Happy Halloween! | Makeup Idea

To keep the ball rolling, I decided to create another makeup look for Halloween this year (you can find last year's fawn makeup idea HERE). I'm not quite sure what it is that I've done so by all means, let your imagination run wild ;) 

Products Used: 

- MAC radiance primer 

- MAC studio sculpt foundation in "NC20"

- NARS creamy concealer in "Vanilla" 

- Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in "Translucent"

- Australis Contour Palette 

- Benefit Hoola Bronzer 

- NARS highlighter in "Miss Liberty"

- Lorac Pro eye primer 

- Lorac Pro palette using the shades: "White", "Taupe", "Mauve", "Black", "Deep Purple"

- Maybelline "Amethyst Smokes" palette, using the #2 lid shade 

- Models Prefer black kohl eyeliner on waterline

- Rimmel Scandaleyes eyeliner in "White"

- Kat Von D tattoo eyeliner in "Trooper"

- Maybelline gel eyeliner in "Blackest Black"

- Too Faced "Better Than Sex" mascara 

- Revlon ColourBurst Matte Balm in "Shameless"

I based the look off this picture but as you can see, I made a lot of changes. Instead of green, I changed the colour to purple (and you can do the same, don't restrict your creativity) and I also didn't have any eyelash glue so I unfortunately couldn't go for a more dramatic effect which is what I was hoping for. Nevertheless, I'm happy with how it turned out and hope it gives you some inspiration! 

What do you think? Would you recreate this look? 

xx

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My No.1 Drugstore Foundation

The Bourjois Healthy Mix foundations are by far my favourite foundation range from the drugstore and I have repurchased them many times. In actual fact, I'm wearing it on my face as I type this! This is the only serum that I own from the range but I also have a few of the foundations in darker shades for when I'm tanned and they too, are excellent products. 

Pros: 

- Reasonable price
- Most of the shades have yellow undertones which suit my skin tone extraordinarily well
- Easy to blend
- Gives a gorgeous dewy finish
- Makes my skin look healthier and more radiant (as it claims to do)
- Doesn't break out or irritate my acne prone, sensitive skin
- Smells nice
- Does a good job of evening out the skin tone but without looking cakey. Let's the skin breathe.
- Build-able
- Comes with a pump so no messiness...winning!
- Vitamin rich

Cons: 

- Doesn't have any SPF so you'd need to have some kind of SPF in your moisturiser or primer
- It probably isn't a great foundation if you have super oily skin but I'm sure if you used a good primer and setting powder you'd be okay!

I first heard about this foundation through EssieButton (you can find her YouTube channel HERE) and am so thankful I tried it out. I'm not really into wearing heavy makeup on a day to day basis and this foundation manages to even out my skin tone but without looking cakey and I absolutely love that about it. Not to worry though, if you like a bit more coverage in your foundation, it's also quite build-able, so a second layer would go a long way!

If you haven't yet tried this foundation, I'd highly recommend you give it a go. I promise you won't regret it!

Rrp: $32

Do you prefer a light coverage or a full coverage foundation? 

xx

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MAC Lipstick Collection

Once you buy one MAC lipstick, a kind of frenzy starts and you end up with way more than you know what to do with. I've been collecting these over a long period of time and will continue to do so (mainly because it makes me nervous that they're so many I don't have), but here are the ones I own so far! 

 From left to right: 

- Media (Satin)

- Rebel (Satin)

- Ruby Woo (Matte)

- Lady Danger (Matte)

- Impassioned (Amplified)

- Please Me (Matte)

- Creme Cup (Cremesheen) 

- Velvet Teddy (Matte)

- Shy Girl (Cremesheen)

- Bare Again (Sheen Supreme)

My favourite lipsticks of this collection would definitely have to be "Bare Again", "Lady Danger" and "Ruby Woo" but it usually just depends on what I'm in the mood for and whether or not I'm fake tanned. Usually when I'm tanned I'll reach for the warmer toned lipsticks and when I have pale skin I'll use a cooler toned lipstick such as "Ruby Woo". However I have to say, "Bare Again" is the kind of lipstick you can wear with absolutely anything and that's why I've repurchased it 3 times now *hides under the covers*.

