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March 2015

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Tatcha Indigo Soothing Rice Enzyme Powder (Travel Size)

March 16, 2015

Tatcha’s latest is the new Indigo Soothing Rice Enzyme Powder, available in two forms: $65 for the Full Size Version (60 g / 2.1 oz.) or $15 for Travel Size Mini (10 g / 0.5 fl. oz). This is the most gentle rice enyme powder they’ve released to date with rice bran, indigo extract, colloidal oatmeal + HADASEI-3 Bioactive Complex. Based on my testing of the Classic, Gentle and Deep, the new Indigo is the best one yet. It’s strong enough to give the skin a proper cleansing but gentle enough for days when your skin is extra sensitive. Even though it seems like the winter season never really arrived in Southern California (it’s in the high 70s this week), the weather has been dry making my skin react like a roller coaster. The Indigo Soothing Rice Enzyme Powder is the perfect exfoliant for those who don’t like traditional scrubs. If you’re like me they are almost always too harsh or if they are gentle they leave a film on the skin. The Tatcha cleans the skin well leaving it soft and residue free.

In case you are new to the Tatcha Rice Enzyme Powders, these are soft powder exfoliant cleansers that are activated with water. They come in a sturdy canister with a clever opening that helps dispense small amounts of powder into your hand. It prevents the product from getting all over the place when you use it and also makes sure that the product stays inside the container in case you travel with these. There are three types of the Polished Rice Enzyme Powders designed for different skin types: Classic is for normal skin, Gentle is for dry skin and Deep is for those with oily skin. You can see my previous review on all three here.
I use these as a double cleanse. First I use a cleansing water or oil to remove all traces of makeup. Then I follow with a regular cleanser or one of the Rice Enzyme Powders. These are the perfect mix between a cleanser and exfoliator. For me traditional face scrubs often end up tearing the skin and cause break outs (no matter how gentle they are). There is a learning curve to figure out the right mix of water to powder to create the right thickness in texture. I usually have one hand wet with water, then I’ll sprinkle about a tablespoon of powder into the palm. I’ll take the other hand (also damp) and rub together to create a paste.

Some more close ups of the Indigo Soothing Rice Enzyme Powder, featured here is the travel size:

Classic Full Size vs Indigo Travel Size:

Ingredients: Oryza Sativa (Rice) Powder, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Potassium Myristate, Polygonum Tinctorium (Japanese Indigo) Leaf/Stem Extract, Indigofera Tinctoria Leaf Extract, Colloidal Oatmeal, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin (Pearl) Protein, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran, Algae Extract, Glycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Calcium Carbonate, Titanium Dioxide, Tin Oxide, Mica, Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol.

The Indigo line is created for sensitive skin. I’ve been a huge fan of the Body Butter and Hand Creams because they really do work wonders for the skin when it’s dry or irritated. I love that they’ve added more to the Indigo line because the items smell incredibly good (although the Rice Enzyme Powder has no detectable scent). I’m secretly hoping they will release a shower gel or body lotion in the future.

If you’re new to Tatcha they have a large selection of Travel/Trial Sized items which makes it nice to try things out at a lower price point before investing in the full sized options. Out of all the Rice Enzyme Powders the Indigo is my new favorite followed by the Classic version. Tatcha kindly sent me the travel size to try out. I have the full size version in my online shopping cart right now and will be purchasing it after I hit publish on this post. The travel sized version will be traveling with me on a few trips I have in the upcoming months.

