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Play! by Sephora Subscription Box Review – January 2017

Haley Faye
ByHaley FayeJan 19, 2017 | 89 comments

Play-By-Sephora-January-2017-Box

Play! by Sephora
3.8 overall rating
564 Ratings | 55 Reviews

Play! by Sephora is a monthly beauty and makeup subscription. Each month they send you six samples, a PLAY! BOOK of tips and tricks, and a PLAY! PASS for in-store learning.

I used to work at Sephora so I naturally couldn’t resist this subscription!

Play-By-Sephora-January-2017-Inside-Box

My Subscription Addiction paid for this box.(Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)

Play-By-Sephora-January-2017-Packaging

Every month they included all of the samples a little drawstring bag with a different design.

FYI - The box variation I received this month is box ending in #435. To find out which box you’re receiving at the beginning of each month, follow these instructions:

If you log in through a browser, not the app, and go to my account > account details > online orders and open the play! Order Details, you can see the “item number” next to the image.

Play-By-Sephora-January-2017-Packaging2

All of the bags have been little cotton drawstring bags; last month was velvety, and this month is something totally new! It’s more of a rain jacket type, water-resistant fabric? It definitely goes well with the quote, “sweat is just another way to glow” and asserting the fitness/gym bag feel for January.

Play-By-Sephora-January-2017-Packaging3

The back is mesh, which I really love about this!

Play-By-Sephora-January-2017-Review

The Subscription Box: Play! by Sephora

The Cost: $10

The Products: Five deluxe samples plus a fragrance sample, a PLAY! BOOK of tips and tricks, and a PLAY! PASS for in-store learning.

Ships to: U.S.

Check out all of our Play! by Sephora reviews and all of our reviews of Cheap Subscription Boxes for other similarly priced boxes!

Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!

Play-By-Sephora-January-2017-Booklet

Each box comes with a Play! Pass, which is a card you can use at Sephora (in-store) to get 50 extra rewards points, and you can also get one-on-one tutorials and tips of products from a Sephora consultant.

I do have to mention, you can walk in and get shown any tips and even a “mini makeover” at the Beauty Studio (which is where a consultant will do a small demo on you like a certain eye look, how to do your brows, how to contour, matching you with a foundation, etc. and teach you what they’re doing) anytime! So, if you don’t have this subscription (or can’t get off the waitlist), you can still go to your local Sephora and try out all the products featured, or any other products you’ve had your eye on.

Play-By-Sephora-January-2017-Inside-Booklet

This month’s theme is “Happy You Year!” I love the pun and it’s a great concept, all about a fresh start and refueling yourself – and beauty routine, with super-effective products and on-the-go essentials to keep you moving.

Play-By-Sephora-January-2017-Inside-Info

On the very inside of the folded info sheet is thorough details and tips about each featured product. They always give helpful information and advice so I definitely recommend making sure you read these!

Play-By-Sephora-January-2017-Caudalie

Caudalie Resveratrol Face Lifting Moisturizer with SPF 20 - 0.5 fl oz, Value $25.38

This is a newer product from Caudalie and it is a multi-tasking moisturizer! It is designed to hydrate, firm, and smooth the look of skin plus protect with SPF. It has anti-aging ingredients as well as “soft-focus mattifying powders” to smooth and prime your skin for makeup.

Play-By-Sephora-January-2017-Caudalie-Open

You can use this all over your face and neck, just around your eye area, or as a primer. This moisturizer feels really nice and lightweight. I love that it has SPF and how versatile it is!

Play-By-Sephora-January-2017-Ouai

OUAI Treatment Masque - 0.5 fl oz, Value $6.67

This hair mask is supposed to help damaged hair and leave it smooth and soft. The smell isn’t my favorite, but it’s really not too bad. Very floral, I think. I haven’t tried to use this yet because I wanted to pump this review out for you ASAP, but I have to say I’m disappointed in the amount they provided. This tube and the Caudalie tube are both weighted at 0.5 fl oz but they’re very different weights in your hand because the tube for the OUAI sample is at best half empty for me. I really doubt there will be enough for me to use on my hair, even though the info booklet says this tube should be one use.

Also worth noting: the full-size ($32) comes with eight 0.3 oz foil packets which are meant to be single use. There may be 0.3 oz of actual product in this sample tube and I don’t think it would be enough to use on dry hair (which also isn’t even noted on the sample but is noted in the info booklet). Personally, I’m not very tempted to buy the full-size with that kind of packaging. Maybe if it were in a bigger tube with a substantial amount of product and a better application/product delivery system?

