Mascara and Maltesers | UK Beauty Blog

Barry M Gelly Nails Effects - Autumn/Winter 2014 Collection First Impressions


Barry M Gelly Nails Effects - Autumn/Winter 2014 Collection First Impressions


Recently, it feels like I have brought the majority of the Barry M stand. After the Barry M Olive shade, I was actually a bit repulsed by their new Autumn/Winter Collection. Horrible colours was my first reaction. Brown nails? Dingy red? Even worse, mustard yellow nails? And now I own three. The most turnaround reaction ever, but I am glad I caved with their new Gelly Nails Effects. I've not yet got to try them, hence the swatch-less post, as they are pretty much fresh from the Barry M stand yesterday. But I was just too keen to share them regardless.

First up is Barry M Gelly Nails Effects in Chai, this a medium grey. Well and thats about it really...just a nice mid toned grey. Next I opted for the Barry M Gelly Nails Effects in Cocoa, yes the dreaded brown, but this rich colours leans a little on the side red. Last is the my favourite, the Barry M Gelly Nails Effects in Chilli, with reds forever being my fail safe colour, I love this shade with the slight brown tones.

Barry M have got their AW14 range spot on in my opinion, and despite my initial hate, the colours are perfect for autumn. I'm just not sure I can commit to the mustard.



Will you be trying the Barry M Autumn/Winter Collection?






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Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick...The Infamous Shade 107


Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick...The Infamous Shade 107

The Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick...The Infamous Shade 107 Review

Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick...The Infamous Shade 107 Swatch

Hey lovelies. Like this even needs much of introduction, the Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick have been huge in the blogging world for a while now, and shade 107 seems to be the shade that everyone has. So of course I wanted it. Its one of those items I just don't care if anyone has it, I need to have it too. 

As I always go on about, I normally go for nude lips or something very natural looking, but after my MUA Lip Crayon I have been a bit obsessed with finding a berry or wine colour lipstick. This one is also a matte finish, one of my favourite make up finishes, eyes, cheeks and lips are best in matte, well in my opinion anyway. Even so, with my daily lipstick being MAC Myth, I can safely say this lipstick is the complete opposite to my normal choices.

But oh my do I love it. The deep red wine colour is actually flattering against ivory skin and very deep and vibrant in colour, ideal for the darker lip trend this autumn. Plus I love the packaging, shallow yes, but the simple red casing with the classic 'Kate' Signature is so sleek looking and I think they look more expensive than they actually are. I haven't as yet experienced any issues with the matte finish, the colour applies so easily and does still feel fairly creamy in texture, not expected from a matte item. But being true too matte does mean its lasts a good 5/6 hours. Even with a few coffee stops. 

Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick is just my ultimate favourite lipstick at the moment, all for £5.49, and finally something has come close to MAC in the lipstick stakes. 

Have you tried the infamous 107 shade? 




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My Top Three Mascaras. Ever.


Benefit They're Real Mascara, lancome hypnose  Doll Eyes mascara, Top Three Mascaras, YSL Shocking Mascara,


Hey lovelies. So I am rather fickle with makeup, and constantly change my favourites (if you haven't noticed), and even what I'm looking in a product. One day I want matte, the next I want a dewy look. Or I want a bronzed goddess image (that never happens), then I want to go au natural. But, one thing that has never changed is my mascaras. I am always after extreme volume and serious lashes, and there are three mascara that do just that...


A fairly simple mascara, no OTT brushes, you can really build the volume up without it looking clumpy and spidery. I think out the three this is the least volumsing. But that is me being so picky.


My first mascara love. Volumsing and glossy lashes in a tube. Although I do feel like this is a mascara you could very easily go over board with, but that is something that is never going to stress me, surprisingly. Plus the best Lancome mascara hands down, don't get swayed by Lancome Grandiose. Just don't. 


This wins on packaging. See I did say I was fickle. But the YSL Shocking formula is thick and so black, honestly the blackest mascara. this is very much a dramatic, and true to its name, shocking mascara. Sorry LancĂ´me and Benefit.