Bottom line highly recommend. You can find the Tatcha Indigo Soothing Rice Enzyme Powder in two sizes. The Full Size (60 g) retails for $65 and the Travel Size (10 g) retails for $15. Note there is still a promo code available: receive complimentary Aburitorigami Beauty Papers ($12 value) with any order over $20. Use promo code TREAT2015 at checkout to redeem. Offer may not be combined with any other promotions. Valid 3/5/2015 to 3/31/2015.
The travel sized Indigo rice powder was provided courtesy of Tatcha for review consideration.
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Uncategorized

Burberry Kisses Hydrating Lip Colour – Nude Pink, Garnet, Oxblood, Bright Coral, Blossom Pink and Rose Blush

March 14, 2015

This spring Burberry Beauty has released a new lipstick formula called Burberry Kisses ($33 each for 3.8 g / 0.13 oz, made in Italy). There are 28 shades of this new hydrating lipstick formula. It appears these have been launched to replace the original Lip Cover Soft Satin Lipsticks (still available at Nordstrom and Saks). A few of the older colors have been relaunched in the new formula but most of the shades are new ones. I was a fan of the Lip Covers and Lip Mists for their soft natural color and flawless application. Burberry has released some released soft pinks, nudes, mauves and roses but I know many could not wear the lipsticks due to the rose scent. The good news for those with sensitive noses is the new formula has no detectable fragrance or taste. I didn’t think the formula could get better but it has with improved wear, texture, buildable color.

I have six shades to share thoughts on today. The Burberry team kindly sent over a diverse range of six colors for me to test. I have yet to make a trip to my local Burberry counter to see all the colors in person but after putting six to the test I can say I will definitely be checking out the others soon. The packaging of the new Burberry Kisses is the same in size, design and form as the original lipsticks. They come in a silver squared tube that come with magnetic snap lids.

The formula of the Kisses lipsticks is like no other lipstick I’ve tried. These are like a weightless velvety cushion for the lips with truly buildable pigment. These are described as being able to give you sheer to high coverage and the formula is just that. One swipe gives a sheer even wash of color, multiple swipes will add more color without feeling heavy or looking cakey. Compared to the Lip Covers, the Kisses Lipsticks have less of a slip and less shine, but still look natural and meld into the lips. If you’re well acquainted with the lipstick formulas Burberry has released, I’d describe the finish somewhere in between that of the Lip Velvets and Lip Covers. They do have a moisturizing and hydrating feel but don’t feel heavy or thick. Lasting power is quite good, I had no fading within 4 hours of wear (but I didn’t eat or drink in that testing period).

The 28 colors are grouped into five main color categories of Nude, Pink, Coral, Brown/Rosewood and Red. Six shades I have to share, all are creams without any visible shimmer:
  • Blossom Pink is a soft neutral pink nude that leans more pink
  • Garnet is a medium rosewood plum mauve, it’s a nice polished medium-dark pink mauve that doesn’t pull brown or too dark
  • Bright Coral is a vibrant coral that is very bright on my complexion
  • Nude Pink is just that, a nude pink, very similar to Blossom Pink (which is more pink), this is a flawless nude pink lipstick, it’s light on my pigmented lips but doesn’t wash me out, if you have lips that are lighter this will look darker on you
  • Rose Blush is a soft mauve rose about 1.5 shades lighter than Garnet
  • Oxblood is a classic deep vampy wine color

Swatches and more views:

Lip swatches, for skintone reference I’m wearing NARS All Day Luminous Foundation in Punjab mixed with Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow mixed together:

I pulled a few of the older Lip Covers to compare with the new Kisses formula. There is only one that I have both the old and new formula of to compare, Oxblood is identical in the new and old formula in color and coverage, the older version is slightly more glossy.

* Note Devon Sunset has also been released in the new formula, but I haven’t seen both side by side to compare the colors

One last shot below of the new Burberry Kisses, left to right is Nude Pink, Oxblood, Bright Cora, Nude Blush, Blossom Pink and Garnet

Bottom line gorgeous. The formula of the Burberry Kisses is really good. I plan on looking into the other colors very soon. There are quite a few new lipstick formulas that have been launched this spring and you may be wondering which one is best. I think each brand has developed unique formulas to suit different tastes and likes. My quick take based on what I’ve tested:

