Studio Fix...weird spots

[CantAffordMAC]

Hey guys. I use studio fix foundation, this is my second one. After using it for awhile, I notice these hard discolored patches on it. Its kind of gross. I am thinking its from my foundation sponge, maybe. But I don't have oily skin. I change my sponge once or twice a week. The patches come off when I scratch them but I dont want to scratch up my studio fix lol.

Anyone else has this problem?

 

[tiramisu]

even if you'd don't technically have "oily" skin, you do still have oils in your skin naturally. My guess is that's exactly what it is and how it's occurring. Unless it's big patches, I would assume it's not going to harm your skin (as in make you break out due to bacteria issues)
OR-- if you store it in a humid area, like your bathroom, moisture could be getting to it. Maybe try moving it to another area for awhile and see if that helps?

 

[erine1881]

it's most likely from the oils in your skin. do you lay your sponge on the powder or do you put it underneath? it's supposed to put underneath so the oils don't get absorbed into the powder, and it breathes thru the holes inthe bottom of the compact. scrape them off with a butterknife and you'll be fine. btw, you shouldn't have to replace your sponge that often. only about once every three weeks. when you replace it, do you use drugstore sponges? the hardened spots could also be from the ingredients in the drugstore sponges if that's what you use. mac does sell studio fix sponge replacements that are pure latex and won't alter the product. that's why there are so many different kinds of sponges. different ones for different products.

 

[Simply Elegant]

If you've ever applied it with a damp brush then that could be why too.

 

[CantAffordMAC]

Quote:

Originally Posted by erine1881 it's most likely from the oils in your skin. do you lay your sponge on the powder or do you put it underneath? it's supposed to put underneath so the oils don't get absorbed into the powder, and it breathes thru the holes inthe bottom of the compact. scrape them off with a butterknife and you'll be fine. btw, you shouldn't have to replace your sponge that often. only about once every three weeks. when you replace it, do you use drugstore sponges? the hardened spots could also be from the ingredients in the drugstore sponges if that's what you use. mac does sell studio fix sponge replacements that are pure latex and won't alter the product. that's why there are so many different kinds of sponges. different ones for different products.

oh wow I didnt know that. Once my studio fix sponge got grody I threw it out. And I already had a bag of drugstore sponges but i think they are latex? Maybe not? I dont lay my sponge on top of the powder. The reason I replace my sponges so much is because they begin to crumble after about a week. I guess they arent latex or else they wouldnt crumble so quick?

wow thanks for the info!

 

[erine1881]

if they are pure latex, they might not be as densely packed as the ones mac sells, so they crumble. i don't know the ins & outs of latex sponge production

mac's are reasonably priced too. 1/$3 or 2/$5. buy a replacement one and see how that works for ya. since we recommend replacing them every 3-4 weeks, they will last you longer, plus you won't those gross hard spots that you have to scrape off, resulting in wasted product.

 

[mistella]

I use scotch tape to get rid of the "spots". it lifts them away without having to scrape the product out

 

[janwa09]

You can use a brush for it instead like a buffer brush or kabuki brush...this way no moisture from any sponge will be pressed into the product and the powder will be grabbed on lightly by the bristles.

 

[nooeeyy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CantAffordMAC Hey guys. I use studio fix foundation, this is my second one. After using it for awhile, I notice these hard discolored patches on it. Its kind of gross. I am thinking its from my foundation sponge, maybe. But I don't have oily skin. I change my sponge once or twice a week. The patches come off when I scratch them but I dont want to scratch up my studio fix lol. Anyone else has this problem?

The oils from your skin are being deposited right back onto your foundatio from that sponge. I noticed that when I used the sponges thats why I stopped using them. Plus its just a nesting ground for bacteria.
My suggestion...Buy a good foundation brush. I actually like the brush because it deposits the color so much more naturally. You can use a good ole' foundation brush from your local drugstore. Beauty Essence has great brushes(carried in CVS). Or if you prefer, if you have that $$$, MAC has a great brush you can use for foundation (BRUSH #188). Or, if your like me you may want a good brush at half the price. Good ole' Sonia Kashuk brushes at Target. Use the big powder brush.
Hope that helps.