Hilary Lowry, Author at Beauty Haven Belfast Online

Author Archives: Hilary Lowry

MY TOP FAKE TANS WITH REVEIWS
March 23, 2016 11:53 am Comments Off on MY TOP FAKE TANS WITH REVEIWS
Fake tans were once the preserve of WAGs and reality TV stars yet fake tans are now commonplace with the latest figures showing that a 1/3 of British women use them at home. Fake tan is a booming industry and with so many varieties it can get a bit confusing. We have from instant, to traditional slow developing from milks, creams to mousses, to sprays, you name it whate3ver your skin needs face or body there is a fake tan to suit.

Fake tan is the best way to get a golden glow even when the suns not out shining. For many years people have been looking for sunless tanning alternatives and for good reason as we are so educated on the negative effects that the suns rays have on our skin, including premature aging, lines, wrinkles and pigmentation.

One of the many benefits of fake tan is that its subtle radiance can help give a healthier and fitter appearance.

Check out our Top Fake Tans with reviews,but before we release names/brands we want to include a few simple steps to enable you all to achieve the best results!!

* 48 hours before tanning DEFUZZ HAIR

Whether you choice of temporary hair removal is with waxing, shaving or with Hair removal creams, it is important that you leave a window of 48hours before applying fake tan as your skin has undergone a trauma. When the hairs are being removed the hair follicle is left exposed, application of tan directly on vulnerable skin can result in infection or uneven  application.

*   24 hours before tanning EXFOILATION

This is so important for an even looking false tan!

Our skin renews itself in a cycle that takes approximately 28 days, sloughing off dead skin cells and replacing them with fresh new ones. what we don’t know is what stage of the cycle every skin cell is at never mind every body part! With exfoliation, we are taking control off removal of dead skin cells with the knowledge that we are applying the fake tan to new skin cells aiding in a more even effect finish.

* TANNING DAY

Any dry area of concern (knees, elbows, hands and feet) apply a light moisturiser to, as what you may find is the tan is inclined to stick to the dry patches and hold too much color.

If you apply these safe guard prep rules and try one of my top rated tans I can reassure you, your tan will look like you’ve had a two week holiday aboard.

HE – SHI EXPRESS LIQUID TAN    £20

Caroline Fleck TV Presenter, quote from twitter “if you want natural tanning use @heshitanning, is the best”

* Tans on contact

* Dries in quickly

* Lasts 7-10 days

* Can reapply for deeper desired effect

*Moisture locked technology for long lasting results

l LOVE this fake tan gem, its a tinted, liquid tanning bronzer which gives you not only a guide for application but an instant glow, which should last up to 7-10 days. with it being a light, liquid consistency I found it dried instantly on my skin leaving myself free to get dressed straight away ( a real bonus when you need to chase 3 young children around the house). I found this product to last on my skin just over a week, really pleased with that as I do love my hot baths which I know do de-stress me but don’t help with the dehydration of my skin.

Application was straight forward using the He-Shi Tanning Mitt which enables the tan to be applied smoothly onto the skin and protects the palms of your hands from staining.

ST TROPEZ TAN

With one St Tropez tanning product being sold every 15 seconds and one St Tropez spray tan performed every minute , it is the UKs NO1 tanning brand! Loved by celebrities, professionals and beauty editors alike, the original tan since 1996, St Tropez has a wardrobe of products to provide a natural looking streak free tan to suit every skin tone and lifestyle.

For myself personally I like the St Tropez mousse as it provides me with that instant color (bye-bye to my blessed blue/white skin hue) and its instant drying technology, again a real God send in allowing me to pull some clothes on and not having to do some strange war dance in the hope that the tan will dry quicker. I found I got nearly 10 days from the mousse with in-between top ups and keeping skin well hydrated.

What I really like about the St Tropez range is that they have a great collection of tans from instant tans, gradual tans, self tan classics, self tan sensitive to self tan dark. Not only do they provide you with a great choice of fake tan they also have the prep and maintain range and tan enhancers.

