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Burberry Lip Velvet in Magenta Pink review, swatches, photos

March 30, 2017

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The product: Burberry Lip Velvet Matte Lip Colour in No. 419 Magenta Pink

Burberry Magenta Pink… How would one describe thee?

The shade: If I had to pick one term to refer to this lipstick with, it would be “distinguished pink.” There’s something about the strong red tones in this pink that just lifts up my complexion. It adds an air of refinement, pushing me up a little taller; casting my cheekbones a little higher.

I tremor to think of how beautiful it would be in a darker shade. Something like No. 439 Black Cherry, or the brand’s classic No. 437 Oxblood…

Top: Burberry Kisses in Pink Peony and Military Red / Bottom: Burberry Lip Velvet in Magenta Pink swatch

Burberry Magenta Pink Lip Velvet swatch

The formula: The Burberry Lip Velvet formula is a little sticky, in a comforting, clingy way. It applies smoothly and settles into the lips evenly. There is no obvious clinging to fine lines or dry skin. I like it best with a really soft edge, so I run my finger along my lip line after applying to blur it out.

Overall, it’s pretty comfortable for a matte. It’s drying, but not too sticky (like the Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist mattes are). The Lip Velvet formula doesn’t transfer too much on glassware, but it begins to show wear within the hour, so I’m not really sure where it’s going.

(I may be eating it. Oops.)

Even the tubes are matte! (Burberry Lip Velvet featured in the middle.)

The verdict?

The Burberry Lip Velvet formula isn’t perfect, but I have yet to find a matte that is. These are super smooth and slightly less drying than most, and their colour range is excellent.

I find the Burberry Lip Velvet formula to be a little more comfortable and true to colour than the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution lipsticks, so I would recommend them with reservations. They wear away quickly, but for just the right shade, I would reapply the heck out of one of these.

Availability: $35 USD/$39 CAD. Permanent. Available at Sephora and Nordstrom.

Tags: /Burberry, Lips, Paraben-free, Product Photos, Product Review, Product Swatches

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Sephora birthday gifts 2017 | Beauty Insider

March 27, 2017

Rae Chen

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I go back and fourth on my love for Sephora, but I have to admit: they are killing it with their Sephora birthday gifts for Beauty Insiders this year. (I am so over their “all Asian cultures are “close enough” to be categorized as K-Beauty” stance, though.)

Someone at Sephora has wizened up to the fact that makeup addicts ≠ skincare addicts, and it’s reflected in this year’s gifts. There are now three different gift sets that Beauty Insiders can pick up during their birthday month: one makeup, and two skincare.

As current Beauty Insiders will know, gifts can be picked up two weeks before or after your birthday, and no purchase is necessary. (Which is great if you’re on a birthday month no-buy!) Each gift contains a duo of deluxe sample-sized products.

Sephora birthday gifts for makeup lovers

The BI pros went nude for this year’s Sephora birthday gifts, with two popular products from Tarte. The makeup gift set includes Tarte’s Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Paaarty and Tarteist Creamy Matte Lip Paint in Birthday Suit. Both are a mauvey-nude.

I really like the baked Tarte Amazonian Clay blush formula, which is just a really reliable, no-nonsense formula. This shade in particular is well-pigmented, but the formula is a little dusty. I also really like birthday nudity, so good work, Tarte. (Birthday suits: the only comfortable way to do a birthday.)

Tarte Paaarty Amazonian Clay Blush, Birthday Suit Tarteist Lip Paint swatches

Sephora birthday gifts for skincare junkies

I’ve never understood why skincare is a distinct category from men’s skincare, but hey, that’s the beauty industry for you! 2017’s Sephora birthday gifts for skincare junkies feature Caudalie (available in stores and online) and Jack Black (online only).

The Caudalie set includes the Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet and Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum, both of which are silicone-free. I’ve used both in the past, and I think they’re best for normal to dry skin. They weren’t hydrating enough for my super-dry skin, but they’re well-loved by the beauty community.

