet your brushes and rinse under slow running water. Add a small amount of soap and water to your hand and swirl the brush around in the soapy water. Rise and repeat the process until the water rinsed from the brush is clear. Squeeze out excess water, reshape and lay the brushes on a flat surface and let the brushes air dry.

I’ve never used mineral makeup before. How do I choose the right color?

Our Sample Purchase Program is a good way to get started. We suggest that you buy at least six colors, each of which will last several days. The colors you don’t use for foundation can be used for eye, lip or cheek color. We also offer Sample Starter Kits so you can make sure you have great application brushes as well.

You should always test your foundation colors on your face and not on your arm or hand. Your hands and arms are not the same color as your face and are not a good way to test color for your face.

You should also visit our Makeup School-Studio for information, video clips and tutorials on how to choose colors, and apply Stardust Luxury Foundation© and other Valana Mineral™ products.

Is your mineral makeup affordable?

Yes, Valana Minerals™ are affordable. I suggest that you read the ingredients; compare the cost, color variety and our customer service to other brands. The cost of one of our Eye Indulgence©, Cheeky Cheek Pots© colors cost half the price of department store brands and one eye shadow will last at least six months or more.

Other products such as our Stardust Luxury Foundation© lasts from 3 to 6 months depending on how much you use (ie. one layer vs. three layers). Compare that to department store brands. On a personal note, I’ve paid $35 (or more) for foundation that lasted less than one month. Our foundation, blush cheek, bronzers and eye colors can be used in a variety of ways which only adds to their value and versatility. Valana Minerals™ offers premium luxurious products at an affordable price.

Try adding up the cost of all the makeup that damaged your skin and all the products you bought to treat your skin that was damaged by the other products you bought. Then add up the cost of the products of that didn’t match your skin tone or looked great when you left for work but made you look like a red beet by lunch. Oh, don’t forget the dermatologist visits. Of course, you can’t put a price on a body full of toxins because your skin absorbs approximately 60% of what you rub into it. There is a financial cost and a cost to your health and well being. Does that sound expensive?

Given the pure, natural, superior quality of our ingredients, our diverse color selection and versatility, you won’t ask, “can I afford to use these products?” However, you will wonder, “can I afford not to?”

I have mature, dry skin. Will your mineral makeup make my skin look dry and flaky?

Stardust Luxury Foundation© is not like traditional powdered makeup and our formulation is not like any other mineral makeup product available today. Our foundation is made with a unique blend of Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, which works as a sunscreen, has healing properties, is virtually translucent, and actually helps maintain skin moisture. These things differentiate our products from others. Many mineral makeup brands (read the ingredients) use talc, bismuth or other ingredients that can be irritants. These ingredients may make your dry skin look worse and may also draw moisture out of the skin. The pure ingredients we offer will help your skin recover and maintain its moisture balance.

Nevertheless, you should use your favorite natural moisturizer before applying your makeup. You should allow your skin to absorb your moisturizer well before applying your minerals (otherwise, it will appear blotchy). You may also want to try mixing your minerals with your favorite moisturizer to create your own liquid foundation.

Do your makeup brushes shed bristles?

Shedding should not be excessive. After initial usage and at least one washing, your brushes should not shed much. You should wash your brushes regularly with gentle cleanser. Washing your brushes with harsh cleansers and/or very hot water is not needed. Visit our "Application Techniques" section for instructions for washing your Faux Collection: Vegan Cosmetic Brushes.

Do the colors in your webstore accurately reflect the true makeup colors?

My web manager and I work to ensure that the colors and descriptions you see are as true to life as possible. You will also find descriptions of most of our colors and products that will help you in choosing your colors. Remember, you should also take advantage of our Sample Starter Kits or our Sample Purchase Program and you can contact our Customer Service Center for help in choosing colors.

Nevertheless, the colors of our products may vary depending on your computer monitor settings and software settings. Lighting may also influence the way the color looks. We suggest that you test colors in natural sunlight and remember that the colors become more lovely and rich after they ‘warm up’ to your skin (10 to 15 minutes).