So no excuse there, whether your skin is dry, oily, sensitive, aging or pale there is a St Tropez, product to cover your every need, still afraid at that why not try a Full Body Spray Tan, at Beauty Haven the skilled therapists use He-Shi or Vita Liberata . The results are amazing and the process is hassle free, just ensure you wear loose comfortable clothing and flip flops.
WAYS TO KEEP SKIN HEALTHY
March 9, 2016 1:33 pm Comments Off on WAYS TO KEEP SKIN HEALTHY
Your skin works really hard to keep us healthy, and yet we do tend to neglect it in so many ways. Our skin is made up of an outer layer (the epidermis), and a layer of soft tissue underneath called the dermis. The epidermis constantly grows up towards the outer surface of the skin and sheds dead skin cells.

The skin does many jobs it acts as a barrier to protect our body from the environment, it also regulates the temperature and detects and fights off infections. The skin is one of the biggest and most complex organs of our body and contains hair follicles, sweat glands and blood vessels.

True to its word “if you look after your skin properly, it will be able to do its job better”

So here are a number of ways you can protect your skin to maintain its health

CARE IN THE SUN

Sunlight contains UV rays, which are the main cause of skin aging and can cause skin cancer, it is so important to protect our skin against sun damage at any age, but do take special care with babies and young children.

I am certainly not suggesting that you lock yourself indoors never to let sunlight cross your skin again, as we need to spend some time in the sun so our bodies can make Vitamin D which is essential for healthy bones. Yet it is vital we protect ourselves by using a SPF of at least 15, so slather on the sunscreen, I know you’ve heard it a million times but wearing sunscreen is the single easiest way to look younger for life.

90% of wrinkles are from sun exposure and it is so much easier to prevent the damage than it is to fix it afterwards!

STOP SMOKING

Giving up the smokes for oh so many reasons and more….

There is strong evidence that links smoking to the aging of the skin, so if you feel unaffected by health issues at this time ( and ill health due to smoking has no preference, everyone that smokes is at high risk) you skin is suffering at a high rate.

Smoking reduces the skins natural elasticity by breaking down the collagen and reducing the collagen production, the collagen found within our skin is a protein that supports the skins strength and will naturally degrade as we age, leading to fine lines and wrinkles. Smoking WILL encourage the wrinkles at a faster pace!

MINDFULL OF ALCOHOL

We are Irish and yes we love a tipple, although regardless of being Irish, I am a mother of 3 young children and I love to have a glass of wine in the evenings when my children are tucked up in bed, toys have been put away until the following day and my living room doesn’t look like a crèche anymore, there is a TV programme on that I can lose myself, without the constant “mummy where is….??” or “mummy he/she said this!” . That is when I feel rightfully so I deserve this glass of wine, and dear help the person to tell me otherwise!!

So not that you need my permission to have that drink, but make yourself aware when you drink alcohol your body and skin can become dehydrated, leaving your skin looking older and tired.

So be thoughtful, have that drink yet drink plenty of water to avoid drying out your skin to rehydrate, your skin will thank you for it.

KEEPING SKIN CLEAN

A recent study found 72% of women never wash their brushes or sponges , even through they collect dirt and bacteria which can cause breakouts.

So don’t let your makeup brushes or sponges get festered, give them a clean every 2weeks with a mild cleanser.

SLEEP

I am sure you have heard it all before, but its called BEAUTY SLEEP for a reason, sleep deprivation lowers circulation which is why you look washed out and pale if you only get a few hours. At night is when your skin repairs and rejuvenates itself, so the more hours shut eye you receive the more nutrients and hydrating ingredients are absorbed into the skin.

EXFOLIATE YOUR SKIN

Your skin will look dull, tired and lifeless when clogged with dead skin cells on the surface (the epidermis) Naturally your skin cells die and shed with new cells replacing them, to ensure that all dead skin cells have been removed, its important to use gentle exfoliation and not only will this brighten up your complexion, it allows better absorption of products.

STRIP OFF YOUR MAKEUP BEFORE BED

Leaving makeup and dirt on the skin overnight, doesn’t just clog pores, it can cause excessive dryness as well. Its at night that our skin repairs itself with the added help of moisturisers and serums so without these potions on your skin and a barrier of makeup added to that the pollution of day to day grime is extremely damaging to the skin natural healing and repairing system.

DRINK AN EXTRA GLASS OF WATER

Water helps clears the toxins that cause inflammation and blemishes, it also assists in transporting nutrients and oxygen to skin cells and helps prevents dehydration, which can cause premature aging. It can make the skin appear fuller since the hyaluronic acid that naturally exists in skin will pull in and hold the water for a wrinkle- plumping effect.

