A. Rather than being oil or petroleum-based, true mineral makeup is made of earthen minerals, milled to a very fine powder.

Q. Why is mineral makeup better than traditional makeup?

A. Mineral cosmetics reflect light - like millions of tiny diamond mirrors - to hide fine lines and discolorations. Unlike traditional cosmetics, which coat the skin with a layer of film, mineral makeup allows your skin to breathe and function naturally. In fact, Youngblood was originally developed for use in a medical setting, to help patients' skin breathe and heal after harsh surgical procedures.

High quality mineral makeup should not clog pores, and should feel like you have no makeup on at all. It should contain no synthetic or irritating ingredients, such as alcohol, artificial fragrance, mineral oil, talc, or petroleum.

Q. How is Youngblood manufactured?

A. At Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics, we use only the purest, most premium grade minerals. We micronize our minerals using our proprietary milling process. Although many mineral lines claim to be "jet-milled" or "triple-milled," not all milling processes achieve superior results. We invite you to compare our product to our competitors, and we think you'll find our quality superior to any other mineral cosmetic line.

Q. What makes Youngblood superior to other mineral cosmetic lines?

A. Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics began in a medical context, to be used by patients with skin traumatized by acne, rosacea, and harsh procedures, such as laser treatments, chemical treatments, or cosmetic surgery. Developed with leading doctors, our products contain the healthiest ingredients possible.

When comparing mineral cosmetic lines, always check for synthetic ingredients such as alcohol, artificial fragrance, mineral oil, talc, or petroleum - you won't find these in Youngblood products.

You'll see some similarity in ingredients among different mineral cosmetic companies, but the proportions will not be the same. You'll also read about companies using different, "superior" milling processes. We're confident that when you compare, you'll find Youngblood ingredients and processes are of the very highest quality on the market.

You'll also notice that some other mineral cosmetics may have an undesirable "glittery" look. That's because their milling process or ingredient combination leaves a rough finish - it can even itch or cause breakouts. Youngblood, however, glides on silky smooth, and has a more refined "glow," rather than a sparkly "glitter."

Try our product - we think you'll find the feel is the silkiest available, the coverage is flawless, the look is the most polished and natural, and the choice of shades the most comprehensive and realistic.

Q. Why aren't Youngblood products SPF rated?

A. At Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics, we value your health, and want you to make the most informed health decisions possible.

Many of Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics' products contain titanium dioxide, a natural mineral with sun-protective properties. However, as all women will use differing amounts of our product, the degree of sun protection will vary from person to person. For example, a woman who uses relatively heavy coverage of Youngblood Natural Mineral Foundation will benefit from more sun protection than will a woman who uses only a light dusting.

We at Youngblood recognize the ordinary variations in the way our products are used, and our doctors agree that customers are best served by our choice not to provide our products with an SPF rating, as it could be misleading.

Q. Does Youngblood use animal testing?

A. Absolutely not. Youngblood's founding beauty principles are natural health, empowerment, and environmental responsibility. Our products are completely cruelty-free.

Q. Why is talc bad for my skin?

A. Talc is a filler, and can block pores, dry your skin, and cause irritation. Our products contain no talc, or any other fillers.

Q. What kind of starch is in your products, and why is it used?

A. YB uses Rice Starch as a healthy alternative to talc. Rice Starch absorbs oil, sets makeup so it's long-lasting and doesn't move, and provides a beautiful matte finish.

Q. Some Youngblood products list a fragrance. Is this fragrance artificial?

A. Our fragrances are herbal, such as those derived from natural sage oil.

Q. Youngblood Ultimate Concealer contains dimethicone. Is dimethicone petroleum based, and will it clog pores?

A. No. Dimethicone is an organic compound derived from silica. It is clear, inert, non-toxic and non-flammable. It functions to protect the skin from moisture loss, and will not clog pores.

Q. I'm allergic to nickel. Will your products aggravate my allergy?

A. No. There is no nickel in Youngblood products.

Q. What is the function of parsley extract in Youngblood Rice Setting Powder?

A. We include parsley extract for its soothing, anti-inflammatory properties.

Q. How do minerals become "pressed?"

A. YB powders are milled using our proprietary process, which results in our unique silkiness, natural appearance, and high-performance coverage. These powders are then mixed with organic compounds to bind the ingredients together, and then pressed into metal pans under high pressure.

Q. What are ingredients listed as "Lakes?"

A. Lakes are types of pigments - solids that have a color. The "Lake" coloring process is prepared using an inert binder, such as commonly used dietary antacids.

Q. Do Youngblood products contain preservatives?

A. Most of our loose mineral products contain no preservatives. However, any product containing liquids, such as lip gloss, mascara, etc., can foster bacterial or microbial growth. In order to protect your health, and inhibit the growth of microbes and bacteria, we've chosen preservatives derived from plants, which are often used in baby care and food products. It is our commitment to your healthy lifestyle that we use the most natural ingredients possible.

Q. Some Youngblood products contain Tocopheryl Acetate. Is this ingredient synthetic?

A. Also known as Vitamin E acetate, Tocopheryl Acetate is a common vitamin supplement that provides protection from the sun's ultraviolet rays. The Tocopheryl Acetate we use is derived from soy beans.