The Jack Black birthday gifts feature the brand’s Clean Break Oil-Free Moisturizer (which contains silicones) and Deep Dive Glycolic Facial Cleanser. Both products are made for normal to oily skin, because the beauty industry is nonsensically gendered like that.

Also worth noting that the Jack Black tubes contain 3x as much product as the Caudalie ones. (See again: nonsensically gendered.) If you have oily skin, take advantage of the fact that men automatically get more for their money and go for the Jack Black set! If you don’t, come despair at the state of the world with me. I promise lots of crying and cuddles.

Sign up for the Beauty Insider program here to make sure you get your Sephora birthday gift this year.

Tags: /Caudalie, Cheeks, Grouped reviews, Lips, Product Photos, Product Review, Sephora, Skincare

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A little break…

March 14, 2017

Rae Chen

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Hey folks! theNotice is going on a tiny little hiatus this week, with posts recommencing next Monday.

…Maybe the Monday after that at the VERY latest.

I’m having a rough patch with my health, so I’m taking a few days to catch up on life before getting back down to work. In the meantime, here are a few great posts from around the web that I think you’ll really enjoy!

My friend Paris at My Women Stuff is celebrating her 10th anniversary with a big giveaway!
Arianne is back in the blogging game with a new post on The Glitter Geek.
If you want a post that covers Too Faced, “rave glitter,” and kitty love all at once, Makeup and Beauty Blog has you covered. (Also, can we please talk about Karen’s little Coywolf? Because I love her.)

And if you want more of theNotice without getting, you know, more of theNotice, here are a few posts that I’ve written recently for Best Buy Canada. I’m really proud of the way that the photos and videos came out for each, so I hope you enjoy reading them!

How to make brownie batter fudge protein bars with Vega Sport
How to pack for summer and winter vacations

What’s something that you’ve done as an act of self-care recently?

Tags: /7. Other

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Green Beaver Natural Deodorant Stick review, photos

March 9, 2017

Rae Chen

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The product: Green Beaver Natural Deodorant Stick in Unscented, Tea Tree, and Vetiver

As much as I wish every product I review for theNotice could be a hit, sometimes, reality sets in. Not every product is going to work for every person, and unfortunately, the Green Beaver Deodorant formula just didn’t work for me.

The Green Beaver Deodorant promise

Green Beaver is a Canadian company that makes all natural, ecocert, cruelty-free products. They’re a relatively small company, and they’re based out of Hawkesbury, Ontario.

My first introduction to Green Beaver was their toothpaste, which I used on and off growing up. I went off of it in my late teens, but Green Beaver is a brand that I always loop back around to, like some kind of weird, extended Groundhog Day.

This time, I was looking for an aluminum-free, silicone-free deodorant to feature on theNotice. Green Beaver makes quite a few, and they’re formulated to deliver 24 hour odour control. The Green Beaver deodorant formula features Canadian-grown labrador tea (a favourite ingredient of fellow Canadian brand Lise Watier) and sage oil to fight odours.

The Green Beaver Deodorant results

I tested all three of the Green Beaver Deodorants that I was sent on both Boyfriend and I for months. But every time, I reached the same results: they just don’t work with our body chemistry.

I was hoping that the added essential oils in Tea Tree would be enough to battle any extra odours, but it just didn’t work out that way. These actually made my sweat smell. I usually have no body odour at all, but when I use these, I’m noticeably smelly by midday.

Boyfriend had the same results, but to a lesser degree. He really liked the smell of Tea Tree (it’s a very pure, clean tea tree scent), and will sometimes use it on his days off. At work or at the gym, though, he sweats through the Green Beaver deodorants within an hour. His sweatiness is his superpower, and one day, it’s going to help him escape from a dastardly plot.

The verdict?