No excuses, if needed you can add a little flavor add a lemon, lime or even mint.

www.beautyhavenbelfast.com
TREATMENT FOR SUN DAMAGED SKIN
March 1, 2016 7:10 pm Comments Off on TREATMENT FOR SUN DAMAGED SKIN
The UK is a nation of sun lovers, most of us enjoy sitting in the sunshine even through there is evidence that sunlight can be good for us , in helping the body make Vit D that keeps are bones healthy, but your skin pays the price of over exposure to UV rays. Too much time in the sun without sun protection can result in serious skin conditions, even if you do manage to avoid those serious skin conditions prolonged sun exposure plays havoc with your skin in later life.

Like many things in life too much of a good thing can sometimes be harmful.

UVA stimulates your pigment cells called MELANOCYTES, , their job is to produce more melanin and its the melanin that gives our skin, hair and eyes their color. Too much melanin being produced can also cause unwanted dark patches called age spots. UV rays are also responsible for up to 95% of the signs of aging, including premature wrinkles, slacker skin and an even skin tone.

As is often the case , prevention is better than cure. The best way to postpone sun damage is to use an SPF daily to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, whether in the sun or not, as UVA light can cause damage throughout the years. Beauty Haven’s brand new system, the Ellipise Sirius SWT (Selective Waveband Technology) offers a Full Skin Rejuvenation treatment, which is a treatment for the facial, neck and decollete area to remove the general mask of pigment resulting from sun damage. This also treats and diffuses much of the redness and high color, although individual thread veins are treated separately.

When having a Skin Rejuvenation treatment there are 3 things that are being targeted

*   Melanin

*   Redness

*   Collagen

HOW DOES IPL WORK?

MELANIN-    The laser/SWT device uses a range of light waves that are then tuned and targeted at the HEMOGLOBIN (the red blood cells) or MELANIN ( the brown pigment in freckles and age spots).

Working on the melanin, the light is attracted to the melanin within the pigmentation, heats it up to 70c which effectively shatters the pigment.The shattered pigment then desquamates with the cell turnover where it will naturally shed and any remaining pigment will appear lighter.

REDNESS-    When treating redness the light is targeting the hemoglobin , the hemoglobin transforms the light into heat which is then conducted to the vessel wall, this leads to the collapse of the vessel and its gradual removal.

COLLAGEN BOOST-    When the skin is treated to at least 30c, collagen remodeling takes place in response to the vascular injury and this is what results in the reduction of fine lines.

A SWT treatment will lighten and remove sunspots, age spots and brown blotches on the face, neck, chest and hands, it will also reduce the redness found in Rosacea, dilated blood vessels and broken vessels on the face and neck, with the light energy skin texture will be improved through collagen stimulation and pores less obvious by temporarily reducing the oiliness.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO WORK?

Most people need 3-5 months which involves 3-5 treatments about 1 month apart. You will see improvement with each session received with your response being on a deeper level at each treatment stage. The more sun damage and redness you have, the more likely you are to need a full 5 treatments, with gradual clearing over time.

ARE SWT TREATMENTS PAINFUL?

I wouldn’t say the treatment is painful, yes there will be a mild discomfort during the treatment, but most clients will experience a warming sensation and a tingling as the pulses of light energy pass over your skin. Many people liken the tingling to tiny rubber bands snapping on the skins surface, with every client having different tolerance levels, one clients experience would differ that from another, however the sensation is very mild easily tolerated.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT AFTER THE TREATMENT?

After the treatment you may have a temporary warming sensation and you may notice that the skin looks a little darkened or reddened in the problem areas before fading. After you will notice improvement in the overall texture of your skin, with your skin appearing smoother and more youthful. With no recovery downtime, Ellipise Sirius Rejuvenation treatment offers excellent results without having to take time out of a busy schedule to recover.

HOW LONG DO RESULTS LAST?

As with every treatment, results will vary from one person to another. It provides gradual improvement with very low risk and the results are achieved. From a course of sessions you should expect the results to last up to 2 years or longer, factors affecting the longevity of results are genetics, good maintance and care, taking into account the severity of previous damage.