What's your favourite MAC lipstick? 

xx

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Product Review - Origins Mega Mushroom Skin Relief Face Cream

These past few weeks, my skin has decided for the first time ever (and I mean EVER), to go super dry to the point of flakiness in some spots (sorry for the TMI) and so I decided that it was time I invested in some kind of heavy duty face cream.

Not only was my skin quite dry, it was also starting to burn and sting every time I used my regular Neutrogena face moisturiser that I've been using for probably 2 years now. Youtube Tanya Burr raves about this face cream and I'd previously used Origins products and absolutely loved them, so I decided to give this face cream a go.

The words 'soothing', 'skin relief' and 'hydration' were what instantly pulled me in. This product claims to hydrate the skin, whilst also visibly reducing redness and sensitivity. I can assure you that this face cream works effectively in terms of reducing redness and sensitivity, but it wasn't as hydrating as I'd hoped it would be.

Pros:

- Reduces redness
- Doesn't cause any irritation whatsoever
- Doesn't break my skin out
- Is extremely calming on the skin
- Nourishing
- Creamy but not greasy
- Paraben free

Cons:

- Is pricey
- Has a lingering sent (doesn't bother me but it may not be to everyone's taste)
- Isn't as hydrating as I would have liked it to be (although thinking about it, it's probably not meant for skin as dry as mine is at the moment so don't let this deter you if you're skin is combination/dry!)

I'm feeling 50/50 on this one. I don't regret purchasing this product but considering the expensive price tag and that fact that it didn't entirely impress me, I won't be repurchasing. If you've got normal to dry skin and you're looking for a face cream that really soothes sensitive, easily irritated skin and reduces redness however, Origins Mega Mushroom Face Cream could be right up your alley!

Rrp: $82

Have you tried this product? What other face moisturisers would you recommend for sensitive/dry skin? 

xx

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Just another list of things I want but can't afford.

Hey all!

As per usual, my financial status is 'just washed a paper plate' and I can't afford half of the things that I have my eye on. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'm sorry to be such an enabler but wish lists are my favourite lists to write and so here is another! Wee :)

1. Keihl's eye cream -

To be quite honest, I'm not sure exactly WHICH eye cream I want but I've heard so many good things about this brand and their eye creams and I'm currently not in possession of any eye cream at all (shocking, I know).

2. Loving Tan Bronzing Mousse -

I love fake tan and I'm getting a little tired of my Bondi Sands mousse (sorry Bondi Sands, I love you but it's time I tried something new). From rave reviews and pictures, this fake tan looks natural and long-wearing.

3. Real Techniques Brushes -

Normally I use my Sigma brushes or my beauty blender but I've been dying to try out more of the Real Techniques brushes, in particular the contour brush and the bold metals flat contour brush. I own the RT buffing brush and I adore it, so I have high expectations for the rest of them.

4. GlassHouse Fragrences candle in "Frosting" -

I believe this candle is a Peter Alexander special special and I absolutely must have it. My friend was given this candle as a gift for her birthday and OH MY it smells delicious! You know how much I love GlassHouse Fragrences and so I did have a minor heart palpitation when I saw/smelt it.

5. Anastasia Beverley Hills Contour Kit -

Because who doesn't want a palette with 6 different, pigmented shades to contour with?

6. Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette -

It's a sad fact that I don't own a single one of the naked palettes and this really has to change. I've had a good research about each palette and my favourite definitely has to be the second of the three.

7. Origins Charcoal Face Mask -

Lately I've been a little obsessed with Origins (although not so obsessed with their price tags) and the products I've tried so far haven't irritated my sensitive skin OR broken me out. This face mask claims to un-clog pores and clear the skin from it's toxins and impurities which to me, sounds like it would be well worth the pennies (if I had them).

8. Anastasia Beverley Hills DipBrow Pommade -

I'm yet to try anything but eyeshadow to fill in my brows and this one is apparently loved by many.

