30 November 2013

Product Review: Are you getting your Beauty Sleep?

I think we all know that Beauty Sleep is not just a dumb saying. You may spend a fortune on all the latest and greatest skin care products, but lack of a good night’s sleep can seriously wreak havoc with your skin, and make you look years older, making all those products a waste of money – and believe me, with a 5 month old baby, who even though he is such a good boy and sleeps through the night, I no longer get the sleep I need. 





And now to take things one step further Adairs has successfully combined luxurious comfort and cosmetic technology that delivers a truly dreamy sleep experience and a beauty routine so simple, you can do it with your eyes closed.

Adairs has simply developed a revolutionary new Beauty Sleep by SleepLab bedlinen makes the ability to get supple, smoother skin whilst you snooze, a reality.




Created by Lenzing, the leaders in fiber innovation, the silk-like 100% Tencel® natural fibre is enriched with Chitosan particles extracted from the shells of deep-sea crustaceans and embedded permanently in the fibre to create TencelC®. When in direct contact with your bare complexion, this revolutionary fabric maintains much-needed moisture content in your skin at a time when cell renewal is at its most effective.

"SleepLab is a brand that brings together quality and innovative products with a focus on health and wellness. SleepLab has made the romantic notion of 'beauty sleep' a reality with the launch of the Beauty Sleep bedlinen."
According to Dr Susanne Jary, Head of Global Home Textiles Marketing at Lenzing, beauty routines do not get any easier than this. "Our scientists have developed innovative manufacturing techniques that allow the TencelC® fibre to withstand regular washing without losing its cosmetic properties. This bedlinen is so cosmetically advanced that it can actually aid skin respite, regeneration and restoration whilst you sleep," says Dr. Jary.




The result is serious opulence and skincare revitalisation with very little effort thanks to TencelC®, a state-of-the-art fabric designed to bring you beautiful, radiant skin while feeling fresh and comfortable under the covers.


I have been so lucky to test *Beauty Sleep by SleepLab pillow cases for the past month or so, and I am loving them. Again, as any new parent would know, I don’t sleep well at night, always listening out for our little baby boy, so the Beauty Sleep Pillow Cases are certainly not to be blamed for dark circles under my eyes.

I have to admit that I did find it hard not to do my usual skincare routine but for the sake of testing these pillow cases out, I did skip applying my night time serum and cream for a couple of nights. And when I woke in the morning, I did notice that my skin felt nice, neither greasy or dry, but just so lovely, soft and smooth that you would never have guessed that I did skip the serum and moisturiser.

Another thing is that my skin mark and crease up very easily from the fabric on my pillow case being bunched up under me, and these marks and creases take a while to disappear in the mornings. But I’ve noticed with these Beauty Sleep pillow cases is that I no longer get these small creases on my face – and that instantly makes my skin look so much fresher in the mornings, and not as if I’ve just rolled out of bed, even though I might have!


At $99 for a pair, these pillow cases are not exactly cheap, but as the effects of the pillow cases are lasting, even after being washed again and again, I find it is a worthwhile investment – especially if you decide to completely skip your nighttime moisturiser, which I admittedly don’t think I could do on a permanent bass. I just look forward to the day my little boy is a little older and I can again get my required sleep, and experience the full benefits of these pillows.

 



Beauty Sleep by SleepLab is available in soft shades white, blue, moss, silver and string in the following variations:


  • 370 Thread Count King Bed Sheet Set: $299.95
  • 370 Thread Count Queen Bed Sheet Set: $269.95
  • Pillowcases Pair: $99.95
 
The Products are available exclusively at Adairs stores nationally.
 
*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy. 
 
What do you think of the Beauty Sleep products from Adairs? Do you get enough beauty sleep?

 

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29 November 2013

Product Review: Ultraceuticals CC Powder Pure Mineral Foundation

BB Creams have taken over the world the past year or two, and now the new CC products , which stands for Colour Correction or Complete Correction are following troop. Here are my thoughts on the *Ultraceuticals CC Powder Pure Mineral Foundation;

 


What They Say:
"Featuring Ultraceuticals unique anti-ageing triple-complex (Microelastin, Artocarpus Extract and Vitamin B3) with conditioning ingredients (Vitamin C & E, Bisabolol) this triple-milled pure mineral powder will visibly brighten, smooth and even out the complexion, while giving the skin a healthy looking glow. Airtight compact technology guarantees freshness and mess-free use. Free of Parabens, Talcs and Preservatives. Suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive."