I really enjoyed the stick format of these deodorants, and I love how easy they are to find in Canada. For those with sensitive armpits, the Green Beaver deodorant formula is non-irritating and smoothly textured. Vetiver is definitely my favourite scent (it’s very earthy and masculine), and Boyfriend loves Tea Tree.

However, the Green Beaver deodorant blend of labrador tea and sage oil wasn’t enough to combat odours on my partner and I. He’s just as smelly with these as he is without, and I’m typically more smelly with them than I would be without. I know I’ll come back to Green Beaver again, but these deodorants are a miss for me.

Availability: $5.99 CAD each at Green Beaver. Green Beaver can also be found at most natural health food stores across Canada and online at both Well.ca and iHerb.

Tags: silicone-free deodorant/Canadian beauty, Green Beaver, Grouped reviews, Indie brands, Other, Paraben-free, Product Photos, Product Review, Silicone-free

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Make Up For Ever Artist Acrylip review, swatches: 200, 501, 600

March 7, 2017

Rae Chen

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The product: Make Up For Ever Artist Acrylip Lip Paint in 200 Candy Pink, 501 Eggplant, and 600 Dark Purple

I’m really into products with unexpected textures, finishes, or formats, so the Make Up For Ever Artist Acrylip launch is one that I’ve been waiting on for a while.

The promise

Make Up For Ever markets their Artist Acrylip line as a “lip paint,” with the “rich intensity of acrylic paint” and a “lightweight, non-sticky formula.” The formula is pigmented with triple ground pigments and synthetic mica.

The Artist Acrylip Lip Paints also feature castor seed oil for comfort and hydration, silica gel for a smooth finish, and clay to keep the texture light but non-greasy. Currently, the range features 10 shades, which I find are mostly cool-toned.

Make Up For Ever Artist Acrylip lip swatches: 200, 200 / 501, 600

Make Up For Ever Artist Acrylip Lip Paint swatches in 200 Candy Pink, 501 Eggplant, and 600 Dark Purple. Indirect sunlight.

The results

I really wanted to love these, but… I just didn’t. It’s a response that I’ve heard from many other beauty bloggers, and as much as I adore the shades that these are available in, I really struggle to wear them.

200 Candy Pink is a very dense, editorial bubblegum pink, but its formula is thick and chalky. I’ve swatched it both heavily and lightly here, but I don’t think my photos do it justice. It caught on every dry bit of skin on my lips, and left me looking like I enjoy making out with silly putty in my spare time.

Make Up For ever Artist Acrylip review – 501 Eggplant

Make Up For ever Artist Acrylip review – 501 Eggplant. See those darker patches?

501 Eggplant is a shade that gives me pause, because I had a lot of difficulties wearing it. It’s a beautiful shade and a relatively comfortable texture, but it also catches on my dry bits. Because it acts like a thin stain, it tints them darker than the rest of my lip, and looks patchy overall.

I love the shade itself, though, and I wore it in February’s makeup look. But even from a distance, you can see the patchiness if you look closely.

Make Up For Ever Artist Acrylip review – 600 Dark Purple

Make Up For Ever Artist Acrylip in 600 Dark Purple

Finally, 600 Dark Purple is a makeup junkie’s dream shade. It’s inky, flattering, and unique, and it acts the most like an actual acrylic paint.

Acrylics aren’t made for the lips, though, and it seems like Dark Purple isn’t, either. While 201 Candy Pink was too thick, this Artist Acrylip is too thin. No matter how much or how little you apply, it pools unevenly on the lips.

The Make Up For Ever Artist Acrylip verdict

As cool as I think the Make Up For Ever Artist Acrylips are, these are one Make Up For Ever product that I can’t recommend. There is enormous variation in the texture of the product by shade, and none of them seem to get it quite right.

If you’re determined to try an Artist Acrylip paint all the same, I would direct you to 501 Eggplant. It may not be my dream texture, but it sure is my dream shade!

Availability: $18 USD/$23 CAD at Sephora.