9. Tarte Cheek Stain in "Blushing Bride" -

I first heard about this product from Kandee Johnson (if you haven't watched her YouTube videos I'm not quite sure what you're doing?). It's such a gorgeous, natural pink colour and must have it! I've also never tried a cheek stain before.

10. Victor & Rolf Perfume in "Bon Bon" -

First of all, can I just point out how cute the bottle is? It would suit my room very well *wink wink*. Second of all, a few of my friends own this perfume and it smells a-m-a-z--i-n-g! It's meant to smell of jasmine and rich caramel..I'd say that's pretty accurate.

So they're all the things that I desperately want to buy at the moment (but can't afford). Once I have the money and am able to snaffle up these products, you'll be sure to see some reviews.

What products do you have your eye on at the moment? Do you own any of these? 

xx

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FOTD - Luminous, Dewy Skin & Coral - Red Lips

Hey guys!

Today I went to a concert with my Dad and this is the makeup look that I wore. It was a musical concert and in a fancy theatre so I thought that a simple look with a vibrant red lip would be the perfect balance between looking classy but not overly done up.

I went for glowing skin (which I'm obsessed with at the moment) but I did need to put a fair amount of powder on because it was a hot day today and I didn't want to look like a grease ball! My NARS translucent powder was the perfect powder to opt for as it manages to set my makeup but without a heavy matte finish.

For my lips I used my much loved 'Lady Danger' lipstick from MAC, accompanied by a Chi Chi lipliner. As my skin was fake tanned I went for a more warm toned, coral - red lipstick but if I had left my skin pale I would definitely have gone for a more cool toned lipstick such as 'Ruby Woo'.

Last but certainly not least, I used my Lorac Pro palette to do a light bronze and brown eye. I used dark brown eyeshadow for eyeliner because I wanted to keep everything simple. Done up, but simple.

What it looks like from camera phone - Instagram Pic :) 

Products Used:

- MAC Strobe Cream
- Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation in #55 "Dark Beige"
- NARS Radient Creamy Concealer in "Vanilla" (under eyes)
- Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer in "Medium" (over blemishes)
- NARS Translucent Pressed Powder
- The Body Shop Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder in the darkest shade
- Benefit Hoola Bronzer
- MAC Blusher in "Pinch Me"
- MAC Highlighter in "Soft&Gentle"
- Benefit Gimme Brow Brow Gel in "Medium/Deep"
- Lorac Pro Eye Primer
- Lorac Pro Palette using the shades: "Taupe", "LT. Bronze", "Sable", "Espresso", "Cream"
- Tweezerman Eyelash Curlers
- Tarte Lights Camera Lashes Mascara
- Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray
- Chi Chi Lipliner Pencil in "Lady In Red"
- MAC Matte Lipstick in "Lady Danger"

What do you guys think of this look? Would you wear it? 

xx

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Product Review - MAC Strobe Cream

Previously mentioned in a monthly favourites, this product is definitely well loved by me. With iridescent particles and antioxidants, this cream enhances the effects of light on the skin whilst also brightening and clarifying.

Not only does this cream give you a gorgeous luminous glow, it also moisturises the skin which means it's a great primer for using underneath makeup (which is what I use it for). 

I purchased this product in the small bottle because I didn't want to waste my money if I didn't like it, but I'll definitely be going back to repurchase the bigger sized bottle when I run out! 

If you're suffering from dry or dull looking skin or even if you just like a dewy, healthy looking glow, I'd highly recommend you try this product out. 

Rrp: $55 for a 50ml bottle (mine was approx $15 for the smaller version which is only sold in particular MAC stores) 

Do you prefer a matte or dewy finish?

xx

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Product Review - Hydraluron Face Mask

After reading mixed reviews around the bloggersphere, I decided to give hydraluron serum a go (opting for a few face masks in case I didn't like it). Well let me tell you! Hydraluron serum, for me, is some kind of a miracle product! I'm kissing goodbye any tired, dehydrated skin and puffy eyes.