What are your favourite mascaras?




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Focus on Eves of St Agnes Skincare


Focus on Eves of St Agnes Skincare Company
The  Eves of St Agnes Natural Skincare

 Eves of St Agnes Skincare Review

Hey beauties. Now if anything excites me, it is finding a new skincare brand. Almost as much as fining a new mascara. Maybe as I am forever on a quest for perfect skin and I do seem to think every cream and lotion I try will change my skin. No surprise I've been a bit disappointed in my so far

Today I have a newish company Eves of St Agnes started by a lady called Emma, and is handmade right here in Britain. Brownies points for that, and with chemicals kept to an minimum, and this means no parabens, no SLS, mineral oils, or artificial perfumes. I'm in love before I've even opened the box and seen the packaging.

I have been lucky enough to be trying the Hydrating Facial SilkBamboo Exfoliating Polish and Nourishing Cleansing Cream. Paired with a cleansing cloth to remove makeup and cleanse my skin just how it should be, the Bamboo Exfoliating Polish is a no soap formula, so doesn’t strip my sensitive skin—that means no tight, dry feeling. The Hydrating Facial Silk will have its own post very soon. As it is just that good. Trust me. 

Don’t even get me started on the zesty orange scent. It must be the Cocoa Butter, Honey and Sweet Orange, but seriously, I don't think I have ever smelled such nice skincare. I really can't. Since I have never been a fan of the infamous Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish (whole other story) this cleansing pair has finally made me see the fuss around hot cloth cleansers. The 3 Trial products I've tried are seriously good, and besides the scent (which I still can't get over) I am seriously impressed by Eves of St Agnes, and I think they could be a brand to watch. 


Eves of St Agnes Twitter and the Set of 3 Trial Size products £15


Have you tried the Eves of St Agnes Skincare?


*PR Sample/Gift

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Sudocrem Skin Care Cream


Sudocrem Skin Care Cream



No, I've not gone entirely mad, yet. But today I have one of my most loved skincare items ever to grace my dressing table. The Sudocrem Skin Care Cream. Once more famous with mothers as a nappy cream, but I think Sudocrem is now less known for that, and more for what I have been using it for years as, a pretty damn good spot treatment. 

Not that I am alone, Cheryl Cole, Kimberley Walsh, Jessica Lowndes, Lauren Pope, Chloe Sims and Amanda Holden, who claim the cream is their secret beauty weapon. Although considering I've been using Sudocrem for years, I like to think its them who copied me, obviously...

This is the first time I have used Sudocrem in a tube, before I was scooping it out of a giant pot which made quite a bit of a mess and everything you touch. Not to mention the hygiene, handbag friendly factors. Nor is it yet socially acceptable. 

There is no point waffling with this, as its just too good. I am not sure what makes this so effective but it really kills my spots. Even those horrendous face volcanos. It might be the antiseptic ingredients but I can pretty much guarantee that applying this at night will leave my skin much clearer in the morning, if a with a bit of white crust, but I can't have it all. 

I also find that this helps calm the redness and seems to speed up healing process of those red marks we get from erm, squeezing. All of this for £2.11? You have no reason whatsoever for this not to be part of your skincare routine. None. 


Sudocrem Skin Care Cream £2.11


Have you tried the Sudocrem Skin Care Cream?


*PR Sample/Gift

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Toni & Guy Professional Hair Dryer


Toni & Guy Professional AC Compact Dryer

Toni & Guy Professional Hair Dryer  Review

Until recently I never really bothered with hair driers. I think I had the same one for about 5 years, and it was never a item I was fussed on. They just dry your hair, whats the fuss? But recently I had a slight hair dryer explosion issue, leaving me faced with the idea of air dried hair. And my hair does not do that nice beachy wave look when left to dry naturally. It goes into a fizz ball in protest.

