Bare Minerals/Bare Escentuals Tip/Trick

I received the Bare Minerals starter kit for my birthday and was really excited to use the product because my best friend had used it on me before and I loved it!  She told me that her kit has lasted a long time so I was even more excited to use it.

I got my kit in August and was really upset to find that the minerals started to get "stuck" in the container.  I know it's been 4 months since I got the BM, but there's no way they could have gone bad.  I spoke to someone that works at ULTA (they sell BM there) and she told me to try calling the company to see what they sugggest because she doesn't see how the sifter could come out.

I was wondering whether or not the sifter could come out, but I was unable to make it budge (probably because of my fake nails!)  I spoke with another friend today and she told me that the sifter can absolutely come out!  Needless to say I was beyond excited.  When I got home I tried to remove the sifter, but to no avail (again because of my nails).  I handed my minerals to my boyfriend and he was able to remove all of the sifters!!

Personally, I like my BM better without the sifter because I can access all of the product.  I understand the point behind the sifter, but I don't think it makes it any less messy when traveling or even just using it (the minerals get everywhere even with the sifter).