Drugstore: Hit or Miss

I've picked up quite a few drugstore items recently. Some products I love and repurchase over and over and some weren't so great.

Drugstore BOGO half off sales, combined with spend $10 get $4 back, and/or X off your total purchase coupons make products really affordable (sometimes free.) Also, don't forget CVS's 100% beauty guarantee, you can return the product even after it's been tested.

Almay Oil Free Makeup Eraser Sticks  Hit. I've purchased these over and over again.  They're great at fixing eye makeup mishaps.  Especially on the run.

Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush  Hit. Good color payoff.  Blends great.  Makes a good base for powder blushes as well. 

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment  Hit. It's one of the better undereye concealers I've tried.  Great for nose redness, too.

Maybelline Volum Express the Mega Plush Mascara  Hit. It's a nice formula, a "new gel mousse formula" lashes don't clump at all. At first, I noticed it smudging mid-day.  But I kept using it (letting it completely dry in-between coats) and it seems to be holding up better.  I've had multiple comments on my lashes and people wanting to know what mascara I used. It may work best with a lash primer.

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Night Calming Cleansing Towelettes  Hit. These are the only makeup wipes I use anymore.  They get the bulk of makeup off, (I still use a separate eye makeup remover and toner, too.)  The wipes leave my skin really refreshed.

Revlon Colorstay Under Eye Concealer  Miss. It just dissolved right into lines, making under eye bags look even worse.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain  Hit. These are definitely going to be the next big thing (like Revlon Lip Butters) it's a stain, but it goes on very smooth and feels pretty moisturizing compared to usual stains.

Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain  Miss. This was so awful. This product is only for you if you have perfect (never dry/chapped) lips. The product went into every line making application nowhere close to being even.

Rimmel Day 2 Night Mascara  Miss.  Cool idea in theory, but the mascara didn't do much, layering the night wand on top of day turned into a clumpy mess.

long lashes,
-Kaitlyn

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Haul: Chic Week

If you missed out on Sephora's Friends & Family sale a few months ago for whatever reason (like me), here's another sale! It's 15% off everything and there are only a few days left...

I picked up a few items that have been on my wishlist forever.  15% off isn't a lot, but it combined with value sets can make a good deal and justify treating yourself to a few high-end items. I tried my first Soap & Glory product, The Righteous Butter body butter, close to my birthday in the fall.  Since then, I've always wanted to try out more products.  I really wanted the Do a Bubble Take Gift Set for Christmas, but never got around to ordering it. Like all good value sets, it's online only (and has recently been out of stock up until now.)

I definitely wanted to try Hand Food hand cream and Clean on Me shower gel.  Clean on Me was $14.00, and I'm a little weird about shower gels, so many claim it's like lotion in the shower, so I just wanted to try it. I have about one-third left of The Righteous Butter, so I opted for the You Cube ($25.00).  It has a full-size Hand Food, a half size of The Righteous Butter and a trial size Clean on Me, a sudsy puff, and a cute box for storage. ($32.00 Value)

My feet are in bad shape, Bath & Body Works Shea it Isn't So has always been my go-to foot lotion, but I feel like it's not working as good as it used to.  Most reviews praise the Heel Genius ($15.00), so I wanted to see for myself.

Finally, I picked up NARS Laguna Bronzer ($34.00), which I've wanted since I purchased my first NARS blush a few years ago. I received a deluxe sample a few months back, but it's been an absolute pain getting a big fluffy brush in bronzer the size of an eyeshadow pan.

So far, I like Soap & Glory, the scent is nice but doesn't linger all day. They're reasonably priced compared to some of the skincare lines out there.  The packaging is cute, but a little childish for my taste.

it's shower time,
-Kaitlyn

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Fall Haul

Happy Fall, Y'all! It's officially Fall as of last Friday. Between sweaters, Halloween decor, and Fall-scented candles, I've been pushing fall for a few weeks now. Here's a collective haul of a few things I picked up for the season:

Bath & Body Works
I've been really into candles recently, I usually burn cotton or clean smelling candles, but decided I'd pick up a few Fall ones.  First, I picked up the mini ones, I fell in love with S'mores and wanted a full size.  (I ended up returning Autumn for another S'mores, but forgot to take another picture.)  There's a current Bath & Body Works coupon  (spend $10 get a mini candle free.)  They were also running a promotion of the 3 wick candles, 2 for $20.  (One is originally $19.50) so, good deal!