Play-By-Sephora-January-2017-DermaBlend

DermaBlend Loose Setting Powder - 0.18 oz, value: $4.86

A good loose setting powder is one of my top-priority makeup products. I’ve been using Makeup For Ever’s HD Microfinish Powder for years (same container, too – that stuff literally lasts forever). This stuff is pretty comparable! It promises smudge-proof makeup for 16 hours, and so far it’s doing a great job.

Play-By-Sephora-January-2017-DermaBlend-Open

I put this all over my face after doing all my complexion color (foundation, blush, bronzer, concealer, etc). It gives a great natural finish (it helps with some shine, but it’s not matte).

Play-By-Sephora-January-2017-Tarte

Tarte Frxxxtion Stick Exfoliating Cleanser - 0.22 oz, Value $4.84

Okay, so this is officially my new absolute favorite skincare find! I am so glad it was in my box variation because I have seen it around but didn't really know what it was at first glance. It's a three in one cleanser, exfoliator, and mask! In stick form! So different, so convenient, and so cool.

Play-By-Sephora-January-2017-Uncapped

The base of this vegan formula is a clarifying cleansing gel with Tarte's "Rainforest of the Sea" complex, and the microexfoliant is diatomaceous earth. It's made to draw out oil, reduce shine, purify pores, and slough away dead skin cells. To use, you wet your face and apply straight to your skin to deposit product. Swipe it all over your face and then massage it to exfoliate and clean, then rinse. Sephora's website says to use as a cleanser 2-3 times a week for optimal results. You can also leave it on for ten minutes ask a mask.

Play-By-Sephora-January-2017-Open

I loved this right away as I used it last night. It applies well and is different and fun to use! It works very well and the amount and size of the exfoliant is perfect for my preferences. My skin felt crazy smooth and soft, and still does today. I actually just bought the full size.

TIP: if you love this too, I'd purchase it right now because Sephora is running a promotion for 2x points on skincare products until 1/22!

Play-By-Sephora-January-2017-Clinique

Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey - 0.04 oz/1.2g, Value $9.71

I think I remember maybe 8 years ago, Clinique had a whole line of colors in their Almost Lipstick formula because I had one I wore all the time back then in a different shade. Now they just have this Black Honey and Pink Honey shades. They're basically sheer tinted lip balms that are universally flattering on anyone.

Play-By-Sephora-January-2017-Swatch

I really like the color and formula and that I can apply it without a mirror.

Play-By-Sephora-January-2017-Wild-Child

Play-By-Sephora-January-2017-Wild-Child-Info

Pinrose Wild Child Eau de Parfum Towelette - Value ?

I kind of like trying this months perfume in towelette form. It's just something fast and different, though it does mean your fingers get covered in the scent too, and that it's only one-time use. This fragrance is floral with some vanilla, too. It's flirty and feminine.

Play-By-Sephora-January-2017-Model

Here, I'm wearing the Black Honey almost lipstick and the setting powder. Note this was with many swatches of the lipstick to build up as much color as I could.

Verdict: I had a lot of fun with the January Play! by Sephora box! I found a new fantastic skincare product that I love and got to try some nice other products as well. This was the first month that Sephora included a complexion/foundation item in some variations, which made me a little nervous since I'm so pale and most foundations aren't made light Enough to work for me. I'm glad they included the setting powder instead of sending me a complexion item that would be risky. I also love the little bag this month. 

As far as value goes, everything adds up to just over $50, which is great for a $10 box. 

What do you think about Play! by Sephora? What variation did you receive this month?

Starting at $10.00
Subscribe Now
PLAY! by Sephora is a monthly beauty and makeup subscription box. Each month, Sephora sends you a mix of six samples (including cosmetics, haircare, skincare, fragrances, and other beauty products) personalized to match your preferences and a PLAY! BOOK of tips and tricks.
Haley Faye
Haley Faye
Haley Faye first discovered the wonderful world of subscription boxes in 2012 and began writing for MSA in 2014. Over the years, she has found many subscriptions to love. Now a mom of three, her favorite boxes are ones that dress her kids, help her get organized, feed her family, send her snacks, and offer educational fun for her children.

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89 comments

Siren

I haven’t tried my Ouai hair mask either, but I can’t imagine being able to do much with it, I have thick waist-length hair 🙂 I might just put some in my hair in the middle of my week – I wash my hair once a week – as a dry treatment.. see how that goes? I’m sure I’d never buy it either, probably the whole 8 packets would be one use, lol!

