Month: October 2021

Best Foundation Options for Mature Skin

foundation for mature women

Foundation is an essential item in all makeup collections. As the name suggests, it’s the foundation upon which to build the rest of your makeup. We all know the expression, “You can’t build a great building on a weak foundation”– the same applies to makeup.

Choosing the right foundation for your skin type and tone can be a little daunting. Also, the foundation you have been using for the last decade may not suit you anymore, and that’s perfectly normal. As we age and change (beautifully), so do our needs for skincare and makeup.

You have probably noticed that a lot of the makeup marketing and advertising that you see is mostly geared towards younger women.

Older women’s skin needs are different, and that’s why it’s important to find the best foundation for mature skin. Don’t despair, the right product is out there. In this article we’ll take a look at a few top foundations for women over 60.

Different Types of Foundation

Have you noticed that there is a variety of foundation types? BB cream, CC cream, liquid, powder, cream, mousse, mineral, and I’m probably missing a few. It’s normal to be confused and to wonder which is best for you.

Let’s go over the main types of foundation so that you can make a good choice for your skin type and lifestyle.

Liquid Foundation

Liquid foundation is the most popular type of foundation, and it comes in various textures. It’s good for dry skin or combination skin, and it’s easy to apply with a sponge or a brush.

Look for a texture that is more liquid than creamy because the creamier the foundation, the more it “sits” on your skin, and this can accentuate fine lines and wrinkles.

Powder Foundation

Powder foundation typically comes in a compact case and is easy to apply. It’s an easy on-the-go solution but may not suit very dry skin, and it may accentuate deep wrinkles.

Mineral Powder Foundation

Mineral powder foundation hit the market several years ago and is the most natural solution when it comes to foundation. It’s formulated with natural minerals and is free of fragrances, parabens, and oils.

It can come in a compact formula or a sifter. The latter can be quite messy and not as transportable as other types of foundation.

Mineral powder foundation is a good option for those with extra sensitive skin.

Mousse Foundation

Mousse (or whipped) foundation came out on the market a few years ago and has since gained popularity because of its weightless texture and easy application. It’s a liquid foundation infused with air which provides the mousse texture. It tends to leave a matte finish and is good for all skin types.

Mature women often favor mousse foundation because of the non-cakey look it leaves.

BB Cream

BB cream foundation, which means “beauty balm,” covers blemishes and imperfections and also evens out skin tones. It is more sheer than liquid foundation and is good for all skin types.

CC Cream

CC cream, on the other hand, stands for “color correcting” and is a good option for mature skin because it adds a touch of color while correcting skin tone irregularities. It often comes with “anti-aging” (personally prefer to use the term pro-aging) ingredients to help fight fine lines.

Stick Foundation

Stick foundations are great for covering blemishes and generally have a thicker consistency compared to liquid foundations. Finding your perfect shade can be a little more tedious than with BB creams or CC creams, for example.

Tinted Moisturizer

Tinted moisturizers can be added into the foundation category, but the primary purpose of this product is to moisturize the skin rather than covering it with color. They leave a sheer color on the skin while providing much needed moisture.

Hint: I sometimes like to mix a dab of my favorite moisturizer to my foundation before applying it to make the color more sheer and easier to apply. I essentially create my own in-home tinted moisturizer.

Why Wear Foundation?

No matter what type of foundation you like to wear it’s a good idea to select a product that has an SPF protection in it. I used and abused tanning beds in the 80s and spent hours laying out in the sun. My skin is now showing the damage this has caused, so I make sure to protect it every single day now.

Many foundations offer protection from SPF 10 to SPF 50. Choose according to the season changes and the location where you live. Foundation containing SPF 50 tends to be thicker to apply and blend, so you probably don’t want to use one of these year round.

That being said, the tint of your foundation may also change depending on the seasons. It’s good to keep a few tints that will match your skin tone all year. I use sun protection year round, but still notice my skin change color as I spend more time outside during the warmer months. Also, you should still be using sun protection even if you have dark skin.