To maintain your more youthful skin, it is recommended to have one or two annual maintenance treatments.
IS LASER/IPL HAIR REMOVAL THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOU?
February 25, 2016 12:03 pm Comments Off on IS LASER/IPL HAIR REMOVAL THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOU?
Is laser / IPL the right choice for you?

Body hair is tolerated by some and dreaded by others, yet its there, a fact of life that men and women worldwide have to deal with on a daily basis.

Hair removal is tedious, time consuming tiresome process for many trying to achieve the hair free body that we are driven by media to be associated with perfection.

Yes, we are blessed with the many options available for tackling unwanted body hair, what with shaving, waxing, threading, epilation and electrolysis, I must say the list could go on and on. Although the list is endless, I myself understand that with all these methods they do come with their own advantages and disadvantages. The problem being with so much to choose from it is often hard to choose the best method of hair removal for YOU!

Laser / Intense pulse light (IPL) hair removal is becoming as a very popular, easy hair removal method and is a great alternative to the traditional method of removing body hair.

So if you are wondering if laser/IPL is the right choice for you read on and hopefully you will find in this treatment your solution to the end of the tiresome process you have been subjected to before in the quest of unwanted body hair.

SO HOW DOES IT WORK??

IPL or Intense Pulse Light is a broadband of light, the light on entering the skin will only have an effect when it is absorbed and converted into heat.

The light is absorbed by the melanin, which is the pigment found in the hair which gives the hair its color.

When the light is attracted to the melanin the energy is converted into heat, travels down the hair follicle where it will heat the follicle to 70c and ultimately destroy or damage the cells to achieve hair reduction.

Therefore, the hair MUST have color for the IPL hair reduction to be successful. Yes there are a variety of different IPL treatments which work on different skin and hair color with SIRIUS by ELLIPSE being one of them, yet best results for hair removal are seen on light colored skin with dark thick hair as EUMELANIN is present in hair that is brown, brownish-black or black and actively absorbs the light produced by an Ellipse hair removal applicator, whereas PHEOMELANIN, which is present in blond and red hair, does not absorb the light therefore is not recommended for hair reduction treatment using IPL.

WHAT TYPE OF CLIENT CAN BE TREATED?

Before deciding to undergo laser hair removal you must determine whether you are a suitable client, clients with black hair will find the treatment most effective due to the large concentration of melanin found in the hair. Which will give an optimal absorption of light energy and convert it into heat. Explaining that clients with blond, white, red and grey hair cannot be treated as effectively due to the lack of melanin found in the hair.

Now darker skinned and naturally tanned individuals can be treated although therapist will determine this and lower the energy to avoid the heat solely generating on the skin and not into the hair follicle, resulting on an unsatisfying result.

The ideal client to treat is fair skinned with dark hair but the Ellipse system has been programmed treatment suggestions for different hair and pigment types.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WOULD BE REQUIRED?

All areas of the body and face can be treated, on average clients will require at least 6-8 treatments with 4 -6 week intervals in-between, with possible maintenance session once or twice per year.

Bear in mind clients with excess hair growth due to hormonal influences such as PCOS can require more sessions due to the hormonal influences as they create more testestone within the body which will produce NEW hair, yet the management off the unwanted hair is successful and brings great comfort and peace of mind for those clients.

ADVANTAGES OF IPL HAIR REMOVAL

For clients who are suitable for treatment the advantages can clearly be seen.

*   Most of the hair follicles can be permanently destroyed although some of the hair follicles can escape due to being either very light in colour (so no pigment at the root of the hair follicle) or thin hairs therefore not good carriers of the energy . That is why we can only state IPL is permanent hair reduction and not permanent hair removal.

*   A huge advantage, once you have had a successful treatment course with IPL, you don’t need to use any of the other hair removal methods, whereas with temporary hair removal methods like waxing you are only really hair free for a short window of time. Although very occasionally a stray hair may need to be removed.

*   If you are interested in permanent hair reduction, then I am sure you have looked at prices of this treatments and although it is not cheap compared to the costs of continued hair removal such as waxing not to mention the inconvenience and discomfort, it is not long before there is a financial benefit to having had the IPL.