  • The Marc Jacobs Sheer Lip Gels offer a range of lighter colored nudes to brighter neutrals with a glossy sheen. If you have dry lips you need to prep your lips otherwise the colors will emphasize lip lines. Range offers one shimmer (Have We Met?) and the rest are non-shimmers. These have a very soft vanilla scent (emphasis on very soft).
  • The Marc Jacobs Le Marc Lip Cremes are for those who like strong bold colors with super saturated pigment and long wear color. This range does have a few neutrals but the focus is on bold rich color, all are creams. The formula is hydrating. The color options are heavy on the reds and corals. There are also good mochas, plums and brights. These have a soft vanilla scent.
  • Chanel relaunched their Rouge Coco Lipsticks (to be reviewed soon). This range offers a wide selection of neutrals in the nude, pink and rose range, there are also a couple medium mauves and then you have the jump to brights and deeper colors to choose from. The colors have a soft shimmer mixed in for dimension with a medium glossy finish. Some have more shimmer than others, but they all have a luminous look. These have a rose scent.
  • The Burberry Kisses Lip Colors are somewhere in the middle of all the others with coverage that is buildable from sheer to  medium-full coverage without any shimmer but don’t look flat. The finish is very natural with a slight sheen but don’t have that high shine finish and the formula melds into the lip for a natural look. This launch has the widest range of colors to choose from neutrals, roses, pinks, mauves, reds and corals (although it does seem to lack any brown-tones).

I’ve found something likable in all the formulas I’ve tested but I think the Burberry line will appeal to more people due to the color range and the fragrance-free formula. You can find the Burberry Kisses Lipsticks at Burberry.com right now. Also available at select Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue stores and online this month.

Have you tried the new Burberry Kisses Lipstick formula yet? What did you think?

The Burberry Kisses were provided courtesy of Burberry for review consideration.
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Barneys New York GWP

Barneys Love Yourself Beauty Event – March 2015

March 13, 2015

Tomorrow March 14th is the last day for the Barneys Love Yourself Beauty Event this spring. Spend $200 or more in beauty at Barneys New York in store and online and get this goody bag filled with minis and samples. Mine just arrived today, above is what came in my bag (I ordered from a store).
The contents of the gift bag:
Tatcha Beauty Papers 1 pack/30 sheets
Deborah Lippmann Mermaid Dream Nail Polish mini 8 ml
ReVive Moisturizing Renewal Cream 7 ml
Malin + Goetz Vitamin E Face Moisturizer 29 ml
La Mer Illuminating Eye Gel 5 ml (I have the full size of this and it’s awesome)
Helmut Lang Cuiron Spray 1.5 ml
Kevyn Aucoin The Fleshtone Lip Pencil Medium  .73 g
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer 5 ml
Sisely Ecological Compound 4 ml
Radical Extreme Repair 8 ml
Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Cream 7 ml
Givenchy Phenomen’Eyes 4 g
Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Cream 15 ml
NARS Restorative Night Treatment 2 ml
Sunday Riley Good Genes Treatment 10 ml
Replica Eau de Toilette mini spray
Giorgio Armani Black Ecstasy Mascara 2 ml
Chantecaille Mini Brilliant Lipgloss in Pretty 1.5 ml
Moroccan Oil Treatment Light 10 ml
L’Artisan La Chasse Aux Papillons mini spray
Rituals Yogi Flow Foaming Shower Gel 6.7 fl oz
3LAB Perfect Cream 8 g
Long Valery Joseph Extend Hairspray 2 oz
Mila Moursi Ice Cube Infusion 5 ml dose

In case you’re curious, this is what I ordered:

By Terry CC Cream
Aesop Geranium Body Wash
Byredo Cotton Poplin Candle
By Terry Cellularose Hydra Toner
The event ends tomorrow on the 14th and gifts are available online and in stores at Barneys New York. There’s no promo code online and as long as they still have stock left the gift should be added to your cart once you hit the $200 mark (while supplies lasts). If you’re interested I suggest getting your order in soon! If you’re in doubt I suggest calling your closest store to place an order.
Did you buy anything for the Love Yourself Event? I’d love to hear what you stocked up on!
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What's In My Bag

Inside My Bag

March 13, 2015

TGIF! Happy weekend my lovely readers. I hope everyone had a good week. We are having a hot weekend here in Southern California with 80+ degree weather and I feel like I’m in desperate need of a tan. Here’s a quick peek at what’s inside my bag this Friday.