I have been lucky enough to be trying the Toni & Guy Professional AC Compact Dryer.  Designed to be easier to use and lighter weight compared with most AC dryers apparently, and it does come with a concentrator for precision drying, or the Volume Enhancing diffuser for Ultimate curls. I've not really used the diffuser, I have tried it, but hair does not do curls so it was a bit of a hopeless mission. However, the concentrator is excellent and rather sturdy. You won't be getting hit of the head by this falling off. The only way this will happen is by you actually dropping on your head as I do find it bit heavy, but nothing arm aching. 

But what I love the most about this hair dryer? The luxury rubberised finish. It just feels so nice, and it looks expensive. No cheap plastic here. This is one very good hair dryer. My hair got a dried quickly at both high (slightly wind turbine like) and low settings, but isn't so hot you feel like your cooking your head. In comparison to my previous £8 hair dryer, well there is no comparison, my hair is much smoother and less frizzy. Who knew a hair dryer could do that? 

Toni & Guy Professional AC Compact Dryer £39.99 from Argos, and have a look at their entire salon professional Toni & Guy Electrical site.

Have you tried the Toni & Guy Professional Hair Dryer?


*PR Sample/Gift

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NEW | Collection Cosmetics Galactica Range


The Collection Cosmetics Galactica Range Review

Collection Cosmetics Galactica Range Lip Butters

Collection Cosmetics Galactica Range  Eyeliners

Collection Cosmetics Galactica Range Nail Polishes

Anyone who knows me will know I am a complete Autumn/Winter girl. Everything from food, fashion, and of course the makeup. I just don't suit summer. Expect the heat, I don't mind that. So when makeup companies start releasing their Autumn/Winter ranges I am all over them. And today I have Collection Cosmetics Galactica Range. To say I am excited by this metallics range is a understatement, the entire range is inspired by sequins, foils and metal. Everything that is great about winter makeup. The Galactica range includes:

Galactic Eyeliners (£2.99) in Silver Lining and Solar Ray. Not colours I've worn on my eyes in a long time, but I can Solar Ray becoming rather used, I just need to brave Silver Lining.

Collection Cosmetics Galactica Range Eyeliner Review

Collection Cosmetics Galactica Range Eyeliner Swatch

Galactica Lip Butters (£2.99) three pinks and a neutral shade, (L-R) Cosmic Candy, Moon Rock and Pink Rush. Of course I am already obsessed with, nude lip heaven. The texture of these butters is SO creamy, it does feel like your putting butter on your lips. In a good way.

Collection Cosmetics Galactica Range Lip Butter Reviews

Lip Butter Collection Cosmetics Galactica Range

Galactica Nail Polish (£2.99) in Blue Moon, Shooting Star and Galactic Gold. All three are not as shimmery as I expected, which is of course as I worried they would look a bit cheap. But all three are thick and pigmented in colour, and I do think Blue Moon is already my favourite.

The New Collection Cosmetics Galactica Range Nails


While I do think this range is aimed at a slightly younger then my *cough* 23 year old self, all the colours are rich and vibrant and much nicer than I expected when I first saw them. And even though they are metallics, they are not bright and in your face, unlike some. This may be my first of many metallic makeup items. 


Will you be trying the new Collection Cosmetics Galactica Range?


*PR Sample/Gift

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George at Asda Glow Shine Highlighter


George at Asda Glow Shine Highlighter  Review

George at Asda Glow Shine Highlighter
I have been on a hunt for the perfect highlighter, that won't cost the earth. Well, I've found it. Thank you Asda. Who would of thought that George at Asda makeup range would deliver so well? Admittedly I do think George got the inspiration for this highlighter from Benefit High Beam, don't you think? But a good £10 cheaper at £3. I was instantly sold the minute I swatched this, and yes I did sit on Asda's floor trying on makeup...classy. This highlighter has so many similarities to Benefit, once you open this it has the same brush and pearly formula.

George at Asda Glow Shine Highlighter Swatch
George at Asda Glow Shine Highlighter Swatched

Once applied properly on my face, like in the second picture of my hand, it has a beautiful sheen,  and is incredibly pigmented and super reflective. Glow Shine also blends really well and has a gorgeous pearlescent pink hue, very much like what High Beam offers. To praise Glow Shine even more, the formula was satisfyingly thick, without being clumpy. I applaud George for the the mixture of soft, pearlescent sheen and easy-to-blend formula. If you didn't guess, I am in love with this highlighter, and it was so worth sitting on the supermarket floor for.