S'mores is definitely my favorite out of all of these, which is so weird since I hate food scents.  Marshmellow Roast is good, too. It's similar to s'mores but has the bonfire scent in the candle.  My least favorite was Leaves, it smells like cinnamon cider to me.

I also picked up Vampire Blood from the halloween collection, I purchased it last year and am almost out.  It's one of my favorites.  It says plum, but smells more berry-ish... like a Bonnebell chapstick from when I was not even a preteen yet.

 

Butter London
I highly dislike Ulta, I received their "21 Days of Beauty" newsletter multiple times but just threw it away.  I was browsing twitter and someone mentioned Butter London was bogoFREE at Ulta only on that certain day for the promotion.  I've always wanted to try out these polishes but I refuse to pay more than $10 for a nail polish. (These are $14 each.)  I litterally ran to Ulta after class.  I really wanted All Hail the Queen  (of course out stock, as always, Ulta.) I got my second choice - Come to Bed Red, and picked up Chimney Sweep with the intention of exchanging it once stock was back in.  I ended up keeping and using both.  I really like them - formula is perfect, staying power is normal.  I was beyond shocked when they allowed me to use the store coupon, too. (It was a new sales associate - prestige brand and I was already receiving an item for free is a definite no, but I thought I'd try anyway.) So basically, these polishes were only $5.25 each, which makes me love them even more.

Clinique

I was walking through the department store and saw Clinique Bonus Time signs every... I did need Eye Makeup Remover.  I was a few dollars away from the free gift, so I also picked up Bottom Lash Mascara, it has been on my to-try list for quite some time.

First impressions are I do like the mascara  - I was kind of expecting one of those gimmicky products, but it actually claims what it's supposed to do.  I will have to say I'm a little disappointed with the size, I was expecting more product, it's even smaller than the deluxe sample size of mascara.

As for the gift, I was only interested in the toner & moisturizer, the remaining products I'll probably give away or swap.  My counter was already out of face powder, but the still provided me with a tiny brush...

A'Gaci
Work is requiring us to dress up more now.  My wardrobe mostly consists of skinny jeans and oversized shirts.  I purchased these three items from A'Gaci along with a few other basics. and dress shirts from Express.

I purchased a few other odds and ends but I'll show them in my September Favorites.

smelling s'mores,
-Kaitlyn

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Zoya Earth Day

A step towards natural polish.

I have to admit, when it comes to nail polish, all I ever purchase anymore is OPI. It's is mid-priced, high quality, and a never-ending supply of colors. When you find a good brand, it's hard to try out others because you may be let down.

I don't know all the chemicals that go into nail polish, and if I did, I'd probably start thinking twice about painting my nails again.

Zoya polishes are "long wearing, natural formula" polishes. The formula is Formaldehyde, Toluene, Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) and Camphor Free. I had to look all of these up:

Formaldehyde - colorless gas, preservative
USE: embalmers treat corpses
Toluene - colorless flammable liquid obtained from petroleum or coal tar
USE: solvent for gums and lacquers and in high-octane fuels
Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)- plasticizer
USE: adhesives & printing inks
Camphor - white or transparent solid with a strong, aromatic odor
USE: antiseptic, stimulant, and anti-inflammatory ingredient

For Earth Day, Zoya had a recycle promotion. You could get at least 6 polishes for "free" (as long as you paid the $4 processing & shipping fee.) and you send in your empty polishes (any brand but Zoya.)

Zoya polishes are $8 each; basically, with this promotion,  they were half off.  (When's a better time to try out a new brand?) My mom mentioned she wanted her own bottle of the Remove Plus Nail Polish Remover, (mentioned in a previous favorites post) which was another reason for placing my order.

I purchased 6 polishes, (but one was back ordered), Remove Plus Big Flipper, and the Mini Holiday Gift Set.  With every purchase, Zoya also includes "color plates" swatches of new or current collections, that allows you to "try on" the nail color.  (Which is a good idea, I added a few of these to my wishlist.)

