Stop The FDA Globalization Act of 2008!

Hello Everyone,



I am a member of the Indie Beauty Network and have been since launching my company. Today I am wishing to call to your attention this legislation which will cripple small business cosmetic manufacturers and force many of your favorites to close their doors if this law is allowed to pass.



Your diverse consumer choices will be whittled down to only the huge companies which continue to manufacture products with synthetics, chemicals and preservatives making skin conditions impossible to clear up or improve. These faceless companies don't really have much concern about the consumer, but only how to capture your dollar. Unfortunately, these companies have forgotten their roots since they too began as a small entity trying to carve their niche in the marketplace. Now huge companies outsource american jobs to overseas to make cheaper products, not safer ones. (Toys from China comes to mind.)



The FDA now wants to impose astronomical fees that would literally shut down the small handcrafter by making it impossible for them to maintain or even begin to follow standards which are only in play to benefit the larger companies. This only means more big government with really no change in protecting the consumer as they would have you believe. FDA regulations have already been in place to protect the consumer and Sterling Minerals Cosmetics already currently complies with all FDA regulations, so there is really no difference in this regard, but the fees imposed and the amount of burdensome paperwork involved would make it impossible for any new cosmetic businesses to even get off the ground. The fees are in the thousands of dollars and will only help the larger companies eliminate their competition, the handcrafters. We have eliminated the junk in our products which is taking a huge bite out of these companies bottom line as more consumers demand a safer alternative for their skin health needs. We are here to answer those needs only to now be threatened with being quashed and knocked out of the marketplace. Our consumers would truly suffer the blow if this were to occur. As Indies we stand as a united front to say NO, NO, NO....to this legislation in its current form. No one could care more about your health and safety than a handcrafter of cosmetics. All Indie Companies strive for a natural alternative to all the chemicals we are subjected to each and every day and we do it through our fantastic handcrafted products.



Even though I can afford these unfair fees now, I still oppose them as they are anti-small business and in the beginning I could not have even begun my business if these had been in place when I was trying to get started. There are still plenty of companies, mainly women owned, who are still trying to get their businesses up and running and have their piece of the american pie. Women who only want their independence and the freedom to enjoy self employment without government interference. And of course to the detriment of the consumer, I can ill afford to absorb these fees..... so guess what, cost of business goes up and that means higher prices passed on to you, my customer.



Please follow the links attached and learn about the FDA Globalization Act of 2008 and how it can affect you as a consumer. If you disagree with what is truly turning into an injustice against small business owners and want to stop it, then after reading the proposed petition, I ask you to voice your relevant opinion along with the many others who have signed before you, and place your name to it so our mentor of the Indie Beauty Network, Donna Maria, owner / founder may present your voice to the legislation to show an overwhelming support against the FDA Globalization Act of 2008. Sign the petition at STOP The GLOBALIZATION ACT of 2008! You may sign at bottom of all other petitioners and your name will be added to the list. Understanding what is happening, you may read in detail exactly what is proposed in the FDA Globalization Act Discussion Draft. This draft must be rewritten in order for fairness within the trades. In its current form it creates an unlevel playing field that only allows well financed, big box companies to survive.



You may also watch the video at the link above which shows Chairman Dingell expressing his point in a sarcastic manner to Hon. Calvin Dooley, President and CEO, Grocery Manufacturers Association, and seems to believe fees imposed against consumers through purchasing these products is the answer and we as consumers would have no problem with this. Mr. Dooley understands the consumer mindset and is nothing short of courteous, and as a consumer myself, I do not wish for Mr. Dingell to speak for me, since in reality better funding is required for the FDA to enforce the laws already in place which is available through tax revenue. If you can endure watching this forum, please note the industries mainly affected and are of the most concern, are food and drug, not cosmetic. However, since we as cosmetic manufacturers are included under FDA regulations, we will very much be affected by the fees and mandates proposed, outrageous as they are.



Also please watch the video from Donna Maria who will explain in brief detail of what can and will happen if this legislation remains unchanged and passes in its’ original context.







Thank you and I hope you will support us in our endeavor to stop big government from imposing fees and simply enforce the laws already in place including protecting us from importers (exporting from China mainly) of our food and drug industry that are making our people ill (Tainted toothpaste anyone?) or killing them (How about a little Heparin?). I am confused as to why we even continue to outsource our jobs to the manufacturers in this country given the contaminated products we have been subjected to as a nation. Remember the pet food scandal? And with Mr. Dingell I agree on this very valid point. Their governing regulations just don't meet acceptable standards yet they are allowed to export products for american companies to the states that put people and pets at risk. These are the areas that should be tightly monitored, yet are not. However, people also have died from drugs manufactured in the good old US of A which were supposedly already FDA approved. (Can you say Celebrex?) Get my point? Big business means big bucks! These are actually the violators of our safety and in many instances remain unchecked, not the smaller handcrafter eco friendly companies who are here because of safety concerns. If we are forced out of business by huge conglomerates and bad government legislation, then we as an entire nation will suffer.