 
What I Say:
The Ultraceuticals CC Powder Pure Mineral Foundation comes in a sleek round compact with mirror and a soft bristled applicator brush. The mirror is the size of the compact, which makes it very useful, and the brush is of a good quality, which is a nice change, as usually I find the brushes that come with powders, blushes etc. are of average quality, and although I still prefer to use my own long-shafted powder brushes, the small brush is still perfect for touch-ups on the go.




When I first received the compact it took me a few minutes to work out how to open it, but you simply twist it, so simple, yet it is closes securely so no need to worry that it will pop open in your handbag.

I have a medium neutral skin tone, and I tested shade 2, which is a perfect match.
 
 
 
The powder is easy to brush over the skin and easily covers smaller areas of redness, pigmentation and uneven skin tone, although darker areas do need touch of concealer. I have been using it on its own on the days I’ve only wanted a light coverage, but for better coverage, I have also  been using it on top of my tinted moisturiser or foundation, and regardless the result it fantastic, it simply leaves my skin with a nice glow and a silky soft appearance.  While you can build up the coverage of the powder by adding more layers, I still find that it only offers a light to medium coverage.




It simply provides a nice even coverage without looking cakey, and it means that my skin stays looking matte all day, keeping any shine on particularly my t-zone area at bay, even on my combination skin, and without settling into my fine lines and wrinkles either.

With ageing skin, I love the fact that this mineral powder has anti-ageing properties with the included ingredients such as Vitamin B3, C and E, so it cares for my skin all day long, making it feel so lovely to wear, and without drying out my skin either.
 
 

The powder is extremely fine milled, in fact, according to Ultraceuticals it is triple-milled, which explains why it is so soft and silky and goes onto the skin so nicely.

I also love the fact that it is free harsh chemicals including parabens as well as it is free from talc, preservatives, dyes, bismuth and fragrances, and that the products have not been tested on animals.
 
 

What I Like:
  • It comes in a gorgeous modern white compact with a large mirror and a quality brush
  • It has anti-ageing properties caring for my skin while I wear it
  • It is comfortable to wear and stays put all day, leaving my skin shine free without settling into fine lines
  • Provides a nice even coverage
  • Free from parabens, talc, preservatives. dyes, bismuth and fragrances, and has not been tested on animals


What I Don’t Like:
  • Unfortunately it doesn’t contain any SPF
  • A little pricey

I would like it to provide a little more coverage to be the foundation it claims to be, but in saying that, I love using it as a powder on top of my existing foundation.

Overall, I really love this foundation – although while it is called a foundation, I would classify it more as a foundation as it only provides a light coverage, and I generally do feel I require a better coverage than it provides, so I will be using it on top of my normal foundation.

But I so love using it as a setting powder and to keep away any shine. It will be perfect heading towards a hot and humid summer, and I know I will keep reaching for this again and again.

At $69 this is not the cheapest foundation, but considering it is a triple-milled powder of such high quality, it is in my opinion worth every cent.
*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

 
What do you think of this CC Foundation from Ultraceuticals? Do you use CC products? Or Powder foundations?


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28 November 2013

Xmas Gift Ideas – Part One

Christmas is almost upon us, in fact it is less than a month away – and well, if you are like me and celebrate Xmas on Christmas Eve, you'll have a day less… and I don’t know about you, but I always struggle finding presents for my family and friends, so I thought that I’d do a couple of posts on gift ideas.. So here are my first picks..