(Excuse the sloppy swatches, I'm still waiting on good swatch wheels to get here from China.)  The six polishes I chose were: Raven (not pictured: back ordered, black), Edyta, Luna, Bebe, Blair, and Astra. Zoya has a few hundred shades to choose from, so it was pretty overwhelming especially being a newbie.  Out of these, Edyta is my favorite. It really reminds me of plastic metallic leather.  It depends on the light that hits it too, tt's forest green in one room then in another room it's black with loads of shimmer.

I purchased another Remove Plus Big Flipper for my mom. (Part of her mother's day present, shh.) This is definitely the best nail polish remover I've ever used.  The smell is nice.  The lock-click pump is fabulous.  (How many times have you spilled an entire bottle of nail polish remover?... that's definitely not possible with this bottle.) I almost purchased a refill (32oz) bottle, but I realized I still have 3/4ths of a full bottle; I've been using it for 2 months.

I also purchased the "Mini Holiday Gift Set" (a little odd seeing snowflake packaging this time of year!) I wanted to try out Zoya's base & top coat, the drying drops, and have a travel bottle of nail polish remover. The top and base coat haven't received such great reviews from others, but products work differently for everyone. - We shall see.

I'm pretty impressed with the quality and pigmentation of the polishes (especially since I only paid $4 a bottle.) "Long wearing".. not so much. I had tip fading the second day of wear.

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Haul: Recent Fashion Finds

My last major clothing shopping spree was on Black Friday.  I desperately need a closet makeover (don't we all?)  I've picked up a shirt or two, but nothing big.  My last fashion post was ages ago so I thought I'd share my recent finds.  This is a collective haul (a few days before Christmas up to now.)  Winter clothes everywhere are at least 50% in most stores, stores are cleaning out for their new Spring lines, so now is time to shop!

I can't believe swimsuits are already out.  (Let alone that I picked one up and I'm blogging about it while there's snow on the ground, If I waited, they'd be sold out.)  I've picked up quite a few solid tees and tanks too, but those are pretty boring to display.  Here's the rest:

Body Central One Shoulder Tops

H&M Oversized Striped Sweater Dress

Forever 21 Cream Satin Top w/ Black Bows

Forever 21 Brown Sweater Top

Wet Seal Pop Jeans

These are amazingly comfortable, fit well, and not to mention they were only $12.50 each.

See you later, overpriced denim.

Target Black Bandeau Bikini Top w/ Gold Flower

H&M Leopard Romper

Are rompers supposed to be "in" again these spring/summer? 

I will be wearing them, regardless!

H&M Black Tunic Vest

Urban Outfitters Racerback Striped Tanks

I love these flowy tanks in the Summer, air goes straight through them.

I splurged for some wish list items that I didn't receive from Santa and desperately wanted:

Coach Kristin Pleated Satchel in Blue Smoke

(15339, for reference.) This color was discontinued, making it almost impossible to find.  But I got my hands on it.  I wanted a business-like purse to carry notebooks and my netbook in for school, I think it will be perfect.

Steven Madden Candence Boots in Cognac

I own two pairs of black boots, which seems to be all I wear for casual days, I wanted some brown shoes to get out of a gothic phase.  (Joke, I just wear black too much.)  These were another almost impossible to find.  A sales assistant said these were "hot tamales."  I finally just ordered them through a department store and they showed up on my doorstep.

Finally, an OOTD:

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Boxing Day LUSH Haul

LUSH Boxing Day Sale 2010

I went to the last year sale mid-afternoon, most everything was gone, I purchased a few things just to buy them. This year, they opened at 7:00 am, I was there at 7:30 am (It was kind of nice shopping early, not crowded, at all, and I parked right by the door.) I made my mental shopping list the night before; I got everything I wanted!

The sale was buy one get one free on holiday gifts, holiday items, gifts and soap made before November 1, 2010 (they were randomly "mark"ed throughout the store, which was kind of weird, they could've grouped the sale items together. My stash was running low, plus I didn't purchase any holiday items before Christmas (with the exception of three Christmas Eve bubble bars) so I stocked up...