Foundation creates smooth looking skin and can cover imperfections like redness, blemishes, and age (sun) spots. Use it sparingly for a more natural look and apply more if you are going to an event or taking photographs.

Helpful Tip: It’s a good idea to test out the different ways to apply foundation. Some prefer their fingers (though most makeup artists will pooh-pooh this method), some like to use sponges, while others feel like brushes work best for them.

Specialized foundation brushes tend to apply foundation more smoothly, leaving a more natural look without streaks. If you prefer a sponge, dampen it to assure a streak-free application.

Best Foundation for Women Over 60

Foundation that is very thick will require more time and effort to apply. Thick foundation can also leave creases, look cakey, and draw undesired attention to lines and wrinkles on mature skin.

Look for a foundation that has added moisturizers and that is designed for older skin. Additionally, the price of the foundation doesn’t necessarily equate to quality. Many drugstore brands offer outstanding products at very affordable prices.

Let’s take a look at some of the best foundations for mature skin.

Top Choice Full Coverage Foundation for Mature Skin

Choose a full coverage foundation that is preferably water based or contains moisturizers or hyaluronic acid. Full coverage matte foundation may start to look cakey over time and accentuate wrinkles.

These are some favorite full coverage foundations from makeup artists that have consistently received rave reviews from women with mature skin.

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Foundation Full Coverage Moisturizer with SPF 50+

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Foundation Full Coverage Moisturizer with SPF 50+

The IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Foundation Full Coverage Moisturizer with SPF 50+ is made with 10 botanical oils and moisturizing hyaluronic acid. This foundation goes on like a moisturizer, leaving your skin soft and lightly glowing. It also has a SPF 50 to protect your skin from the sun.

IT CC+ Cream Illumination SPF 50+

IT CC+ Cream Illumination SPF 50+

CC+ Cream Illumination SPF 50+ is another product by IT that is formulated with collagen, peptides, and hyaluronic acid to provide moisture and protection.

Lancôme Rénergie Lift Makeup Foundation SPF 27

Lancôme Rénergie Lift Makeup Foundation SPF 27

Lancôme Rénergie Lift Makeup Foundation is a medium-to-full coverage foundation with SPF 27 to help protect your skin and has up to 12-hours of lifting and hydration.

Estée Lauder Perfectionist Youth-Infusing Serum Makeup SPF 25

Estée Lauder Perfectionist Youth-Infusing Serum Makeup SPF 25

The Estée Lauder Perfectionist Serum Makeup is a medium-to-full coverage serum foundation that hydrates and brightens skin. It has an SPF of 25

Best Lightweight Foundation for Older Skin

Lightweight formulas tend to be better suited for mature skin. There is less chance of creasing and caking when the blend is not thick.

According professional makeup artist Ariane Poole, “With aging comes the lower production of collagen, which, along with elastin, makes up the thick, fibrous part of our skin, called the dermis (the layer above the top layer called epidermis) lose volume in our later years. The thinning of our skin makes it more transparent, exposing red veins and other imperfections.”

Bare Minerals BarePro Performance Wear Liquid Foundation

To address these concerns, Ariane Poole recommends choosing lightweight foundation formulas, like Bare Minerals BarePro Performance Wear Liquid Foundation SPF20.

Bare Minerals BarePro Performance Wear Liquid Foundation

Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF 15

Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF 15

The Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation by Bobbi Brown boasts up to 16 hours of coverage with a SPF of 15. Available in 42 shades, the product will be helpful in concealing visible veins on your face due to its “skin-true pigments” that conform to the tone of your skin.

This product also contains marine sugarcane algae extract and natural mineral powders that control oil for a balanced and natural matte finish. Its glycerin component makes your skin feel hydrated and soft instead of tight.

Elizabeth Arden PREVAGE Anti-Aging Foundation

Elizabeth Arden PREVAGE Anti-Aging Foundation

Elizabeth Arden PREVAGE Anti-Aging Foundation has a broad spectrum sunscreen SPF 30. It is a liquid foundation that creates a naturally luminous complexion for all day wear.