George at Asda Glow Shine Highlighter £3 (normally £3.50, I think)

Have you tried George at Asda Glow Shine Highlighter?




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Make Up Tricks Stolen From Other Models




I often joke I get paid for "being tall and skinny", but I actually do. Despite the ups and downs of the fashion world, I have picked up a few secret tips from makeup artists and other models along my career, and being the start of London Fashion Week on Friday, thought I would share them. 

Fuller looking lips. I am not blessed with full lips, if anything they are wonky from a childhood accident, but I soon realised that other models also with not so blessed lips fill them in with the pencil of similar to their lip colour, then trace just a little bit outside the natural lip line and then apply a lip gloss with shimmer on top of it, it reflects light and gives the illusion of fuller looking lips. Sneaky eh?

Perfect face with no effort. Models often need the perfect face with no makeup...erm that never happens, well not to me anyway. But often for castings and bare face occasions I just use a concealer. To be more precise, I use two concealers; one lighter for around my eyes, and another slightly darker colour for the areas of the face where I need it. After this 'camouflage', less foundation is needed on top, hopefully leaving my face very natural looking and doing what I'm told.

Always were bronzer. Instant pop of colour and razor cheekbones? Yes please. Just not enough to make my face look dirty, and orange. That isn't very model-equse.

Look amazing and fresh in pictures? Not going to lie, I think I look awful in all 'normal' snaps thanks to Photoshop. However I've noticed other models often wear red lipstick leaving the rest of the face bare-ish (little bit of concealer to cover spots). Not sure why, but it just looks good in photos.

Drink enough water. Sorry. This is boring and you've heard it a million time before, but it works. End of. No one got bad dry, flakey spotty skin from drinking water did they?


Do you have any more sneaky makeup tips?



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Makeup I didn’t want. But now can’t live without.


Essie Maximillian Strasse-Her, Karora Cosmetics CC Cream, Seventeen Falsifeye HD Mascara, Soap and Glory Brow Archery, Superdrug Colour Effects,

We have all done this I am sure (help me out here), buying makeup we don't really want, and defiantly don't need, but for some reason we still end up with it in our hands. Whether it be a 'I might need it', 'Well everyone raves about it' or a 'there is no logic, I have a makeup problem' thought, there will always be products if we like it or not, we can't live without.

Soap and Glory Brow Archery | I know I keep going on about this. But I'm obsessed. And I didn't even want it when I brought. Its okay, I won't go on about this anymore.

Essie Maximillian Strasse-Her | Green/grey nails. Says it all really doesn't it? The most unattractive combination on paper, yet standing in Boots I had a moment where I thought it look nice. And I've not stopped wearing it ever since...

Seventeen Falsifeye HD Mascara | This is stupidly underrated. But I did only buy it as I had a spare £5 in my purse (rare moment) and decided I could swap that note for mascara. Welcome to my logical world eh, but I can't get over how good this mascara is, especially for that price.

Superdrug Colour Effects | This is almost one I don't want to admit. But blonde girls know how hair just doesn't last, and I only decided to get one of these colour boosts as my mum was buying one for herself. Obviously the inner child in me couldn't bare it. But for a £1 amazingly good at giving my hair a boost without a hair disaster.

Karora Cosmetics CC Cream | My CC cream obsession is rather recent, as only in my Underused Makeup post last week I mentioned I don't use it enough. And low and behold the next I popped it on my arms instead of fake tan, well I was rushing and this was the quickest 'help give me colour' option. And I've not looked back since.


Do you have any products you didn't want but now can’t live without?




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YSL Fusion Ink Foundation First Impressions


YSL Fusion Ink Foundation

Its no secret I love Yves Saint Laurent,  especially their Shocking Mascara. So naturally I just had to go and get my sample of the new Fusion Ink Foundation which unless you live in another makeup filled world, you would of heard about this.