$220.70 worth of products for a little over a $100, the SA was nice and paired items of equal value, (ie I paid $6 and got the $6 item free, instead of paying $6 x5 and getting all the $4 items free) like most stores do.

I got the Stardust, Happy Christmas, Christmas Candy Box, and Viva LUSH Vegas Gift sets and then a lot holiday bubble bars and a few bath bombs.

My little sister loved opening more presents the day after Christmas.

Here are all of the products:

Bubble Bars
Bearded Lady
Candy Cane x2
Christmas Eve x5
Gingerbread House
The Comforter


Bath Bombs
Avobath
Butterball
Cinders
Dragon's Egg
Sex Bomb
So White
The Boog
Twilight

Soap
Angel's Delight
Honey I Washed the Kids
Mandarian's Tea Party
Rock Star
Sexy Peel x2

Body
Play Your Cards Right Massage Bar
Sugar Plum Fairy Sugar Scrub

Shower
Iced Wine Shower Jelly
Joy of Jelly Shower Jelly
Snow Fairy Shower Gel x2

Lips
Bon Bon Lip Scrub
Bubble Gum Lip Scrub
Snow Fair Lip Tint

What a massive amount of products! I had to purchase a few mini tubs for storage. hah. I was mainly after the Christmas Eve Bubble Bars (obviously.. I purchased a total of 8 this holiday season!)  There was only one remaining this morning.  There was only one other woman there - she purchased about 20 Lil Pud Bath Bombs - am I missing out? - Overall, extremely successful LUSH trip, and I managed to get everything on my "want" list.

I will probably be having a blog giveaway soon with a few of these LUSH items so they can be used sooner, than later. I also sell (eBay) and swap (MakeupAlley) samples if any of you are interested in trying any of these items out before purchasing the full size - especially to those of you who have to order online.

Sally's Beauty Supply & MAC

...from one extreme to the other, I'm not sure why I pictured these together. hah.

Poshe Top Coat - In a previous post and on MakeupAlley I was ranting about how glitter polish never stays on. A few people recommended this, so I thought I'd give it a try. You can apply it on wet nails, which is definitely a plus.  (Review to come if anyone says they're interested!)

MAC Cham-Pale Collection 2010

The collection was released yesterday.  (Originally, I was after the three things... I was considering getting Soiree Nail Lacquer, but decided to pass, spending more than $10 on nail polish just doesn't seem right.) I didn't get anything from the Tartan Tale Collection, so I figured picking up two was okay! hah.

Dangerous Cuvee Paint Pot - It's not as pigmented as Paint Pots from the permanent collection (this is now my 7th one.. problem.) It is buildable and extra shimmery. A lot of reviews said they thought this would be the star of the collection.  It's pretty enough to be worn alone. *below

Feline Eye Kohl Pencil - My Fluidline is drying up so I thought I'd try out a pencil (I usually stick to Technakohl.) Technakohl is thicker and blacker, but the Pencil seems to have better staying power.

FOTD: (sorry, poor quality webcam pic)
Eyes: MAC Dangerous Cuvee Paint Pot, MAC Feline Pencil, L'Oreal Telescopic Carbon Black Mascara. Blush: NARS Oasis.
Lips: MAC Viva Glam V Lipstick

I decided to skip out on the Bath & Body Work Semi-Annual Sale 2010 (I wasn't impressed with anything online) and on-sale Christmas decorations to save up for clothes (and probably more makeup) for an out-of-town shopping trip in a week!

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LUSH Haul & BB Seaweed Review*

First off, let me inform you all, LUSH Holiday Collection 2010 is here.  LUSH put the items up for sale on October 1 (on the website.)  I am not positive when the line hits stores.  I did my online shopping, got to check out and realized 80% of the items had an M (for may melt) beside them, so I decided to wait until I can safely purchase the items at the store!