Best Organic, Natural, and Cruelty-Free Foundation

Many of you have commented on previous articles that you were looking for cruelty-free or organic makeup. Personally, when I can, I prefer to purchase from brands that offer cruelty-free products that have not been tested on animals. Organic means that the product is free from chemicals and is formulated with natural ingredients.

Here are some of our favorite organic and cruelty-free foundations.

Tarte Water Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15

Tarte Water Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15

Water foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15 from Tarte is a medium coverage foundation that naturally provides a radiant finish to your skin. The water-based formula nourishes and feels weightless.

It also contains antioxidant protection to help prevent signs of aging. All Tarte products are cruelty free and vegan.

Bite Beauty Changemaker Foundation

Bite Beauty Changemaker Foundation

Changemaker Foundation from Bite Beauty is a clean, long-wearing foundation, made with the nourishing and antioxidant rich maqui berry. It provides a lightweight and natural finish that feels good on skin. It’s cruelty free, vegan, and is also gluten free.

Origins Pretty in Bloom SPF 20 Flower-Infused Long-Wear Foundation

Origins Pretty in Bloom SPF 20 Flower-Infused Long-Wear Foundation

Pretty in Bloom™ SPF 20 Flower-Infused Long-Wear Foundation from Origins is a skin-caring (and animal-caring) organic 24-hour-wear foundation that delivers silky, lightweight coverage that provides naturally radiant skin.

Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments Flawless Serum Foundation

Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments Flawless Serum Foundation

Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments Flawless Serum Foundation is an organic foundation infused with serum to keep skin hydrated and natural looking.

Best Drugstore Foundation for Older Women

Simply Ageless +Olay Liquid Foundation

Simply Ageless +Olay Liquid Foundation

Simply Ageless +Olay Liquid Foundation is where Covergirl meets Olay. This moisturizer and Vitamin C infused foundation evens out your skin tone. Hyaluronic acid delivers firming hydration.

Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Treatment Makeup

Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Treatment Makeup

Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind Treatment Makeup is a good option if you have larger pores. The formula sits on your skin without causing creasing and putting emphasis on your pores.

CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-In-1 Foundation

CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-In-1 Foundation

CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-In-1 Foundation is a primer, a concealer, and a foundation all in one that is easy to apply in one step. Remember to moisturize your skin before application if you have extra dry skin.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint with Hyaluronic Acid

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint with Hyaluronic Acid

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint with Hyaluronic Acid is excellent for extra dry skin. It’s made with hyaluronic acid that helps plump and moisturize the skin.

Which foundation on our list do you want to try? Have you ever tried any of these? What is your go-to foundation at the moment? Comment below and share your thoughts.

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My Personal Experience with Yoga for Older Adults

yoga for older adults

When my older grandson, now in his teens, was a toddler, he loved to watch me stand on my head, which I had been doing for years in yoga.

He tried to copy me, with little success, but I discouraged him in any case as I was told that standing on your head is not good for a small child.

My daughter subsequently told me that he went into his nursery school and told his teacher, “My granny likes to stand on her head.” I never heard what her response was, but I liked the sentence. 

And he was right. I did – and despite being in my late 70s, I still do.

It’s all down to yoga.

Yoga and Older People

Unless they have been doing yoga for years, most older people probably wouldn’t think of trying it. They see their daughters doing it, but think they are too old.

Perhaps they feel it requires you to look like the young and supple women in most yoga pictures. But it doesn’t.

People of all shapes, sizes and ages can do yoga. It is not a matter of putting on a leotard and aiming to look beautiful.

My class is full of grandmothers like me. And we are all devoted to it, rain or shine. It makes us feel better.

Discovering Yoga

I was slow to discover yoga for myself. I wish I had done so earlier.

Years ago, when I thought I should be doing more exercise to keep fit, several friends suggested I try yoga.

When I asked what happened there, I was told you went into odd poses and held them for a while. This seemed a rather bizarre thing to do – and certainly appeared to have little to do with exercise.

I was not drawn to the idea and did not pursue it.