To date no one has died from a product defined as a cosmetic.



Offering a choice is the American way and companies that place our health at risk should be stringently monitored, held accountable and substantial penalties and fines imposed against violators of those safety standards as already set forth by the FDA.



On behalf of all Indies’ we appreciate your support!



UPDATE: Please follow the latest story. The FDA Globalization Act of 2009! It has been a victory for the INDIE manufacturer of skincare products and mineral cosmetics. So far, congress has listened to the issues and they are treating the small business entities with fair practices with setting new regulations that allow us to remain in business.



Also, It appears that the Campaign For Safe Cosmetics is making some adjustments in their ingredient categories and separating out the varieties of different types of processed minerals, botanicals and essential oils. If they continue to create better reporting practices, my company will rejoin the ranks which support the campaign.

Keep An Eye On Changes To Your Skin

As I wade through the warming summer days, I can’t believe the summer solstice is just about here. It signals the longest day of the year, the first day of summer officially, and the days are definitely going to get hotter, yet this also reminds me, now the days will already begin to get shorter. I love the summer months and this year the summer feels particularly short since Mother Winter held on with a vengeance. She robbed us of what are typically balmy days in June. 4th of July is right around the corner already! ;~P

I enjoy soaking up the suns’ warming rays first thing in the morning while I sip my cup of Joe. A great way to get some of my daily dose of vitamin D. Dr. Michael Holick, director of the Vitamin D, Skin and Bone Research Laboratory and professor of Medicine, Dermatology, Physiology, and Biophysics at Boston University Medical Center states that midday sun in small doses is actually the best time for optimum uptake of UVB rays which stimulates vitamin D within our bodies. But I still love the morning sun the best. I take this time to discuss plans for our day with my husband and to simply relax and regroup from hectic schedules. I wish summer would never end until the days become sweltering, then I long for a slightly cooler day which seems to be the cycle of things in my life.

I relax and sit and examine my skin taking note of any changes, making sure all is well. I look over my husband as he does the same for me. This is so important, especially for us since we both are covered in moles and freckles due to our European Heritage. I just recently had one removed from my back for testing since it began to grow. Happily, it turned out to be benign. This was the first time I had to have one removed and caused me concern otherwise in all my screenings my moles appeared normal.

I was after my husband for years over a mole he had on his upper shoulder at the base of his neck to get it checked out. He ignored it since it had been there as long as he could remember. But I noticed thickening and scabbing along with a dark center developing and worried me to the point I threw a fit until he would go to the doctor.

By the time he was seen, the doctor with his years of experience thought it had to be a Melanoma due to color and consistency. Plus, he had to dig this thing out since it went as deep as an inch and the area had to be sutured to close the wound. He remained reserved as to the seriousness of the mole until the tests were back so as not to worry us. It wasn’t until after the results were returned, the doctor revealed his fears and told us, “In all my 35 years of practice, I never saw a mole with such definitive signs of being melanoma only to turn out to be benign. I was thoroughly convinced I was going to be telling you to get your affairs in order and my weekend was spent sleepless over this mole. I have never been so glad to be wrong.” Both men teared up over the reality of what might have been due to ignoring the danger of this suspicious mole and the doctor told my husband, "the next time your wife has a bad feeling about a mole, get it checked." I was still stunned by what could have been and by how much compassion this doctor had for his patients. This delightful, caring man bore the weight of worry for us, showed humility, and was our Dermatologist every year after that until he retired about 8 years ago. We now visit his partner who is also a wonderful man.

Gratefully for us on the day of follow-up, the testing proved otherwise, however the doctors’ statement to us spoke volumes to me and especially to my husband, and proved to be a strong motivator to have ourselves checked every year after that.

Wow that looks painful.....this picture reminds me of the old days, but now I avoid sunburns at all costs.

My husband and I totally abused our skin in our youth, doing the baby oil thing and baking until we were a dark brown, which this included always getting a nice sunburn. We then became snowbirds for the last decade, traveling south of the border, exposing our skin further to sun damage every February even though we caked ourselves in sunscreen. It was only practical to maintain the ritual of visiting our Dermatologist every fall to check our skin. We have even had our moles mapped for any changes since we have so many and they are difficult to keep track of unless one is totally obvious, and by then it might already be too late. The smallest, insignificant change can go undetected and turn out to be a melanoma of the smallest proportion. This is when you want to find it, not after it has already grown.