 


Endota Spa Body Brilliant Pack


 
I only just recently discovered the products from Endota Spa, including the Avocado & Grass Lilly Skin Drink and the Gel Cleanser Orange & Cehami, which are both amazing, and the new Body Brilliant pack from is truly brilliant way of discovering several products from the brand. It contains a full sized 170ml of lilly pilly body moisturiser, which is a vitamin rich body lotion with organic herbs including lavender to regenerate the skin, lilly pilly to tone and nourish, and an organic vanilla bean scent – and it not only smells fantastic, in an instant it also makes my dry skin especially on my legs feel soft and so thoroughly moisturised, without feeling greasy or sticky.
It also contains a generous sample size with 20ml of river salt & desert lime shower gel, which has the most gorgeous refreshing citrus scent to give you a nice stimulating boost in the morning.

Finally, it also contains a generous sixe of 20ml of mimosa and ginseng body polish, which helps rid the skin of dead skin cells revealing a soft and glowing skin, without being too harsh or drying out the skin.




Everything comes nicely presented in a canvas drawstring back which is perfect to use for packing your hair straightener, hair dryer, or even your ballet flats when you are going away.

RRP: $45 (valued at $65) – Available from Endota Spas, and Endota Spa Online
 

bhave Travel Pack


 
Those of you who read my blog regularly will know that I love love love the products from bhave. They are so amazing, and after just the first wash I can immediately tell the difference in the look and feel of my hair. It not only feels nicer and is easier to manage and style, it also looks healthier and shinier.




And just in time for Xmas, bhave has released a selection of travel packs, which includes shampoo (60ml), conditioner (60ml), Riot Control Oil (15ml), a bhave headband all presented in a clear travel case. As bhave so nicely puts it, "The Professional Hair Care System that ensures your hair behaves even when you don’t". There is an option for normal to dry hair with the Hydrator Shampoo & Conditioner duo, an option for fine hair with the Magnify Shampoo & Conditioner Duo and for very dry and damaged hair, my personal favourite, the Rescue Intense Repair Shampoo & Conditioner Duo. This travel pack is truly amazing for keeping your tresses in top condition for summertime getaways.

RRP: Hydrator or Magnify packs $29.95 each, Rescue pack $34.95 – Available from select salons


Sanctuary Spa Little Luxuries




I have only just recently discovered the Sanctuary Spa products, including the Youth Boosting Facial Warming Micro-Brasion Polish, Essentials Salt Scrub, and Crème Soufflé, and these products are absolutely amazing, so I am loving this gift pack as it is a fantastic way to trial some more of the products from the brand. The pack includes Body Wash (75ml), Body Scrub (50ml), Foaming Bath Soap (75ml), Body Lotion (75ml) and a Luxury Bath Float (75ml) – in other words, everything you’ll need for a pampering session at home. Oh, and did I mention that the products smell absolutely divine!




The products are nicely presented in a gift box, and come at a cheap price that makes this the perfect stocking filler or Kris Kringle/Secret Santa pressie.

RRP: $12.95- Available from Priceline

 

Urban Rituelle Shine So Bright Soy Wax Candle


 
This Christmas is going to be extra special for my little family. This is our baby boys first Christmas, although he will only be 6 months at the time, so too young to really make any sense of it all.




But on top of that, my parents are planning on coming from Europe to visit us, and it is the first time in over ten years that we’ve spent Christmas together, so it truly will be a special time. I will do whatever I can to make sure it will be an exceptional time, and that will include bringing the festive season into our house by burning a Shine So Bright Soy Wax Candle from the Urban Rituelle, which is a soy wax candle highly fragrant with scents of fresh fig and sun-ripened plum.




The candle comes in glass jar in a stunning red and gold gift box, so you don’t even have to wrap it, and as it burns for up to 40 hours, there will be plenty of time to enjoy the amazing scent. As well as a body care products, Urban Rituelle also makes the most amazing home products including scented candles and diffusers.

RRP: $25.95 – Available from Urban Rituelle and select stockists


So there you have it, my first Xmas gift suggestions that I’d personally would be so happy to receive.

As always, if you would like in depth reviews of any of these products, please do let me know in the comments below.
*These products were kindly provided for consideration, and have been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

 
Would do you think of these products? Tried any of them? Would you consider gifting any of these to friend or family member, or maybe yourself?