But how wrong I was. In the end, I started yoga in my early 50s because I had back problems.

I had gone to a very good osteopath, whose ministrations would work for a while, but then wear off after a week or two. She encouraged me to try yoga to get my body stronger, so that any changes she produced might last longer.

That sounded sensible and I overcame my initial prejudice. The result was that I got much stronger. And I didn’t need the osteopath anymore. And I loved yoga.

Different Types of Yoga

Some yoga involves a lot of movement and feels very much like an exercise class. The type I eventually went for – Iyengar yoga – is slow and purposeful, but my goodness, you do get your muscles, both internal and external, exercised.

The strange postures are there for that purpose. I realised I needed to separate being visibly active from being equally – but less visibly – so. Yoga works our system all over.

The result is both subtle and profound. I slowly began to feel more supple (or “bendy” as one friend put it).

All sorts of day-to-day movements became easier, which is both pleasing and practical, especially as we age. My balance was definitely better. It is hard to judge, but they say breathing becomes easier.

My health, which was always good, certainly remained so.

And yoga is more than exercise. It puts you in touch with your own body, making you feel more in tune with its ways.

One friend, a yoga teacher, said that it “wakes your body up and gives it a good shake.” It helps us to rediscover the joys of actively using our body, rather than seeing it as something we carry around without much thought.

I also find that it requires so much concentration that I forget the things that are worrying me and feel much more refreshed as a result.

Some people find that they even like themselves more.

Yoga Online

Lockdown proved a real problem for those of us who take their yoga seriously. Enthusiastic as I am, I found it hard to do it on my own at home.

It is so much easier to take the ‘orders’ of the teacher, as well as to have the reassurance that she is watching to ensure I do a posture properly.

Indeed, I have always said that the brilliance of my particular teacher was knowing when we should be discouraged from a particular posture because it would be bad for our individual body (such as a bad back), but also knowing when we should be pushed because our reluctance is simple laziness. 

When one teacher decided to set up Zoom classes, I went back with pleasure.

Have you tried yoga? What did you like about it? Do you do it now? Which type of yoga do you practice? What benefits have you noticed?

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Kacey Musgraves Just Wore Fall’s Coziest Glossier Hoodie & I Need to Copy It

Tons of brands have merch, from sweats to hats to coffee cups, but few are as popular as Glossier’s. When Timothee Chalamet wore the pink Glossier hoodie, the obsession just became more rabid. But Glossier Pink is so 2020. Just take a look at Kacey Musgraves in the newest Glossier hoodie. The new Embroidered Sage Hoodie is going to be the next cult fave. Hey, if it’s good enough for Kacey…

The limited-edition drop just hit Glossier’s website and is already flying off the virtual shelves. It’s plush and cozy with a slightly oversized, longer fit for all those chilly nights. It has the embroidered Glossier logo on the front, an embroidered smile wave on the back and a small jacquard G-logo patch on the left arm. If you’re not sure what size to get, check out the size chart but it does run from XS to 3XL.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

Green might just be the trendiest color in fashion and beauty right now so there’s no way this won’t be a Glossier best-seller. But it’s not the only limited-edition product coming. According to the brand, there will be two more drops — one each week for the next two weeks. Will there be more sweatshirts or will we be getting pants for the first time?!

glossier hoodie

Glossier.

Glossier is killing it right now with its launches. It recently rolled out Monochromes essential eyeshadow trios ($22 at Glossier) with a matte, satin and metallic finish of a similar shade for that trendy monochromatic look. If skincare is what you’re after, try the new Universal Pro-Retinol ($35 at Glossier), a 0.5% pro-retinol in the form of Retinyl Sunflowerate (hybrid of pure retinol and sunflower seed fatty acids). It’s a great starter retinol if you’ve never used one before because there’s less chance for irritation and dryness.

And don’t forget, if you want a Glossier hoodie, grab it now before it’s gone.