Rouge Dior Brilliant Lipshines (reviewed here)
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip Liner (swatched on lips here)
Charlotte Tilbury Lip Magic (reviewed here)
Tatcha Beauty Papers (post + promo code here)
Marc Jacobs Sheer Lip Gel in Have We Met? (on the lips here)
L’Occitane Hand Cream Mini
Byredo Black Saffron fragrance sample (still thinking about this one)
Chanel Sycamore fragrance mini
Non-beauty accessories:
Clutch as a makeup pouch – Truffle (c/o)
Purse – Prada
Wallet – Louis Vuitton
Moleskin – Vianel
I’m finalizing reviews of the new Chanel Rouge Cocos and Burberry Kisses Lipsticks today and I’ll have those reviews up this weekend. I’m also burning my first Cire Trudon candle in Odalisque and so far it’s pure love review on this soon as well.
What’s in your bag this Friday?
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Uncategorized

Dior Vernis in Rose 499, Pink 599 and Corail 899

March 12, 2015

There are three new Dior Vernis Gel Shine Nail Lacquers in Rose 499, Pink 599 and Corail 899 ($27 each for 10 ml/0.33 fl oz, made in France). These are currently available exclusively at Neiman Marcus and Dior.com – they were released with the new Rouge Dior Brilliant Lipshines (my picks swatched here).

The three new nail lacquers are fresh spring-summery colors. Each color has a stunning mix of subtle shimmers in them that give the colors depth without being frosty or too shimmery. Like most other Dior nail polishes, these have shimmer that’s more visible in the bottle but on the nails they act more like creams. Below you can see the shimmer becomes more visible depending on how light hits the bottle.

Rose 499 is the only one of the three that has a more visible shimmer with gold and rose flecks. On my nails it’s still very natural. This one is on the sheer side with a jelly finish. The color itself is very natural. If you’re looking for a soft shimmery neutral pink, this one is lovely, although for soft pinks, Lady 294 from the Kingdom of Colors Spring release is my favorite by far.

Even though it’s sheer, you can still get smooth medium coverage with two coats:

Pink 599 is a warm pink that pulls almost peachy on me. This is my favorite of the three. It’s hard to find warmer pinks that don’t look orange on my olive skin. This one has a lovely jelly finish and has enough pink to still, well look pink. Two coats shown below.

Corail 899 is a vibrant coral red. In my mind Dior can do no wrong when it comes to bright orange and coral nail polishes. This one is really beautiful with flawless rich coverage. It is however very similar to prior releases. It’s very similar to Glory 660 from spring. Corail is more orange while Glory is more pink. The new Corail is also very similar to other Chanel colors. On the nail wheel compared side by side they look almost identical from arms length. A close look will show that there are slight differences in undertone (some are more orange, others more red, some are lighter etc.). On a computer screen it may be hard to see the real difference.

Nail comparison swatches:

Dior Tra-La-La (reviewed here)
Dior Incognito (swatched here)
Chanel Ming (discontinued)
Dior Rosy Bow (discontinued)
Dior Aventure (swatches here)
Chanel Lilis (review here)
Dior Glory (swatches here)
Dior Lucky (original version)

Bottom line flawless. Each color is easy to use with a rounded chiseled brush that makes applying nail polish really easy. Those who have tried Dior’s formula know how incredibly smooth the colors are. They really are phenomenal. Lasting power is good if you use a good base and top coat. (My favorites here). If you’re a Dior nail polish fan, you may want to skip Corail because it’s very similar to other shades. Rose is nice but not a must-have for me because it’s so close to my natural skin tone but it gives a flawless soft polished look. Pink is a really fun warm spring-to-summer pink color that I find unique and wearable.