 
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25 November 2013

Product Review: Violet Box – November Review

Another month has passed, and it is yet again the time of month where the beauty boxes are shipped out. This morning I woke to find the Violet box waiting for me at my front door, so here are my thoughts on the November edition of the *The Violet Box;


 
What They Say:
Violet Box brands promises to every month include 4-6 premium beauty and lifestyle samples from well-known and trusted Australian beauty brands as well as exciting new International brands, one in particular is a revolutionary product currently trending in New York and has been featured in Vogue and on the Today Show!

 
RRP: You can subscribe to Violet Box for:

1 month – $22.95
3 months - $66.00

6 months - $130
12 months - $250


What I Say:
Like last month, the November edition of the Violet Box comes in a narrower sized black matte box, which closes with a magnetic closure and a purple ribbon.

But this is what was in the November Violet Box…
 

 

Body Armour Face Cream – Full size, 50ml (RRP: $35)
I don’t know if I’ve been living under a rock, but I have to admit that I’ve never heard of the brand Body Armour before. But this is a full sized face cream which is supposed to be used as a post-treatment moisturiser after intensive facial treatments and for those requiring a daily effective facial moisturiser. The moisturiser is paraben free, which I really like and it has a subtle floral scent. It comes in a silver pump bottle, and  the cream is a little thick, which does worry me a little as my skin is prone to breakouts. But a quick test showed that the cream absorbed quickly into my skin, so I do look forward to testing this cream out. And at a RRP of $35, just this full-sized item alone is worth more than the cost of the Violet Box!!




ModelCo Colour Box Eye Pencil plus Sharpener – Full Size (RRP: 18)
This is a black pencil eye liner with a sharpener built into the lid. The eye liner claims to be long wearing, and enriched with shea butter to non-drying and soft to apply without dragging or pulling at the eye area.

This is another full sized product so it is a great product to receive in the box. Even though  I wear black eyeliner almost every day so it will definitely come in handy at some stage, this eyeliner sadly doesn’t really excite me – I see a black eyeliner as a staple item and I will always repurchase new black eyeliners, so I would much rather have received an item I wouldn’t normally purchase myself, such as a bright lippie or eye shadow.
 
 
 
ModelCo Blush Cheek Powder Blush – Full Size (RRP: $18)
This blush is the third full sized product in the box. It comes in a round black compact with a cleverly inbuilt mirror. I got the colour Peach Bellini, which as the name suggests is a peach colour but with a pink tone to it. It is a really lovely colour, and the shade that I am usually drawn to, so this is a bonus. But in saying that, from memory, this blush in this exact colour along with a two other makeup items, were a GWP with a magazine just a few months ago, some subscribers may be so unlucky that they already have this exact blush. I was going to buy the magazine just to get the makeup but somehow never got around to it, so for me, it is still a great product to receive.

 


 
Tailor Skincare Masque Detoxing Facial Treatment – Sample Size (RRP: $40 for a pack of ten)
Tailor Skincare is a New Zealand brand that I’ve never come across before. The products are made from all natural ingredients and contain no chemical nasties. The masque draws out toxins from the skin via electromagnetic force to aid the reduction of acne and stimulate blood flow, to nourish the skin and leave it with a youthful radiance. I really love that it is natural and the ‘electromagnetic force’ does sound intriguing – and well, with a skin prone to breakouts, especially as the weather heats up, I am quite looking forward to testing this mask out.






Guess Girl and Guess Night – Samples (RRP: $49/50ml and $69/100ml)
This is two sample sizes of Guess fragrances, a sachet sample with a 1 ml of the Guess Girl, and as a bonus also a small spray vial with 1.5ml of the Guess Night for him. I have never tried any fragrances before so I do look forward to testing these out, and I am sure hubby will take the sample for him with open arms as he always feels he is missing out.