STYLECASTER | Ashley Benson Interview

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This Firming Collagen Moisturizer Is So Effective, Shoppers Have Stopped Getting Botox—& It’s $13 Today

It’s nice to know that we’re living in a time where getting cosmetic procedures done like plastic surgery is no longer looked down upon (It shouldn’t be! Do what makes you the most confident! Especially if it’s safe and done by a medical professional!) But for some, going under the knife isn’t in the cards, and finding alternatives that work similarly is like finding a needle in a haystack—nearly impossible to do, but glorious when it occurs.

So, we’re overjoyed to say that one of those needles is on sale. It’s the L’Oreal Paris Collagen Moisturizer, and thanks to Amazon’s huge Holiday Beauty Haul event where so many beloved products have slashed-down prices, it’s discounted for just $13. Now, this nearly 35% discount is no joke, and it’s clear the retailer knows this, because the markdown only lasts for the day.

RELATED: Jennifer Aniston Uses This Tatcha Lip Product To Get Her Plump Pout

Making timely decisions is tough, but we’re here to help you. Here’s a bit more about this beloved moisturizer: The day and night cream was generated to feed your skin “intense hydration” that will, according to the brand, “fill in the appearance of lines and wrinkles and helps restore moisture for smoother, plumper skin.”

Now, we know that marketing lingo can be a bit overstated, but reviewers seem to back up all of the above claims. In fact, more than 4,000 shoppers have given the product a perfect five-star rating.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

L’Oreal Paris Skincare Collagen Face Moisturizer

L'Oreal Paris Skincare Collagen Face Moisturizer

Courtesy: L’Oreal Paris.

In fact, one reviewer who used to rely on botox to minimize the appearance of their wrinkles, said this moisturizer replaced their need for the procedure entirely.

“I absolutely recommend it, as the line (railroad-track deep) in my forehead looks filled in in the middle (not either end), but looks so much better [without] Botox, which I have had but no more,” they wrote.
These wow-worthy effects make sense, especially for aging skin. It’s believed that up to 1% of our body’s collagen can be lost every year after you turn 40. Experts believe that adding a product into your routine with this skin-plumping protein could help minimize the appearance of winkles and fine lines (but to be clear, these nourishing products won’t help your body build back this lost collagen).
One 60-year-old shopper called the L’Oreal essential “the most effective moisturizer ever,” adding that upon application, their skin “sucked it in and the lines just disappeared.” 
“Dullness gone, just dewy glow that I thought was gone forever,” they wrote.
Like all good things, this sale must come to an end, so shop the discounted favorite while you can—there are only a few hours left to!

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What You Need to Know When Considering a Home Funeral

home funeral

In 1911, when newspaper publisher and journalist Joseph Pulitzer died, he was waked in the library of his Manhattan home. The room was filled with floral tributes and the furniture arranged for the assembly of mourners. Throughout the morning, family, friends, and employees came to pay their respects to the journalistic icon who reposed in a flag-draped casket, clasping a copy of his newspaper in his right hand.

Home Funerals Never Went Away

At the turn of the century, home funerals like that of Pulitzer were the norm. The deceased was embalmed in bed, and the viewing generally took place in the home’s “parlor.” Funeral directors supplied chairs and funeral paraphernalia such as casket biers, lecterns, and casket facial lamps.

Lately, news reports have generated some buzz about the return of home funerals. In fact, they never went away. They remain a little-known option that, if certain conditions are met, can be an intimate way to hold a wake.

An Option During the Pandemic

During the height of the Covid pandemic in New York City (when wakes could not be held) funeral director Nicholas Cassese, of the Walsh & Cassese Funeral Home in Queens, turned to a home arrangement to help a local family.

When the Family Has the Space for It

They told Cassese that not having a visitation was out of the question. Their mom had been a popular woman, and her family and many friends wanted to say goodbye. The woman’s daughter asked Cassese if it were possible to have a visitation in her Connecticut home.

“They told me they had the property to do it,” said Cassese.

On the day of the visitation, Cassese arrived at the daughter’s Greenwich, Connecticut, home with his brother, Anthony, and son, Nicholas Jr., who work with him in the family business. Relatives of the deceased were waiting outside to greet the hearse and to help transfer the casket into the home.