Claiming "24 hours of soft-matte perfection and comfort." While not being cakey or heavy on your skin. And apparently the 'fusion ink' name is something to do with the 'fine-as-ink formala. Just thnk of all those school years we've tried to avoid ink on out faces.

On first impressions is so similar to L'Oreal Paris Eau De Teint foundation (which I don't like...) Same brand and all that. It is light on the skin, although it doesn't feel 'invisible' and has a medium build-able coverage with a natural looking finish. Despite being semi-matte, it still manages to give you a definite glow, but nothing overwhelming nor did I look at my skin and think wow. Come on with all done that. 

There are 16 shades available however, so a good selection to choose from in both neutral, warm and cool tones, I got matched up to the shade B30, which doesn't mean to much to me. I like names. Anyway, high end brands definitely have the upper hand here over high street foundations. It's not the best foundation I've ever tried, and just doesn't provide the coverage I'm after, but its more covering that their Le Teint Touche Eclat Foundation. The finish just wasn't photo worthy either, 

Don't get me wrong, it's pleasant and definitely evens out my skin tone, but I don't think its worth the £30.50. Maybe I just had higher hopes of YSL.

YSL Fusion Ink Foundation £30.50


Have you tried the YSL Fusion Ink Foundation?




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BareMinerals Original SPF 15 Foundation




Bare Minerals was one of those brands I swore I wouldn't touch. Ever. I swore that their powder foundations would be the worst combination for my awfully dry skin. Logical yes? I wouldn't even touch their eyeshadows. But then I tried the Bare Minerals 15th Anniversary Mineral Veil Finishing Powder, and I was a convert. So much so that I swiftly went and brought the  Original SPF 15 Foundation. No comments on my lack of self control please. We have all done it. 

Bare Minerals does have two different formulas with their foundations; the original has a more luminous finish, has a powder to cream finish and blends well to a medium to full coverage. The matte version which is still relatively new I think, has less 'soothing' properties, it also has a medium to full coverage but has a less luminous finish. Even though I love anything matte, I knew my skin would be able to handle it. Plus I the offer I got from FeelUnique.com was only on the original. But just wait for this, I got it half price. It doesn't get much better than that.

BareMinerals Original SPF 15 Foundation
I opted for the fairly light, which is ideal for pale neutral skinned girls, but not a complete porcelain colour. Straight away I fell in love, firstly with just how quick this is too apply. The quickest foundation application ever. And it doesn't require as much blending in as liquid so even more time is saved there. It gives such good coverage and still feels light-weight as if I am wearing no make-up at all, even with the added SPF. The coverage is build-able but skin doesn’t look cloggy or cakey, and almost a photoshopped look. Worth every single half price penny. 

I really love this BareMinerals Original Foundation, and I think it has overtaken my holy grail Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation. Yes I did just say that.  


BareMinerals Original SPF 15 Foundation £25 but also look at FeelUnique.com as they often seem to have discounts, as do VoucherCode, all worth a nose.


Have you tried BareMinerals Original SPF 15 Foundation?




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Magnitone Lucid The Fashion Series


Magnitone Lucid The Fashion Series



Magnitone Lucid The Fashion Series Exfoliate Brush

The Magnitone Lucid The Fashion Series

I never get accept PR samples for the sake of it, and I know I won't like a product, or it just isn't suitable I'll just say no. And I hate to admit that the Magnitone Lucid The Fashion Series did nearly fall into that category. I just was a bit 'meh' towards a electric brush that claims to transform your skin, but maybe in a moment of madness, I decided to try this new brush out.

Very similar to the infamous Clarisonic, but cheaper, this little pink tool part of the 'Fashion Series'  and it's a travel-sized, colourful and apparently youthful alternative to the other product, the Magnitone Pulsar. Naturally I opted for pink, but they do other colours,  and if you're stuck on the choice, you can play the game to decide which colour you are.

Now, I always thought that these brushes were just to exfoliate the skin, and maybe shift a bit of dry skin. But boy was I wrong. Magnitone can also used to clean makeup and dirt of my face, and really give my skin a deep clean, which my skin is in a real big need of, however I don't really want to be admitting that. I do wash, honestly.