Be wary and attentive to skin changes, do not ignore them and think you'll have it looked at later. When my GP became concerned about the mole on my back during my annual visit, I did not waste time and called my Dermatologist as soon as I got home. The mole was removed within a few days of the discovery. Visit your Dermatologist each year for a screening. Make it part of your annual checkups so as not to miss early detection of deadly melanomas.

Also be cognizant to your scalp. Although our heads are covered with hair, melanomas have been found in this area and can go undetected until it is too late. How many of you haven’t burned your scalp in the past? I certainly know I have, and still do periodically if I fail to put my sunhat on. A large sunhat will do more than just protect your scalp it can also shade the shoulder and chest areas.

I try to wear the largest sunhat I can find for that added protection.

A simple checkup, screening and watchful eye throughout the year, not just in summer months, may very well save a life.

Be safe and be well, wear sunhats, zinc oxide that nose and have a wonderful summer! ;~)

Skin Care For Men

I love the enchanting, seductively masculine aroma of a freshly shaved face on my husband. It is wonderfully soft to the touch and it is when I am able to get really close without the burn to my own face. The softness doesn’t last long however since the stubble begins to re-grow in a matter of hours. Shaving is a daily ritual, sometimes twice daily for some men, yet in most cases this is the most men will do to take care of their skin. Well…they might also throw on a little sunscreen or aftershave…but that’s about it.

There is a new awareness by many men as they come to understand and learn about skin care and a trend is growing to provide more choices in men skin care products. To date however, women still are the larger mass of consumers when it comes to skin care products since most men simply don’t like the extra steps, or feel it is unnecessary and something only women do.

When is the last time you saw a commercial for men’s skin care products other than shave crèmes and aftershave splashes?

Men….it is time to take better care of your skin and to realize that you don’t have to endure acne scars left over from your youth or sun damage that is also occurring from sun exposure after the many years of partaking in outdoor activities.

More and more men are beginning to have plastic surgery to reduce wrinkles, sagging skin and drooping eyelids to create a more youthful appearance. However, through practicing proper skin health in the first place you may be able to forgo this drastic step.

Cleanse: Many men skip this step or save it for the shower with whatever soap is handy. Please don’t use Dial or other types of deodorant soaps on your face! Shampoo is not a face cleanser! These are extremely drying and can be pore clogging. Furthermore they can strip the precious oils from your skin. Use a cleanser designed for facial care and this step will not only get rid of the daily debris built up on your skin, but will help prep the face for the next step…Shaving.

Shave: When you shave, always make sure the water is warm to hot and use a moisturizing shaving gel to help soften your beard and skin. Always shave in the direction of hair growth to avoid ingrown hairs and razor burn. Make sure you replace your blades often to further avoid these problems and prevent razor nicks or you'll look like this man. Razor bumps experienced by men are typically caused by hair that curls around and grows back into the skin. Softening the beard, shaving in direction of hair growth, and keeping blades sharp will help prevent this. Also do not wear tight collared shirts since this can also create these tiny bumps in the neck area. And remember....a clean, close shave will bring that special lady closer for a snuggle.

Tone: An excellent toner is one comprised with no alcohol and is only mildly fragrant through the use of natural botanical extracts. Commercial toners can be heavy with alcohol and a strong fragrance which can be extremely irritating to the skin, especially on a freshly shaved face since this also is a means of exfoliation, exposing tender areas of the skin to these irritants. More and more specifically targeted companies for men are offering gentle and safe botanically derived facial products that also can smell wonderful without artificial fragrance and are exceptionally seductive. Tip: Aftershaves that are too strong in fragrance can have the opposite effect. If a woman can still smell your aftershave after you have left the room, she won't be following you! Too Strong = Turnoff!

Moisturize: Even though men have a much thicker epidermis than women do, it doesn’t mean this step should be ignored. In fact as many men age they seem to become more distinguished, as is the term, which further adds to the mindset they don’t need moisturizer. However to maintain good skin health, not only should this step not be ignored, but the same applies in using a good moisturizer. Keep it as natural as possible and avoid heavy fragrances and synthetic and chemical based crèmes. Many men skip this step for whatever reason......too feminine of a step......takes too much time....think they don’t need it. These are men that are from the old school of thinking or were simply never taught about skin care from their dads. I know, since my husband struggles to add this step to his routine. Even if it is a sunscreen lotion, I have to typically remind him to put it on before going outside. My husband is a Custom Home Builder and is exposed daily to the sun. He has had recurring skin cancer issues with his face due to not being vigilant about proper skin care the same way I am.