I ordered your foundation again and the color seemed a little different. Did you change your formulation?

We haven’t changed our formula. Valana Minerals™ takes pride in our ability to deliver consistently high quality and luxurious products. Because our products are custom blended in small batches you may notice slight differences in hue but the overall tone and undertone should show no significant difference. You should try the makeup on and let it warm up before deciding the color is ‘off.’ Because the color is so concentrated and there are no fillers, it’s difficult to tell how the color will look by just looking in the jar.

If there are significant differences there may have been a mistake in shipping. It isn’t common but we are only human and sometimes we make mistakes. If this is the case, we will be happy to exchange the product (we pay shipping if it was our error). Contact our Customer Service Center for information on exchanges.

I tried mineral makeup and it looked chalky, thick and cakey, why?

All mineral makeup isn't the same. Remember that our products are concentrated so you can’t apply it like traditional makeup. You should also clean, exfoliate and moisturize your skin before applying Valana Minerals™. It’s also important to use good quality brushes. Another thing to remember is to wait 10 to 15 minutes after application to let the minerals “warm up” and settle into your skin.

If your makeup looked, chalky, thick and cakey after application, you may have applied too much makeup or you may be using the wrong undertone. Amazingly, you only need a small amount to achieve great results. Make sure your skin is clean and moisturized. You will notice a difference if you use poor quality tools so use good brushes made for mineral cosmetics and clean them occasionally. Visit the Makeup School – Studio for application tips.

What’s the difference between regular makeup and mineral makeup?

Not only is there a difference between regular and mineral makeup. There is also a difference between regular mineral makeup and Valana Minerals™. Our products contain none of the harsh chemicals found in mass market makeup and other mineral makeup brands. Our products are also made in small batches to better ensure quality and consistency. Many cosmetic products say they contain natural ingredients but some of those natural ingredients are actually irritants, dyes or are animal by products. I encourage you to read the ingredients on your products and understand how they effect your body.

Valana Minerals™ contains an exclusive Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide blend that is virtually translucent which gives more options in color development and amazing coverage. Our products are beneficial to the skin for several reasons. Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide act as natural drug free sun protection. Zinc Oxide acts as an anti-inflammatory and has soothing properties. Crushed mineral foundation is made from inert crushed mienrals. You don’t have to worry about bacterial or fungal growth in your loose mineral powder (clean your brushes regularly so you don’t introduce bacteria or fungus into your makeup). This also makes it ideal for conditions associated with acne, rosacea and post plastic surgery (consult your dermatologist).

Do I need to set my foundation? If so, how do I do it?

Our products tend to work best when you clean, exfoliate and moisturize your skin before applying Stardust Luxury Foundation©. Then allow the foundation to 'warm up' to the natural oils in your skin to “warm up” and settle in (10 to 15minutes). However, if your skin is very dry or you don’t have time to wait, apply your makeup then apply a quick sprits/spray with mineral water to your face (a steamy bathroom will have the same effect). Then you should pat or press the minerals into your skin so that the minerals 'warm up' to your skin. You can also lightly brush over your face with a large fluffy soft brush for an airbrushed look.

I’ve heard that mineral makeup is waterproof. Is this true or will I need to reapply the foundation if I sweat?

There is a difference between “waterproof” and “water resistant.”  Usually waterproof makeup must be removed with oil or silicone based makeup remover. Our products are “water resistant,”  which means they hold up well to sweat or even light rain.  No, you won’t need to reapply and you won’t “sweat it off.” All you need to do is dab or blot your face with a tissue or soft hand towel gently pressing the foundation into your skin. You can even use your hands to press the minerals into your skin. Our products are water resistant.

Some companies make extraordinary or unrealistic claims about their products. I’m not interested in making such claims about Valana Minerals™. Yes, our products are water resistant but within reason. If you run a marathon wearing our products and cross the finish-line with a glamorous Valana Valana Minerals™ glow, I want to know about it (I’ll pay you and put you in an ad)!

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