Overall, I like that this box comes with a variety of products, from makeup to skincare and perfume, so there’s something for everyone. This month’s box contains the three sample sizes, which are a lovely bonus, although I have to be quite blunt and admit that I don’t really rate the perfume sachet sample as they always come in magazines anyway.
The box contains three full sized products, which have a combined value of $71 – which although this is great value, it is not quite as great value as the October Violet box where the full sized items had a staggering combined value of over $130. In saying that, I do look forward to trying out the Body Armour cream, the ModelCo Blush has a lovely colour that I will definitely use, and will also make use of the ModelCo eyeliner too at some point, and consequently I still find that this month’s box is well worth the $22.95.
*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

What do you think of the products of the November Violet Box? Did you get this months’ box too? What did you think? And if not, would you consider subscribing?
And of course, as always, if you’d like to see an in-depth review of any of products in the box, leave me a comment below..
 
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23 November 2013

Product Review: Native Box November 2013

Once upon a time I didn’t put much thought into the products I was eating let along putting on my face and body. But when I was pregnant I suddenly made a conscious effort to be both healthier and use healthier skincare products too. Here are my thoughts on the Native Box November edition,

 


What They Say:
"We will send you a different Native box every month with the very best eco-conscious, healthy and safe products to nourish the body, mind and soul. At Native Box we feature Australian brands, big and small, that provide exceptional eco-friendly and sustainable products. We continuously scour the market, making it easier for you to make good shopping decisions that are better for you, your family and our planet…. together with Native Box, these brands help positive change happen!  5-10 products monthly (Full &/or Samples)"

 
RRP:

1 month: $24.95 (shipping included)
3 months: $69.90 (shipping included)

12 months: $259.20 (shipping included)
– Available from Native Box


What I Say:
Not knowing much about the Native Box, I decided to do a little research, and I was so pleasantly surprised at what I discovered.

Native Box is committed to connecting its members with Australian businesses that provide exceptional organic and sustainable products, as they believe that each dollar spent on such products cast for a better world – and they genuinely believe that they can help shift the balance towards a better Australia and safer planet.

The Native Box is a monthly subscription box, and all products in the boxes have been selected after a set of strict product guidelines and business ethics criteria where they call on the wealth of scientific research available and look to industry experts and independent organisations for validation.
 




Native Box is also striving towards being a carbon neutral company who is responsible for zero greenhouse gas emissions, and are constantly looking for ways to reduce emissions and business waste whilst increasing efficiency by among others;
  • Box material and packing is made from recycled material
  • Encourage our members to re-use and up cycle their box
  • Use recycled and biodegradable products in the office
  • Buying locally produced goods reduces our carbon footprint
  • Encouraging members to make green lifestyle choices


Now on to what was in the November 2013 Box….

Fine Fettle Foods – Zuccini & Almond Flats – Sample Size

This pack of flatbread biscuits from Fine Fettle Foods is ‘Real Veg Squished into Snacks’ and they are just perfect to use as a savoury snack on their own or with a topping, but as they are so delicious that I personally are perfect on their own just as they are – in fact I can easily see myself buying these again as a healthy snack. They are organic, wheat free, vegan, gluten free and dairy free.


 


H2Coco Pure Coconut Water – Full Size
The coconut water from H2Coco is natural and fat-free and low calorie drink that re-hydrates the body and providing nutrients including potassium and electrolytes. This truly is such a refreshing drink on a hot summer’s day or after a workout and I love that there is no added sugar. It is also organic and gluten free. 





E-String Bags 100% Cotton Handle Carry Bag
This gorgeous net from E-String Bags is 100% biodegradable, reusable, recyclable and compostable. It comes in a selection of gorgeous colours, just check out this bright green one I got!! And it can hold up to 14kgs, yet it weighs a tiny 4grams!!! – Yep, just 4 grams!! This will be perfect to pop in your handbag to use in the supermarket or in the fruitshop – that’s where I’ll be using mine instead of the plastic bags, that are not only nasty to the environment, but are also never strong enough, and who doesn’t hate having to pick up all your fruit in the parking lot because your bag has torn!


 

Happy Skincare Cloud 9 Deep Cleansing Balm
This is a plant based organic cleanser from Happy Skincare that removes makeup, sunscreen and dirt and grime, while leaving the skin soft and moisturised. It is made from 100% natural sourced, and 85% organic ingredients, and it has the most divine citrus scent (my fave). It is also vegan and dairy free. I cant wait to test this one out!