The Family Took Care of the Details

The family had taken great pains to ready their home. In the foyer, a table held a register book and memorial cards. A family member remained there to greet visitors.

The casket was brought into the library of the elegant home where the visitation was to take place. Standing floral pieces flanked the casket, and vases filled with colorful arrangements adorned the tabletops. Chairs were spread out, and photo montages were displayed on easels; a grand piano graced one wall. Natural light streamed in through large picture windows.

Outside, the backyard had been readied for a dual purpose. On one side, chairs were arranged for a religious service; on the other, tables and chairs were set up for the luncheon to follow.

“All the details had been fully thought out by the family,” Cassese noted.

When the visitation ended, the casket was loaded into the hearse with help from family and friends. The final disposition would take place in the morning. As Cassese drove slowly away from the home, mourners walked behind, escorting the hearse to the main road.

“It all worked out nicely,” Cassese remembered with satisfaction.

When the Deceased Wanted a Home Funeral

Funeral director Thomas Boland, who runs the Thomas F. Boland Funeral Parlor in College Point, New York, has handled several home funerals. One family contacted Boland after three other funeral homes turned them down. The daughter of the deceased told Boland that her father had expressed a wish for a home funeral.

“She said she wasn’t going to take no for an answer.”

Unlike the spacious area Cassese had to work with, Boland had to accommodate a home viewing in much smaller quarters. The deceased lived on the first floor of a two-family house, above ground level, and the only entryway was narrow.

An Unusual Arrangement

When Boland met with the family to make the funeral arrangements, he measured the doorway and immediately knew a standard-size casket would not fit. “I told them what caskets they could get,” he said. Still, even with a slimmer casket, the deceased and the casket would have to be brought in separately.

On the day of the visitation, Boland and his pallbearers carried the man’s body into the house on a stretcher, and then brought the casket through the door vertically. “The pallbearers did double duty,” he said.

Then they set up the folding chairs and prie-dieu they had brought from the funeral home for the two-day visitation. At night, when the visitation ended, Boland closed the casket, returning in the morning to reopen it.

It All Worked Out, Thanks to Good Planning

To prepare for any possible snag, Boland employed a technique known as “diamond lashing,” which would secure the deceased in the casket should the family insist he not be removed from the casket on the day of the funeral.

“I tied ropes inside in a strategic way on both sides under the mattress in the event we had to move the body inside the casket out of house,” he explained.

On the morning of the funeral, the family agreed that Boland and the pallbearers could remove the deceased and casket separately from the home. The deceased was taken to Boland’s funeral home, where he was placed back into the casket.

When Boland returned with the casketed remains, he lifted the lid in the back of the hearse for people to say their final goodbyes before the procession left for church.

“To give them peace of mind, I reopened the casket inside the back of the hearse so everyone could see to say their final goodbyes, and just so they knew it was really him in that casket,” said Boland.

Shortly after the funeral, the daughter of the deceased left Boland a five-star review on Google, writing in part “…he accomplished my dad’s last wish. I will always be grateful [to him] for making it possible.”

If You Are Thinking of Having a Home Funeral

  • First, and foremost, you will need to contact a funeral director. This is not a do-it-yourself project. There is paperwork to be done and permits to be filed.
  • While most localities permit home funerals, it may not be practical for apartment dwellers or those who live in a condo or co-op.
  • If you live in an urban area, consider where visitors will park.
  • Check to see if the doorway is wide enough to accommodate a casket.
  • Consider whether you will be comfortable in a room that once held a casket.
  • There is a cost savings in not having to pay the funeral home’s room rental charge, but you will have to pay for pallbearers and the use of equipment.
  • While some funeral homes claim to “specialize” in home funerals, the fact is funeral homes do not specialize in a particular service. If the first funeral home you contact declines, try another. Most funeral homes will be willing to arrange the service you want.

Have you considered the type of funeral you want? Is a home funeral an option for you? What considerations would have to be made, if you insist on a home funeral? Have you attended a home funeral? What observations could you share?

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