The face mask is applied to a cleansed, towel dried face and left on for 15 minutes. It's a fabric mask with the serum all over it and makes you look a little scary and weird looking but this also means that it's not messy which is a huge bonus. The mask cools down your face (not really sure how to be honest) which is great for any inflamed spots you might have and is really quite relaxing.

After 15 minutes you take off the mask and gently rub the remaining serum that's left on your face in before applying your usual moisturiser.

I used this face mask before bed and when I woke up the next morning, my face was SO incredibly soft and plump, it was amazing! I can't even explain how thrilled I was. I found my makeup application a lot easier and my face looked so much more healthy and not at all dehydrated.

I ALSO want to mention that at the time I first tried this mask, my face was having having a tough time cooperating with me. Talk about unwanted pimples popping up all over the place *sigh*. After using this mask I noticed a massive difference in my spots. They stopped appearing and the ones that were already there had significantly gone down in a very short amount of time.

Intrigued to know more about this product and how it works so god damn effectively in so many ways, I did a bit of research and this is what I found: 

- Hyaluronic acid is a lubricant molecule found throughout the body and is capable of absorbing up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Our body produces it itself but as we get older, it becomes less able to do so and therefore skin becomes more dry and baggy. So although the word 'acid' might put you off trying this serum, it's actually not what you think it is and there's no need to worry.

- Hyaluronic acid is basically like a magnet to anything that is put on afterwards. So when applied before using a moisturiser, it will take longer for the water in the moisturiser to evaporate from your skin, keeping everything hydrated. Please don't be fooled and use this serum as just a moisturiser because that's not what it is. I've read a lot of reviews online from people saying that it doesn't work as a moisturiser but that's because they haven't used it properly.

- Using hyaluronic acid can also help with acne by speeding up healing time and decreasing the risk of bacteria on the skin..BING!

- There is an anti-inflammatory component in hyaluronic acid which is very soothing to the skin and aids in the wound healing process (so not only great for sensitive skin like mine but also great for acne scars or anything of the like).

All I can say is that hydraluron is a splendiferous product and I won't ever look back. The mask is great for that intense hit of hydration (especially good if you want to pamper yourself or if you're stressed/busy/tired and your skin is therefore suffering) but I'm for sure going to buy the actual serum product as well now.

Rrp: $29.99 from Priceline BUT there is a sale on at the moment reducing the face masks to $20.99

Note: this product is suitable for all skin types.

Have you ever tried Hydraluron? If so, what did you think? 

xx

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Product Review - GlassHouse Candle in "Oahu/Ilima Milk & Honey"

Hmm, it's hard to put a finger on exactly what this candle smells like. My closest guess would be a light, floral scent with hint of...baby powder? Laugh away, I'm not very good at describing fragrances. Haha.

As you may know, I'm a HUGE fan of GlassHouse fragrances. The candles come in classic, classy and cute packing, the scents are truly delectable and most of all, they fill the room with a long lasting fragrance within minutes. I'm always disappointed when a candle smells so lovely when you're in the shop but then when you light it, it doesn't actually do anything. Does that annoy any of you either?

My previous GlassHouse product review was on a sweet smelling vanilla/caramel candle (which you can find HERE), so I was looking for a second GlassHouse candle that was a little lighter and fresh smelling. This candle is one that I could see burning in a room full of white linen (odd?) or in a little cottage house...my imagination takes me to very strange places..

I love this candle, you have my full recommendation and tick of approval. Now I just have to think about which candle I'm going to buy next *mischievously giggles*.