 
 




Care You Love Persian Rose Moisturiser – Sachet Sample
This cream from Care You Love promises to deeply hydrate the skin with a rich calendula infusion and exquisite rose oils. The calendula infused with cold pressed kernel oil and made in small batches with love! This sounds amazing, and I am expecting it to smell absolutely divine so I cant wait to try it.




Finally the included sheet that provides information on all the products also made mention of Crafted 3 Vegan Merinques, but there were no product included, so I am not sure if maybe it was also supposed to be in my box?


 

Anyway, there you have it, the contents of the November Native box.

I am unsure of the RRP of the different products as unfortunately the info sheet doesn’t specify this, so it is difficult to say how the box performs in terms of value for money, but as I feel that all products are just sample sizes, apart from the H2Coco, which is a ‘cheapish’ item, and the string bag which I have seen on their website that you can purchase for $17.77 for a pack of 5 bags, - so unless I am wrong, I do find it a little difficult to see that the included products have a combined value of $24.95

But in saying that, I think that the box contains a great selection of products that I would otherwise possibly never have discovered. I will certainly look forward to trying the Cloud 9 Cleanser and the Persian Rose Moisturiser, and I have already popped the H2Coco in the fridge waiting for a hot day, and the string bag is in my handbag ready for the next shopping trip. And as for the Zuccini & Almond Flats, well, they’re vanished already, I may just have found a new favourite and healthy snack option – and for that this Native Box is priceless!
*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

 
What do you think of the products in the Native Box? Have you tried any of these products? Do you buy organic products? And eat healthy snacks?

 
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22 November 2013

Product Review: Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind The Lifter Foundation

With my ageing skin, I am starting to see the benefits of foundations targeted specifically for ageing skin, so I was excited when I was asked to trial the *Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind The Lifter Foundation, here are my thoughts;

 


What They Say:
"Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind The Lifter Foundation promises to instantly create a smooth, even complexion, minimise the look of fine lines and improve sagging and loss of elasticity. It is formulated to provide smooth and consistent coverage that corrects imperfections. Available in 8 shades."

RRP: $25.95 (30ml) – Available from Selected pharmacies, department stores, variety stores and supermarkets nationwide.

What I Say:
Who doesn’t love a good multi-tasking product. Well, the new Instant Age Rewind The Lifter Foundation from Maybelline New York ticks all boxes, containing both micronutrients and peptites to help infuse, hydrate and firm the skin as well as a an in-built smoothing primer. Sounds good to me!

The foundation comes in a clear pump bottle and you can clearly see the two different components in the foundation, the clear serum, and the foundation. Once you pump it out the bottle, the foundation, which has an airy and whipped consistency, has a slightly strange look, almost as if the foundation off and has separated. But once applied to the skin, it mixes well.


 

And the foundation is so easy to apply, absorbing into the skin quickly, giving it a nice even finish. It only provides a light coverage, which can be built up to a medium coverage. Unfortunately it still doesn’t cover any major pigmentation, scarring or redness, for that I need to use a concealer as well.


 

The foundation is very lovely to wear, and I can feel that it is very moisturising on my skin, yet without being too greasy or shiny on my combination skin. And because it is so moisturising, it also appears to minimise the look of fine lines, and consequently make my skin look younger. It simple leaves my skin looking glowing and smooth.


 

It has a nice long wear, using a primer first, it stays put until late in the afternoon, and I love that it doesn’t settle into fine lines. I also love knowing that it is treating my skin with the anti-ageing serum while covering imperfections.

What I Like:
  • That it is a treatment foundation, caring for your skin while covering imperfections
  • Easy to blend and leaves the skin soft and glowing
  • Has a long wear and doesn’t settle into fine lines
  • Great price

What I Don’t Like:
  • Unfortunately it doesn’t contain any SPF, which is necessary under the harsh Australian sun

Overall, it is a fantastic foundation, and I really like the inclusion of the serum that cares for mature skin. It may only give a light coverage, but it leaves the skin feeling soft and glowing, so if you have mature skin like me, I highly recommend you try it!
*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

 
What do you think of this new foundation from Maybelline? Do you use anti-ageing foundations? What do you look for in a foundation? Light or full coverage?
 
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