Note – as I was writing this post, the Artist Acrylip Lip Paints were marked down from $24 USD/$29 CAD, which is their listed price. No word as of yet on whether the current pricing is permanent.

Tags: /Fall/Winter 2016, Lips, Make Up For Ever / MUFE, Product Photos, Product Review, Product Swatches

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Annabelle Cosmetics Eye & Brow Palette

March 2, 2017

Rae Chen

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The product: Annabelle Cosmetics Eye & Brow Palette

As a beauty blogger, my least favourite part of my job is finding wonderful, expensive products. I would never judge a product for its price point, but at my core, I’m a pretty frugal person. It’s tough to find something amazing, recoil in horror at the price tag, and then still feel justified in recommending it.

I know that makeup is inherently a luxury category, but I love finding great products that won’t cost an arm and a leg. Accessibility to the mainstream is so important to me, and access to high-quality makeup is something that I think everyone deserves. Is makeup a human need? Of course not. But it’s not something that should be restricted by income or class.

The Annabelle Eye & Brow Palette is one of those rare finds that’s both well-made and accessible to all income levels. At $12.95 CAD, it’s not the fanciest product–it’s packaged in thin, light plastic and has a scratchy little brush. But the shadows inside are excellent.

On primed eyelids, these eyeshadows last all day on me. I put them through a solid 12 hour-test, naps included, and was able to repeat the test with no creasing and only slight fading. They blend well, and on the lids, they look great–not too chunky and not too sheer.

Annabelle Eye & Brow Palette packaging

Annabelle Eye & Brow Palette swatches

This palette leans warm, and I didn’t love the way it swatched… But then I tried it on. It’s a beauty on the lids, and looks low-maintenance and sexy even on cool-toned skin.

If I could tweak this palette just a little, I would have added one more shimmery highlight. (I wore it with an Annabelle Chrome Eyeshadows in my post-Valentine’s Day makeup look with it.) And, because I hate powder eyeliners, I’d have tweaked the formula of the mattes as well. They’re designed to be used as pressed powder eyeliner or brow definer, so they’re less blendable than the rest.

I get the intention behind it, and it’s not a bad idea. I just rely on having one dark, cool-toned eyeshadow per palette so I can smoke up my lashline, and it was tough to do with a brow powder.

The verdict on the Annabelle Eye & Brow Palette

If you love neutral eyeshadows, this palette is definitely worth adding to your collection. It’s a great example of drugstore eyeshadows done well, and while it may not be as buttery or shiny as a department store eyeshadow palette, I love how affordable it is.

The Annabelle Eye & Brow Palette Eyeshadows wear just as well as any good high-end eyeshadow, and it offers a really good mix of shades. Plus, it’s affordable and lightweight, so it’s ideal for high-risk makeup scenarios. You know: date night, travelling through customs, impromptu sleepovers…

Availability: $12.95 CAD at Annabelle.ca as well as drugstores and mass market retailers across Canada.

Tags: /Annabelle, Canadian beauty, Eyes, Indie brands, Paraben-free, Product Photos, Product Review, Product Swatches, Spring/Summer 2017

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Matrix Biolage Anti-Static Spray review, photos

February 28, 2017

Rae Chen

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The product: Matrix Biolage Anti-Static Spray

There are winter necessities like mitts, warm jackets, and heavy blankets.

And then there are winter necessities like these: silicone-free anti-static sprays, that really aren’t necessities necessities, but are nice to have all the same.

I’m a firm believer in the fact that a great haircare product will feel like absolutely nothing. Sure, you want some grit out of a volumizing powder, but most most products should do their job so seamlessly that your hair is left feeling only manageable and smooth.

So does it work? Absolutely. The Matrix Biolage Anti-Static Spray has just a touch of fragrance (orange peel and woods), but it’s otherwise completely unnoticeable in my hair. The texture is very neutral, with one big difference: I get zero staticky flyaways aggressively mauling my face and neck when I use this.