Rrp: $18.95

What's your favourite candle? 

xx

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My Everyday, 'No Makeup' Makeup Products

Sometimes it's nice to sit down and take your time applying makeup, putting effort into every little detail and perfecting a marvellously even winged eyeliner. On the other hand, it's also sometimes necessary to apply your makeup in a matter of fact fashion, no fussing about and no fiddling with silly winged liners. Or maybe you're just not in the mood to wear a lot of makeup. Whatever the reason, I'm here to show you the products I use on my face when I'm either not in the mood for wearing a lot of makeup or just simply don't have the time! You're welcome :)

1. Nars Creamy Concealer (I find blending with a beauty blender gives the best results)

2. Bare Minerals Original Powder Foundation

3. Hoola Bronzer by Benefit 

4. Illamasqua Blush in 'Ambition'

5. MAC Highlighter in 'Soft & Gentle'

6. Gimme Brow, Brow Gel in 'Medium/Deep' by Benefit 

6. Tweezerman Eyelash Curler

7. Tarte 'Lights Camera Lashes' Mascara 

8. Nyx Butter Gloss in 'Creme Brûlée' 

9. Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray (I don't always use this) 

Now when I said this is quite a natural look, I meant it. If it's too minimalist you can obviously add more products to your face but this will just give you an idea. It may look like a lot of products in the picture but it's really not at all. I don't apply much of each product either, only the bare minimum to even out my skin tone and hide my under eye bags!  

Excuse the bushy brows! I'm currently in the painful process of growing them out until they're ready to be re-shaped.

The result is a very natural but clean and fresh look that lasts all day long. The great thing about using a concealer that doesn't crease and a powder for foundation is that my face doesn't melt away or change throughout the day, I can promise you it is much more long-wearing than a liquid foundation (surprising, I know!). Occasionally I mix up my lip products, but this is just what I've been wearing a lot lately. 

What are your favourite 'no makeup' makeup products? 

xx

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Playing With Makeup

Quite often I find myself sitting on the floor in front of my mirror, makeup sprawled out all around me, practising. I like to try looks that I wouldn't ever wear out of the house. Crazy, extravagant or just purely experiential.

This is a look I created the other day using my new Kat Von D tattoo eyeliner (which I can guarantee is worth the purchase). I ended up doing a simple cut crease using my Lorac Pro palette, a big cat wing and then continuing on applying the eyeliner all around my eyes. I'm not too sure what you call this kind of eyeliner technique...anyone know? I finished off the look with my favourite Ardell natural, demi false lashes, my usual face makeup routine and a pink lip liner and lipgloss.

Although I'm not sure I would wear this look out of the house on a regular day, it would be a great idea for a costume party. I think that with a few feathers and a few adjustments to the eyebrows, this could make a great makeup look for a bird costume or something of the like.

I had a great time experimenting with this look and thought it would be fun to show you something new.

Do you often find yourself experimenting and playing around with makeup?

xx

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Quick and easy makeup routine

This is my quick and easy makeup routine which takes about 10 minutes once you get the hang of it. It looks pretty, classy and basically just enhances your natural beauty! 

I usually change the lip colours on a day to day basis because I get easily bored of one colour, this lip colour was just what I felt went best with my outfit that day. 

 FACE: 

Primer: MAC prep+prime radiant primer.
Concealer: NARS creamy concealer in "Vanilla" under the eyes, around the nose and on any blemishes.
Foundation: Bare Minerals original powder foundation in the shade "Fairly Light". This foundation has fabulous coverage, is super quick to apply, lasts all day without fading or creasing and looks natural on the face. Highly recommend to anyone!
Bronzer: The Body Shop honey bronze bronzer in the darkest shade. Applied to cheek bones, forehead, down the sides of my nose and around the jawline.
Blush: MAC powder blush in "Pinch Me". Applied to the cheek bones using a Sigma "F50" Duo Fibre brush which I find to give the most natural finish.
Highlighter: MAC soft and gentle highlighting powder.
Setting Spray: Urban Decay all nighter setting spray. This is optional and you totally don't need to worry about not using it if you don't want to!

EYEBROWS: 

- MAC eyeshadow in the shade "Mystery" to fill in and shape eyebrows.
- Benefit gimme brow brow gel in the shade "Medium/Deep" to set brows in place and to volumise.

EYES: 

- Lorac Pro eye primer.
- Lorac Pro Palette using: "Nude" on the lids, tear ducts and to highlight the brow, "Taupe" in the crease and under the eyes, a little of "Sable" in the crease to deepen and also under the eyes and "Espresso" as eyeliner, using the leftovers under my eyes.
- Maybelline volum' express the falsies mascara in "Black".