Available now at Neiman Marcus (where I bought mine) and Dior.com. Have you checked these out yet? What’s on your nails this week?

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Uncategorized

Fresh Sugar Nude Tinted Lip Treatment

March 11, 2015
Wallet on Chain by Chanel
Coin Purse Insert from Curieuse Wallet by Louis Vuitton
Sunglasses are Gucci

The latest from Fresh Beauty is the new Sugar Nude Tinted Lip Treatment ($22.50 for 4.3 g / 0.15 oz). It’s currently available as a Sephora.com Exclusive for VIB/VIB Rouge Members online and at Fresh.com for purchase but will be available at all Fresh retail locations later this spring in May. I ordered mine online and give it a huge thumbs up.

Fresh Sugar Nude is described as a shimmery blush nude tint. It gives a barely there wash of color but has enough pigment to cover my lip entirely with a smooth veil of pearlescent beige shimmer. Before I swatched this I was worried this might be too sheer or be invisible on the lips, but I am happy to report that even though it’s natural, it does show up as a my-lips-but-nude-and-better kind of color.

This appears to be the first Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment that has shimmer and I hope Fresh will add this lovely shimmer to future shades. In the tube it looks like a soft peachy blush beige. There is a gold sheen to it and when you see it swatched in real life you will see champagne pearl like shimmers mixed in too.

Per Fresh, these tinted lip balms contain SPF 15 and the following key ingredients:

  • Sugar is a natural humectant that ensures long-lasting moisture.
  • Meadowfoam seed oil, blackcurrant seed oil, passionflower seed oil, and avocado oil are rich in super moisturizing fatty acids.
  • Vitamin A helps to firm, retexturize, and smooth the skin.
  • Antioxidant grapeseed polyphenols and vitamins C and E provide protection from wrinkle-causing free radicals.
  • Beeswax, an emollient substance with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, softens the skin and enhances elasticity.
  • Carnauba wax, a natural wax that coats the leaves of the Brazilian Carnauba Palm, seals in moisture and acts as a protective barrier to prevent dehydration.
Ingredients: Cera Alba (Beeswax), Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Decyl Esters, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Parfum (Fragrance), Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Sucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate, Limnanthes Alba, (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Passiflora Incarnata Seed Oil, Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) Seed Oil, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Retinyl Palmitate, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Persea Gratissima, (Avocado) Oil , Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Vanillin, Ammonium Glycyrrhizate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Propyl Gallate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Ci 15850 (Red 7 Lake), Ci 19140 (Yellow 5 Lake), Ci 42090 (Blue 1 Lake), Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Limonene, Citral, Linalool, Benzyl Alcohol, BHT.

Here it is swatched, photos can’t do this one justice. The color blends in with my skin tone, in real life you can see the shimmer better.

Swatch comparisons:

Tom Ford Lips & Boys Orlando (swatched on lips here)
Tom Ford Lip Color Nude Vanille
Tom Ford Lip Color Sheer In the Buff (discontinued, lip swatches here)
MAC Bao Bao Wan Lipstick Romantic Breakdown
Fresh Sugar Honey (old swatch here)
Marc Jacobs Sheer Lip Gel Anais + Moody Margot (review here)
Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick Nude Kate (on the lips here and here)

I give this a huge thumbs up. Coverage and pigment is similar to that of the discontinued Tom Ford Lip Color Sheers in Pink Dune and In the Buff – sheer but buildable. If you liked either of those, then you will like the new Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment. Fresh Sugar Nude is a bit lighter in color due to the pearlescent quality mixed into the lip treatment. You can see the shimmer in the tube better in real life, it glows and is really luminous. 

Lasting power is really good for a tinted lip balm. It won’t last through snacks or coffee but if left untouched it stays put for a decent amount of time. I love the hydrating feel and it has that signature Fresh Sugar scent that is sweet, lemony and sugary all at the same time.

Definitely worth checking out. Available now at Sephora and Fresh.