I’ve been crazy about Biolage products recently–I just finished my R.A.W. Shampoo & Conditioner duo and already miss it–and this is just as good as I’ve come to expect from the brand. It’s a little pricey, but for a non-obnoxious scent, that’s something I can easily stomach.

The Matrix Biolage Anti-Static Spray verdict

This anti-static spray is simply composed, but very well done. And, in addition to being effective, it never weighs down my hair (which is always a worry when it comes to anti-static products.)

For those of you who have never lived on the prairies, let me reassure you: Edmonton is pretty darn dry. If something works for static here, it’ll most certainly work for static in someplace more humid, like Calgary or Toronto!

Availability: $23 USD/$22 CAD. Available at select salons & Ulta.

Note: This is an anti-static spray, not an anti-frizz spray. For a smoothing product, opt for something like the Living Proof PhD Night Cap Overnight Protector instead.

Tags: /Hair, Matrix, Paraben-free, Product Photos, Product Review, Silicone-free, Travel

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Sudio Vasa Bla Earphones: Bluetooth earbud review

February 23, 2017

Rae Chen

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The product: Sudio Vasa Bla Earphones in Rose Gold White

If you remember my Holiday Survival Guide editorial from this past Christmas, you might recognize the Sudio Vasa Bla Earphones. I began testing them last December and have continued to do so up until now, and I’m finally ready to give them a full review.

I have really small ears, so I had some trouble testing these. That’s why I waited: I wanted to read a few trusted reviews first. But my experience with these products has definitely been influenced by the fact that I’m 5’2″ and built small, so keep that in mind as you read!

The promise: design meets function

With the Vasa Bla (properly the Vasa Blå), Sudio promises “studio quality sound, elegant design and 8 hours of freedom.” The Sudio Vasa Bla earbuds are compatible with all Bluetooth enabled devices, so they pair easily with your phone, tablet, and computer.

Like any set of earbuds, the Sudio Vasa Bla Earphones deliver sound that is tuned by Sudio’s own driver and amplifier. Their signature sound is intended to separate out each instrument for a “true studio experience,” with a crisp, distinct sound.

For all of the audio and design geeks out there, here are some of the Vasa Bla specs.

AUDIO: 10.2mm dynamic speaker. 112 dB SPL @ 1 kHz sensitivity. 18 Hz – 23 kHz frequency response. 32 Ohm @ 1 kHz impedance.

DESIGN: 14 grams, composite & aluminum body. In-ear with Bluetooth 4.1; 10 meter Bluetooth range. 10 minutes quick charge; 120 minutes full charge. 8 hours battery life/10 day standby.

How the Sudio Vasa Bla Earpods performed

From a convenience perspective, I enjoyed using these – but only casually. Bluetooth earbuds are handy to have around, but from a sound perspective, the Sudio Vasa Bla Earpods do not have a “studio quality.”

I am by no means an expert on sound, but I did spend two rather miserable years of my life dating an audio engineer. I’ve spent countless hours listening to vinyl, digital, and digital masters on studio quality sound equipment. I feel like I have a pretty good grasp on the kind of richness and detail you should be able to expect from “studio quality” products, and these didn’t have it.

They sound very much like mid-range consumer earphones, but they don’t have the price tag to match. Compared even just to your standard Apple Earpods, I notice a loss of quality when I switch to my Sudio Vasa Bla Earpods. Sounds come through noticeably more muffled, and I have to press the earpods into my ears with my hands in order to make out small details.

At 14 grams, the Vasa Bla Earpods are on the heavy side, and they fall out of my ears quite frequently. I’m using them with the smallest sleeves (4 different sizes are included) and I enjoy the freedom of going wireless within the house, but my right earbud is constantly going rogue. It’s tough to cook with these in, much less work out with them.