The Magnitone Lucid The Fashion Series Pink Brush

Magnitone Lucid The Fashion Series Brush

The brush itself is actually incredibly easy to use, despite my recoil when I opened the box that it was too complicated. And once I stopped staring and actually got it out, its embarrassingly easily. It has two settings, one for normal skin and one sensitive skin incase you find the first setting too harsh (both are equally amazing). The brush itself beeps every 20 seconds, to give you an idea of how to spend on each area of the face, and then switches off at a minute. It will turn on for 1 minute and will beep through 20 second intervals so you can get every part of your face. I start with my forehead, cheeks and then my nose and chin.  The fact that the cleanser is waterproof means I can happily use it in the shower without causing electrical issues.

But does it work? Well, within only a day or two, the first thing that stood out to me was the general appearance of my skin - my discolouration had calmed down a whole load and the dry patches are pretty much gone. I've now been using this 10 days, and it honesty has helped SO much. Nose scales have been reduced, and my skin just looks clearer and smoother. Almost to the point where I would consider going out without foundation, then I see how pale I am...

Anyway, I can't express via a computer screen just how much I am in love with this gadget. There just isn't a way. But you seriously need a Magnitone, and I am not sure if you quite understand the gap in your life.


Magnitone Lucid The Fashion Series £69.99


Have you tried the Magnitone Lucid?



*PR Sample/Gift


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The Konjac Sponge Company


The Konjac Sponge Company Review

The Konjac Sponge Company Review
I don't think I've ever reviewed a sponge. To me, a sponge is a sponge. But of course my naivety shows as there are of course different types, and today I have a few from The Konjac Sponge Company. These strange shaped sponges are made with 100% vegetable fibres and are 100% biodegradable. They claim to cleanse the face and the skin all by my themselves, but they also work great with your cleanser.  Also in case you was wondering, Konjac actually comes from a potato-like plant in Asia. Although can't stop thinking of jacket potatoes now...

To use I just wet it under warm water until it was completely soaked through and soft. Once it is wet and puffy, I use the flat side in a circular like motion over face to exfoliate and remove dirt and grime. Apperently this circular massaging will stimulate tired skin and encourage skin renewal – and I could do with a bit of that. The two facial sponges I got are the...

The Konjac Sponge Company Bamboo Sponge








The Konjac Sponge Company Red Clay Sponge
Bamboo Charcoal Facial Sponge (1st Photo) | This is perfect for a deep clean and helps to eliminate blackheads and dirt whilst absorbing excess oils and toxins. A natural antioxidant in the sponge, it kills stubborn acne-causing bacteria and is an effective natural treatment for acne sufferers. Luckily, and somewhat typically, my spots have calmed down, but I will be keeping this on standby as I can't wait to try it when my spots reappear. Which they will. 

Red Clay Facial Sponge (2nd Photo) | This is the one I can use more at the moment, being for dry skin and ideal for rejuvenating and refining my face. Also, it would be the ideal facial sponge for uneven skin tone, blotchiness, broken capillaries and thread veins. I do actually have some small veins around my cheeks so this has been gentle enough that I don't feel I am aggravating them. But only time will tell if the sponge helps them.

And, I also got a little treat for my dog, Tinkerbelle in the form of the Dog Sponge...

The Konjac Sponge Company Dog Sponge
Blonde Cream Chihuahua
Cream Chihuahua

Dog Sponge | Designed to just wash your dog, I'm guessing... I didn't use this on her face, for the obvious reason it is about the size of her. But on her body it works wonders, and no longer has that 'dog' scent to her either. Not that she looks impressed being bathed, but trust me, she is now one clean pup.

To be honest both the facial sponges feel the same when I use them, but considering they both work wonders, who I am to comment on this nice addition to my cleansing routine. Potato sponges, you have done well. 

The Konjac Sponge Company sponges from £7.99


Have you tried any of the Konjac Sponges?



*PR Sample/Gift

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