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Uncategorized

Tatcha Aburatorigami Japanese Beauty Papers

March 10, 2015

I’ve featured the Tatcha Aburatorigami Blotting Papers in some of my previous posts here, here and here. I like keeping these with me inside my bag because they are compact, fit into small spaces and work really well. Today I have a dedicated post on these papers inspired by a long-time beauty friend. She recently wrote me asking for my thoughts on these stating “the problem with most papers is that the packaging works against you when you are on the go … it’s difficult to grab just one and hot, sticky weather doesn’t help.” She brought up excellent points. I too had actually given up on blotting papers a long time ago for a variety of reasons. Packaging was often an issue, getting just one paper out has been a challenge, and often times papers either had too much of a powdery feel or disintegrated and fell apart (even on moderate oily days).

Enter in the Tatcha Aburatorigami Japanese Beauty Papers. These are described as “all-natural leaflet blotting sheets which absorb excess oil without disturbing makeup for petal fresh skin anytime, anywhere.” These are phenomenal blotting papers that work like blotting papers should. They are fragrance-free, powder free and pulp-free.

Everything is amazing about these from packaging, design and performance. The papers themselves measure approximately 3.75 inches by 3.75 inches. The size is just right so you can use one sheet for your entire face. These absorb oil without leaving any powdery residue (there is no powder on the sheets) yet they won’t strip moisture, nor will they leave your skin looking or feeling dry. Each sheet is thin with tiny gold flakes but they have just the right amount of thickness that they won’t fall apart and don’t feel flimsy in the hands. I like that they are sturdy enough so you can easily remove one at a time. They also won’t tear easily and the thickness makes it easy to grab just one (versus thin papers that are SO thin you end up grabbing several at a time). I like that they don’t disturb makeup on the nose or forehead when you blot your face.

Another plus for these papers is that Tatcha offers multiple packaging options, individually and in kits (they are genius!). As you can see below they are compact enough to slip into a pouch.

For the individual Aburatorigami Blotting papers, there are two main packaging types. There is the Original Aburatorigami Japanese Blotting Paper that comes in a flat packed envelope with 30 sheets ($12 for a single pack, $40 for a four pack or $150 for fifteen packs.) You can also find these in a number of different sets like the Travel Kit, Nozomi Girls Kit and Bridal Skincare Set. I really like this format because of the flat pack packaging. It takes up little room in your makeup bag, clutch or purse.

Inside my bag here:

The newest packaging option is the Aburatorigami Japanese Beauty Paper Tube ($15 for 35 sheets). These are cased in a black cardboard case with a clever mirror at one end.  These are packed into the tube stacked, but the size is large enough so it’s easy to remove one sheet at a time from the inner part of the tube. The packaging is sturdy but since it is made of paper/cardboard, this one does seem like it will be prone to wear if it comes in contact with lots of items in your bag. The size of the papers in the tube is the same as what comes in the flat packs.

A closer look at the packaging:

Bottom line, these are indispensable to me. They will absorb oil and keep the skin looking matte for a few hours without removing moisture or adding powder to the skin. I like that they are well made and sturdy and won’t fall apart. As usual with all Tatcha items, the packaging is well designed and I like that they give you multiple options. For me these are a definite must. I’ve ordered multiples of these multiple times.

You can find the Tatcha Aburatorigami Japanese Beauty Papers at Tatcha.com and also at Barneys New York. There are two promos going on that I want to share.

At Tatcha.com, receive a complimentary Aburitorigami Beauty Paper pack ($12 value) with any order over $20. Use promo code TREAT2015 at checkout to redeem. Offer may not be combined with any other promotions. Valid 3/5/2015 to 3/31/2015.

Right now at Barneys New York, the spring Love Yourself Beauty Event starts today through 3/14. Spend $200+ on beauty and receive a gift bag with goodies and samples (while supplies last). I don’t have the full listing but the e-mail I received shows 1 pack of the Tatcha Beauty Papers is inside.

Have you tried these blotting papers? If not what are your current favorites?
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