Worth noting, however, is the battery life of these earbuds. I find that most companies (Apple included) will fudge their battery figures slightly, but these really delivered. This was the Sudio Vasa Bla’s strongest selling point for me, and I feel like I almost never have to charge them. It’s kinda like having a magical pair of earbuds!

The verdict?

I’ve read highly positive reviews from a number of my friends on these earphones, and I’m not saying that they’re wrong. We’re just measuring these against different metrics, and neither is “right” – this is just a second opinion.

Are the Sudio Vasa Bla Earphones gorgeous, functional, and easy to use? Absolutely. Would they work well for someone with bigger ears, or less finicky tastes? Quite probably.

But are they “studio quality”? No, not in my opinion. I love these from an aesthetic standpoint, but I wouldn’t pay $140 for this sound quality, even if they fit my ears perfectly.

Availability: $140 CAD at Sudio. Free express shipping worldwide.

Tags: /7. Other, Design, Fashion, Product Photos, Product Review

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Make Up For Ever Acrylip, Annabelle Eye & Brow makeup look

February 20, 2017

Rae Chen

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Valentine’s Day is over. That doesn’t mean that red lips are, too.

In fact, now is a better time than any to wear a bold red lip out on the town–they always make such a mess when you’re kissing somebody, and once Valentine’s Day has passed, that’s not really a worry anymore. Like, sure, there’ll be kissing, but is it going to happen in such exorbitant amounts?

I really hope not. I need time to wear bold lip colours.

This look is a really simple one, but I loved wearing it around. It gave me a great excuse to test the new Make Up For Ever Artist Acrylip Lipsticks ($24 USD/$29 CAD) (review upcoming; this one is 501 Eggplant), as well as some of the Annabelle spring 2017 eyeshadow launches.

I feel like Eggplant steals the show for this look, but I actually enjoyed working with the Annabelle Eye & Brow Palette and Chrome Eyeshadow the most. The eye palette was well-pigmented and easy to blend, and the Rose Gold Chrome Eyeshadow provided the perfect pop of metallic shimmer.

With an eye primer, the two lasted for more than 12 hours with no creasing or fading at all.

As much as I loved wearing this look around, though, I’m starting to miss wearing coloured eyeshadow. It’s been ages since I’ve done anything but a neutral lid and a red lip, and I wanna mix things up again!

What are you guys loving on the eyes? I see a lot of lip & highlighter love on the internet, but I feel like eyeshadow love has gone slightly off-trend. It’s all warm hues and peachy shimmers; crisp liner and big lashes. Where’d the colourful eyeshadow quads go?

Tags: /4. Makeup looks, Annabelle, Canadian beauty, Eyes, Lips, Make Up For Ever / MUFE, Makeup looks: neutral, Spring/Summer 2017

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Givenchy Mémoire de Forme Jelly Highlighter & more | New 18/02/17

February 18, 2017

Rae Chen

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Skincare

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Has anyone else noticed recently that big beauty stores are getting really into niche products? It started out with Anthropologie, of course–you know, because the folks at Antro live and breathe coolness–but then Sephora started picking up on it, and now Nordstrom has added an enormous repertoire of K-Beauty and high end skincare to their catalogue.

There’s honestly too much variety to even list, so check out the widget above for more skincare deets. It’s worth your time, I promise!

Beauty

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For real, you guys. I need that Givenchy Highlighter Mémoire De Forme Strobing Pop-up Jelly Highlighter (geez, what a name!) in my life like oh my god. It sounds perfect: giant, beautiful, watery, and subtle, with a gentle violet scent.

What else do I love from this week’s New This Week? Well, that CHOSUNGAH 22 Real Cheek Smoother, for starters. I’m kinda just all over everything lilac and watery right now – I’ve been wearing MAC Full of Joy for like, seven days straight, with no end in sight.

But enough about me. What are you guys loving? Anything cool catch your eye? Are there another jelly highlighter out there that I’m missing out on and need to check out?

Tags: /New This Week (& etc), Spring/Summer 2017

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