LIPS: 

- Chi Chi creamy matte liquid lipstick in the shade "Wild Child".

So that's it guys, I hope you found this helpful!

What makeup products do you most reach for when you're in a hurry? 

xx

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Face Of The Night - Brown Smokey Eye and Cherry Red Lips

What's this? A face of the night? Good one Issy, posting something new for a change (note sarcasm)! ;) 

You know the drill...I went out last night, I put effort into my makeup, I liked it, took some photos and am now sharing it online! 

Dark red/plum lipsticks are my current obsession right now and so here I have an example of how I like to wear it; with matte brown eyeshadows, fluttery false lashes and a winged liner. Simple and sweet. 

As per usual I've listed all the products I used on my face below. Enjoy! 

Products Used:

- MAC natural radiance prep+prime primer
- MAC studio sculpt foundation
- NARS creamy concealer (under the eyes and on highlighting areas) in "Vanilla"
- Maybelline age rewind concealer to cover blemishes
- MAC translucent powder
- Benefit Hoola bronzer
- MAC powder blush in "Pinch Me"
- MAC highlighter in "Soft and Gentle"
- MAC eyeshadow in "Mystery" to fill in eyebrows
- Benefit gimme brow brow gel
- Lorac Pro eye primer
- Lorac Pro Palette using the shades: Taupe, Sable, Espresso, Cream, Nude (a little amount for highlighting areas)
- theBalm schwing liquid eyeliner in "Black" (for the winged eyeliner)
- Rimmel scandaleyes eyeliner in "Nude" (for the waterline)
- Maybelline volum' express the falsies mascara in "Black"
- Ardell false lashes in "Natural"
- Rimmel stay on lip liner in "Cherry Kiss"
- Chi Chi lipstick in "Let Me Tempt You"
- Urban Decay all nighter makeup setting spray

What do you guys think of this look? Are you a fan of dark lipsticks? Let me know! 

xx

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I'm currently loving...

Benefit's 'Gimme Brow' Brow Gel - 

• Quick and easy to use, especially handy when in a rush to get out the door! 
• Matches my dark brown brows perfectly 
• Fills in sparse hairs 
• Volumises 
• Keeps brow hairs in place all day long 

Chanel's Vitalumiere Foundation - 

• Refreshingly light foundation, perfect for the approaching Summer months 
• Has a smooth application
• Covers any redness or uneven skin tones 
• Is build-able without looking cakey 
• Has SPF 15 
• Perfect for those of you who like a more luminous and natural looking foundation 
• Will repurchase (when I have the money...this is a very expensive foundation!)

MAC's Powder Blush in "Pinch Me" - 

• As the name suggests, leaves cheeks looking slightly 'pinched' 
• Gives a very natural look 
• Very versatile, goes with practically any look and any skin tone 
• An all around great staple blush for anybodies makeup bag

MAC's Highlighter Pen in "Radient Rose" - 

• Effectively helps to cancel out any fatigued looking under eye areas
• Gives a gorgeous luminous and dewy finish 
• Conveniently comes in a twisting pen 

The Body Shop's Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder - 

• Perfect shade for my pale skin, despite looking quite dark in the pan 
• Perfect for bronzing (rather than contouring I find) 
• Has a matte finish....no glitters lurking about! 
• A great bronzer for a great price. Will repurchase 100% 

Lorac Pro Palette - 

• Extremely pigmented and buttery eyeshadows 
• Great payoff 
• Gorgeous, very wearable shades for any occasion 
• Very versatile with 8 matte shades and 8 shimmer shades 
• Convenient slim packaging with a magnetic snap lock for travelling and storage 

So as I haven't done a monthly faves for a while, I thought it appropriate to update you on some of my favourite products right now. I use these on pretty much a daily basis (with the exception of the foundation as I tend to mix my foundations up a fair bit) and would recommend any of these products to you. Hope you enjoyed :) 

Much Love xx 

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