Any questions regarding IPL Intense Pulse Light treatments please don’t hesitate to call us at

Beauty Haven 02890666628
REFLEXOLOGY FOR INFERTILITY
February 17, 2016 10:46 am Comments Off on REFLEXOLOGY FOR INFERTILITY
REFLEXOLOGY FOR INFERTILITY

Infertility is only considered after a couple are unable to conceive after a year of unprotected inter course. The cause may lie with either man or women, yet most infertility falls into unexplained category. Many couples experience fertility problems which may be a result of ovulation problems, sperm quality or sperm count, clotting disorders and many many more.

I can understand that getting pregnant can be both extremely stressful and expensive with private medicine only being available to those that have the means to afford it. With 1 in 3 couples experiencing difficulties in conceiving, reflexology can work in a number of ways to enhance fertility. Thousands of women trying to become pregnant may find the answer at their feet, literally in reflexology.

Reflexology is the ancient healing therapy which is all about achieving balance, reflexologists believe it to be effective at balancing hormones, increasing circulation and helping the body get rid of toxins. It is a very relaxing therapy that promotes a sense of health and well being. It is widely acknowledged that before a couple conceive they should try to get in the best mental and physical state they can, reflexology is an holistic therapy that aims to balance the mind, body and spirit.

How Reflexology Can Help Fertility

* Clients with Polycystic ovaries

* Clients with any Cervical problems

* Scar tissues

* Pelvic inflammation

* Pre-menstrual

* Hormonal imbalances

* Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes

* Any stress related problems

* Menstrual problems

Concerning matters like above, a trained reflexologist uses a technique of applying gentle pressure to reflex areas on the hands and feet to bring about a state of relaxation and stimulate your body’s own healing process. The wonderful thing about reflexology is that it is natural and can boost the immune system which in turn creates a stronger body and calmer mind. It has been acknowledged that 75% of all illness is linked to stress of some kind and this is what the therapist will seek to target.

So here are 3 reasons why I personally would recommend reflexology

1 – Rebalancing the body

Reflexology works by stimulating the reflex points on the feet that correspond to different parts of the body, by stimulating these reflexes the therapist is clearing any blockages and removing toxins that you body is holding on to. During a treatment, over 7,000 nerve endings in the feet are worked on which creates a overall feeling of well being. Trained reflexologists will not just work on the obvious reflexes, they will treat the supporting systems , for example, it is a given to work on areas relating to the reproductive system but it is also important to work on the nervous system as this supports the body in creating the right environment for conception.

Here are some benefits of reflexology :

* Relieves the effect of stress

* Improves and supports the immune system

* Relieves pain

* Clears the body of toxins

* Improves digestion

* Eliminates waste from the body

* Promotes relaxation

* Boost circulation

* Assists the body to heal any current disorders

2 – Total Relaxation

An hour long session is like Heaven on Earth! When do we really take an hour out of our busy day just to be still, be in the present??

I can honestly say reflexology is one of the most relaxing and powerful treatments, don’t get me wrong I love having massages they are fantastic, and a Hot Stone massage, well they are on another level again, but reflexology is in another league entirely. The difference is that the benefits are multi dimensional and they last. I for one wouldn’t thank you for a pedicure, as I have extremely sensitive feet, I can remember during my training days when we had to pair up to practice a treatment, the girls training on myself were literally dodging flying feet! So when suggested I try out Reflexology I could feel my feet tingle in horror, how wrong I was…… No seriously the therapist uses a massage and pressure point technique, to my relief and great benefit, no itsy bitsy movements to send me climbing walls.

What I experienced during and after the treatment was that I was calmer, a feeling of general happiness engulfed me and a change of perspective, yes the hour to myself certainly would help I understand that a busy working mum of 3 is certainly going to benefit from that, but I have had massages and I have to say this was different, I can only put it down to the fact that energies have been released and created a rebalance on the hormones within myself, not just me, anyone who has regular reflexology treatments and then stops very quickly realizes how much better they felt having the treatments.

3 – Taking Back The Control

All women who are trying to conceive are at different stages in their journey, yet one thing remains the same for them all, is they are ready for a baby. Now is the time to take positive steps to help themselves, when couples have reached this stage, waiting for doctors appointments, tests and assessments it is so easy to lose sight of one another as their world can so easily revolve around trying to conceive and not enjoying being a couple.