Masks and Scrubs: These are excellent for really keeping pores open and reducing skin congesting buildup of sebum and dead skin cells. Although you don’t need to do this everyday, men should try this step a minimum of once a week. More if you are so inclined. Just don’t overdo it. No more than 3 times per week to keep it simple and to avoid over drying of the skin. You can also use this time to decompress from the daily stresses in your life. Put the mask on, lay back with eyes closed and simply rest and rejuvenate while the mask does its job. You will simply be amazed at the way your face will feel and look after a full facial treatment. Facial scrubs can be used instead of standard cleansing lotions. However, if you cleanse and do a mask or scrub at the same time, the results to your face will be too drying.

Lip Balms: Also keep a lip balm handy for keeping your lips soft and to help prevent cracking or drying of your mouth. Locate a good balm with an SPF in it to prevent sunburn. Lip balms are the best solution for keeping your lips super kissable.

While practicing your skin care regimen, you can use this time to also teach your own son about mens skin care. Many men teach their boys' how to shave, so add a few more steps to show them skin care is not just for women but should be practiced by everyone to avoid free radical damage and to slow the aging process on our faces.

If moisturizers aren’t your bag, then at the very least use a sunscreen. Even though this is the area I struggle with my husband about, he has come to realize there is an alternative to feeling like he has put goop on his face. Some men simply don’t like the feel of a moisturizer on their skin since some toners have a moisturizing effect and this is all they need or want.

Men can now get excellent skincare with our ONATI unisex skincare line. Free from chemicals, parabens, synthetics, sulfates and anything else that would be considered harmful. Just pure and natural face care.

This is where mineral makeup comes in for men who appreciate all phases of skin care or for those who want a simpler answer. If you are one of those men wanting to hide the imperfections without the surgery, minerals are for you. If you don’t like the application of a moisturizer or sunscreen after shaving, minerals are for you. My husband has shown an appreciation for this product since the powders have helped him to endure his skin cancer treatments while helping to soothe and hide the irritation caused by such treatment. It further protects his skin from further UVA and UVB damage while undergoing his treatment. When the treatment is finished, the healing process occurs more rapidly with the use of our mineral powders. Here is an article on EFUDEX chemotherapy treatments for skin cancer.

Mineral Makeup: Now before you scoff and retort ......”makeup!?” .....you can refer to it as sun powder or powdered sunscreen. The level of sunscreen is excellent and will help to hide the years of sun damage or acne scars that men have usually just learned to live with. Furthermore, with the revolutionary concept of mineral cosmetics becoming more widely recognized, more male actors and TV Journalists are now wearing mineral powders for their own makeup needs. Looks great under lights and will leave their complexion quite natural looking. This is not your mothers' makeup! Using mineral makeup is very discreet and no one will know you are wearing our powders since they have no shine, yet are not overly matte, and will meld into your skin for an all natural flawless complexion.

Some men today have decided to have cosmetic surgery or chemical peels to reduce the damage left on the skin from years of abuse. This brings up an excellent point…chemical peels and surgery can leave the skin bruised and red and irritated while it goes through the healing process. Mineral powders help to soothe, heal and conceal after one of these procedures. Always check with your doctor, but most physicians approve of mineral powders for the face after a cosmetic procedure.

So take the time to investigate a new skin care regimen and read labels carefully avoiding all the bad stuff and give Sterling Minerals Cosmetics a go. See if you don’t appreciate what they offer the face for a more youthful looking appearance while offering you excellent sun protection against the harmful UVA and UVB rays. The best part is sample sizes are available so you can experiment without a commitment to full size jars.

Have a Happy Fathers Day! ;~)

Lipsticks and Lip Glazes Are On Sale From Sterling Minerals!

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to let you know that my beautiful, moisturizing and all natural Lipsticks and Lip Glazes are finally available as of last week, and are selling like crazy. I am running them on special temporarily at over 25% off while supplies last as a way of saying thank you for waiting so patiently for their arrival.

I knew that once we notified our customer base of their arrival, that the response would be overwhelming, and for that I am pleased. It is great to see so many of you enjoying them as evident by reorders so quickly after receiving your initial order.

For those of you that have already purchased your favorites, you already know this, and for those who haven't tried them yet, hurry before this offer ends.

Well, it pretty much feels like winter around here again as she holds on with a mighty grasp. Hope it is warm in your neck of the woods....as for Idaho, we are all still waiting.

Have a great weekend and enjoy your Lippies!