My LUSH stash was running low, in the mean time I picked up all of these... This looks pretty massive, but technically I didn't spend too much.  I share a bathroom with my sisters, so they often get their hands on all of this too.  A few Saturdays ago LUSH was having a promotion party to come see all of the "new" bath bombs. (The 4 that were released in the UK midsummer, obviously they're not new after I've been admiring them through UK blogs.)  If you RSVP'ed you received a Free Vanilla Fountain Bath Bomb, and with a purchase of $35 or more, you also got a free Sex Bomb Bath Bomb. Plus, I had 5 empty pots, so I got to pick up a free face mask too! I really racked up on the free stuff this trip to LUSH.

Purchases

The Comforter Bubble Bar (2) - This and Christmas Eve ties for my favorite Bubble Bar, this is definitely my sisters too.  One will last anywhere between 4-8 baths.  We purchased two last Christmas and just now had to restock.
Flothy Gritter Bubble Bar - This is the only new one I have used and can actually review so far, I was always so turned off by this product... I thought it was just a glitter bomb, I would take a bath in it, then take a shower to get all the glitter off.  That is definitely not the case.
Keep it Fluffy Bath Bomb
Twilight Bath Bomb
Mrs. Whippy Bath Bomb

Freebies

BB Seaweed Fresh Face Mask
Fair Foot Trade Lotion Sample (2)
Sex Bomb Bath Bomb - One of my favorite LUSH items, I'm obsessed with the scent.  I have this just sitting in my room, for the time being
Vanilla Fountain Bath Bomb

---

Review: BB Seaweed Fresh Face Mask

I finally finished my cleansers and had enough empty pots.  (If you bring back 5 empty containers to LUSH, you get a free fresh face mask.) I did not know which mask I wanted, they're not online so I wasn't even positive what all was offered.  Right before I headed to LUSH, I read some reviews on makeupalley.com and BB Seaweed seemed to be the favorite, so I went with that.  I used Aquamarina Cleanser before and liked it, so I figured it may be somewhat similar with Seaweed being a key ingredient in both.

I put the mask on, waited about 15 minutes, and it dried almost completely clear, there were huge chunks of seaweed that I had to scrub off.  After finally getting the mask off my skin felt more aggravated from the seaweed than soothed and relaxed.

I have normal skin, a pimple here and there about once a month.  The morning after using this mask I had quite a few pimples.  I'm not sure if my skin was too aggravated or the mask is pulling all the imperfections out.  I still have a few blemishes now.

Overall, I'm not impressed with this one.  What mask do you recommend? 

At least my sister enjoyed it!

---

My local LUSH store has a Facebook, I entered a contest on the discussion, and actually won!  I received the 4 "new" bath bombs, 2 of these I purchased a week before.  I wanted to try out the other two, but I did not love the smell enough.

(even more)
Freebies
Dragon's Egg Bath Bomb
Fizzbanger Bath Bomb
Mrs. Whippy Bath Bomb
Twilight Bath Bomb

I cut all of these (except for Mrs. whippy) open because they're pretty big and could make two baths.  I didn't realize all of these were like a two-in-one deal, they all have another bath bomb color and scent both inside of them.  Twilight has the best and strongest smell.  Fizzbanger smells like Pez candy.  The other two are just okay.  Dragon's Egg had a gold treasure chest inside of it. too cute! hah.

Thanks, LUSH Oak Court!

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Freshman School Supplies | What's in my School Bag?

Favorite things about school? Well, it was seeing friends and familiar faces. That was the case for high school, but now I'm a freshman in college and know practically no one. My next favorite is SCHOOL SUPPLIES.

This is kind of delayed, I know, this subject took over YouTube last month. Most of you are back in school, and the school supplies aisle has already been replaced with Halloween items. Better late than never? I've only been in school a week, I've finally got all the supplies I need, so I can share!

It drives me insane when girls carry a backpack and a purse; also when people carry everything in their arms and can't even open the door for themselves. (I've seen both this past week!) I have a nice LL Bean backpack still in good condition from like Junior High, but I wanted to be a little more fashionable...

My bag still hasn't arrived but I guess I can show off a stock photo anyway. It's from China, I'm a little worried about the quality; we'll see! It probably won't be here for another month but I wanted to go ahead and get this posted!