Receiving reflexology will help relieve stress and give you something else to focus on, it gives you that time to become a couple again, time for each other.

Some couples turn to IVF or other medical treatments when having children becomes difficult, why not try reflexology first??

It has a good success rate and is a completely natural, gentle treatment which is non evasive. Women who have reflexology to aid conception feel more relaxed, more in control and feel they have more perspective on a very stressful process in their lives.
BEST WAY TO TREAT ROSACEA PART 2
February 16, 2016 1:49 pm Comments Off on BEST WAY TO TREAT ROSACEA PART 2
So after I have diagnosed my husband to have rosacea and armed with extended knowledge on Beauty Havens new “ELLIPISE SIRIUS LASER machine ( may I add first in Northern Ireland) I had convinced himself to stand in as my demonstration model…….. A little dubious regarding his forthcoming treatment, my husband had many questions such as, “Is it going to be sore?”, “What does the light energy feel like ?”, ” Will you know that I have had something done?”, “When can I leave the house after?”

Forgetting how alien this treatment will be to someone outside this field, I realized that clients will have these similar concerns, so hopefully with a little explanation of how the treatment will work, how your skin will benefit and what you may experience during and after the treatment, will put your mind at rest and let you see that you don’t need to hide behind “green tinted concealer”, you can manage Rosacea with this treatment.

PRE TREATMENT PRECAUTIONS

It is vital that you avoid the following within a 30-60 day period prior to your treatment :-

*Do not sunbathe or use sunbeds

*Avoid Self tanning products

For 7 DAYS prior to treatment

*Do not have electrolysis

*Do not wax

*Do not bleach, nor use depilatory creams

* Do not use anti-inflammatory medications (including aspirin & Ibuprofen) Aspirin thins the blood and we need the blood vessels to be ripe so that the more apparent they are , the more successful the treatment. If you are taking medication, please seek approval from your GP before proceeding with this treatment.

TREATMENT

* Clients will fill out a detailed consultation form in regards to their health, medications etc… Please fill out forms honestly, the consultations forms are put in place to protect you, to ensure that any medication you may be receiving or have received, doesn’t leave you photo sensitive or would be a contra indication to the treatment. Once medical history and skin concerns have been discussed, treatment can proceed.

* The therapist will prepare your skin, with optical coupling gel ( the same gel that is used when having a baby scan), this acts to protect the skin from the heat of the light and to assure optimal transmission of light from the applicator to the skin.

* The therapist and yourself will both wear protective eye googles.

* At this stage we can begin with the treatment, the laser electrode can now be applied to the skin, the electrode is glass and will feel cold, the therapist will count you in on the release of the energy.

DOES IT HURT?? As the light is absorbed by the hemoglobin, found within blood, you will find that the more high color and pigmented lesions such as hyper pigmentation, solar lentigines (sun spots) and freckles you will feel more sensation. Most clients describe the sensation as quite moderate almost like the snapping of a rubber band, which only lasts for a short moment.

BENEFITS

When performing a full skin rejuvenation treatment, selective thermolysis occurs, the darkest chromophore will be targeted first i.e.: melanin, followed by diffuse redness. Benefits being any excess melanin in the skin will fade, for example, age spots, pigmentation, freckles, hyper pigmentation (sun damage)

Next level being treated is the blood, therefore diffused redness and management of Rosacea.

Finally and what we all want is the collagen boosted within our skin which in turn has a healing effect, helps plump out fine lines and improves the texture and tone of our skin.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS?

Depending on diet and lifestyle, clients success rate varies, on average I would recommend 3-6 treatments, spaced out every 4 weeks.

After treatment you may experience redness and some swelling which will subside within 12hours, we highly advise clients not to do the following for the next 30-60 days after the treatment:

* Avoid sun exposure or sun beds

* Wear at least sun protection of 30 or higher when outside

The client should avoid the following for at least 24-48hours after the treatment

* No perfumed products or make-up

*No excessive heat : saunas, steam rooms or hot baths

* No swimming or gym

*No touching, picking or scratching the area

*Avoid exfoliation

PLEASE NOTE Pure Aloe Vera Gel must be used for the next 48 hours after the treatment if any reaction persists.

Any questions please contact BEAUTY HAVEN 02890666628

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