The bag I'm currently using. I like it, it just needs to be bigger! All it can fit is a small book, a binder, and my random misc stuff. It's from JCPenney. They also had a red plaid, and green. This one is actually black (my flash wouldn't cooperate!) Another dislike, it picks up so much dirt.

Spiral notebook, for one class that has 400 people, school agenda, and Five Star five subject notebook, that I'm not using, because I've received so many handouts and deciding to stick with binders.

2 one-inch Binders. One for MWF and one for TH. I purchased both of these at Office Depot. I believe they're designed by Wilson Jones.  I thought I was going to hopefully ditch binders and just use the Five Star notebook, but again, it's so much easier just to keep up with the notes and handouts, all in order with easy navigation, in one place.

Vera Bradley Pencil Pouch in Barcelona. Avery Notepad Labels. I'm seriously obsessed with these. (They made the cut for august favorites!) The whole paper is sticky, I've thrown out all post-it notes! Sharpie writing utensils are my favorite, they're the only pens I use anymore! All from Sharpie: highlighters, marker, and pens. I purchased the clickable kind this semester, but they don't write as good as the one with the lid. Favorite pencils... Papermate clear point mechanical pencils and lead. I'm on the search for good fun colored pens! (Sharpie, please make all colors!) Anyone have any brand suggestions for fun colored pens? I used RSVP before, they're okay. I picked up the Zebra colored pens, 6 for $3 at Office Depot, I don't care for them too much, they'll do for the semester.

And finally, all the random misc items.. (Also in my bag, not pictured, is my phone, keys, and wallet.) Water. Umbrella. Umbrellas last a good 3 rainstorms for me before they break; I need to invest in a good one. hah. Chapstick. Mints. Do not smack on gum and bug people around you. Hand Sanitizer. Water. Tissue. Vera Bradley hard eyeglass case in Barcelona, holding my glasses. Black Wayfarers.

Don't forget your overpriced textbooks!

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Jazzed, Complete MAC Palette, & Cupcakes

Back 2 MAC

Jazzed Lipstick

I know I said I wanted nothing from the Into the Grove collection. Which was true, but after hearing so much hype about Jazzed and Stereo Rose, I wouldn't mind having them both. My counter had a few Jazzed Lipsticks left, so I went for that.

I'm so glad I did. I probably would have regretted it later on if I didn't get it. Get your hands on it, if you can! I believe the collection will only be out for another week or two with the new Neon one coming next week.

FOTD:

MAC Silver Ring & Black Tied Eyeshadow. NARS Orgasm Blush. MAC Jazzed Lipstick.

(Ignore my messy fishtail braid.) I know I'm behind and you've already seen a million pictures of it. But I was shocked at how pretty it really is. I guess it does live up to the hype and being impossible to find.

It's pretty orange in the tube, which I was really worried. But I put it on as soon as I got the car and realized how pretty it is! It's like a pink-coral. The best color comparison I could think of is NARS Orgasm Blush.

MAC Palette

Of course, I couldn't leave the counter without spending some amount of money; I picked up Beauty Marked Eyeshadow. I ran home to depot it, and at last, A COMPLETE MAC PALETTE. I was filled with excitement. My parents and my little sisters thought I was crazy, they just don't get it, do they? I've been working on this palette since February. SIX MONTHS! Finished, finally.

Beauty Marked? - "Kaitlyn, you hate purple?" - Yes, I hate purple. But I've been doing too much research and listening to how I should wear purple eyeshadow to make my green eyes look greener. I caved. I'm waiting on Creme de Violet to arrive now (ek, I should go buy another palette) to pair with Beauty Marked. I've been playing with my Coastal Scents 88 Palette (the only purple eyeshadow I owned) and realized it does really help my green eyes out a lot. Don't you agree? (I'm still refraining from purple clothes!)

FOTD:

Coastal Scents 88 Shimmer Palette purples. (Comment if you want the exact shades and I'll take a picture for you.) Clinique Fig Blush. MAC Viva Glam V Lipstick.

& More

A day isn't complete without sweets! We stopped by Muddy's Bake Shop.

Cookies and Cream, Prozac, Strawberry Lemonade & New Yorker Cupcakes

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