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Bonnie

My box was different – I did get the Clinique Black Honey, which I cannot imagine not looking good on everybody. Not sure why this classic is in the box, since it’s usually the newer stuff, but I’m happy with it.

I got a honey hydrating mask from Farmacy. I liked it. It wasn’t as smoothing/softening as some of the other masks I’ve tried, but it was moisturizing. It was kind of heavy, and I definitely didn’t need to put on another moisturizer after I rinsed it off. I felt like I still had one on.

The Tarte Frxxxtion stick was fun to use. It’s a novelty to make my face look dirty when I wash it. I didnt’ find the cleanser either great or awful, it was okay. Good for travel though, because it’s a solid and I would rather use this than a bar of hotel soap.

The Amorepacific cushion compact was ok, but I’m not in love. I really like that I didnt’ get pale and paler for shades, and I did use the darker one as an undereye concealer. It didn’t gather in the lines and make me look worse, so there’s that. But I don’t think I like the cushion format. It seems silly to me to use a sponge to get makeup from another sponge. And by the third day that sponge is getting a little dry and harder to extract color from, even though I reseal the container. This was my first cushion product, and I am glad I got to try it.

I got a little spray sample of Tory Burch Love Relentlessly and I really don’t like it. It’s not me. I tried it for 3 days to see if it would grow on me, but no. Last month, the sample was Elizabeth & James Nirvana Bourbon and I liked that so well that I bought the full size. Can’t win them all.

And like everyone else, I got that Ouai sample of hair mask. I agree with Haley that it seems like not enough for this long thick hair, so I’ll try it on my ends soon.

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Starofsorrow

I got everything you received, except for the powder. Instead, I got a BB cream. It was a bit too dark for my complexion, and I wasn’t too thrilled with how it didn’t behave with my concealer, so that was a miss for me.

I loved the moisturizer! I was hoping to get Drunk Elephant, but I’m happy with the Caudile one.

I haven’t tried the Ouai mask, but I think I will tonight.

Tarte was actually pretty fun. I decided not to buy a full version because I already had good cleansers and exfoliation items, and didn’t need to add on another item.

The Clinque Almost Lipstick, I hadn’t heard of it, amazingly enough. I really liked it a lot! Ended up ordering the full size one for the days when I can’t be bothered to wear lipstick.

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Kimberly

Is there any way to check if a box has been shipped? This will be my first Sephora Play box and I received an email on January 20th that had a link to “see what’s inside your box”. But I can’t find anywhere that says it’s been shipped or any way to track the box.

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Kate

Log into your account and look under recent orders. It will be dated around January 3rd, and if you click on order number it will give you tracking number.

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Michelle

I am not getting January despite the email to preview my January box. I’m disappointed because I really wanted these items. I suppose worse things have happened to people.

Michelle

Same as you. Is this ever coming?

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Gee

I loved my box except for the amore pacifica cushion foundation. Bad smell and very sheer coverage. Everything else was great. Wasn’t impressed with the bag it came in either. Felt so cheap

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Monique

Oh Sephoria, you got me! I’ll admit I had box envy, it appeared that my 443 was going to be the worst. Boy was I wrong…I love it. I did have a problem with my Boscia BB and they immediately sent me a new one. The BB cream arrived 3 days later. I love the Claudalie as a primer under the BB. Frixxtion stick, you and your porn name have won me over. I wear Clinique matte lipstick, but I love the black honey around the house. It really keeps my lips gorgeous. Between this and my Allure box being so fantastic, I’m going to have to part ways with Ipsy and Birch if they continue to be so underwhelming.

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Tamara

I’m also loving the Tarte Frxxxtion stick! It’s awesome and my skin feels so amazing after using it. Also enjoying the Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick. It’s perfect to throw on if you have to run out in a hurry. I’m definitely gonna have to look into full sizes of both.

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Kc

I got box 443, my second Sephora box so far and I have been underwhelmed by both boxes. Haven’t found any of the samples to be anything that I liked enough to purchase. I’ll give it a few more months and reassess.

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Luisa

Just a note regarding the weight comment of the OUAI and Caudalie – that’s not weight listed there, it’s volume. I agree, the amount is small, but it’s not going to weigh the same as a another substance of the same volume.

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Jenn

We are box twins. I love the smell of the tarte cleaner I was afraid to try it cuz my face is having issues but from everyone’s reviews I’m going to try it asap! I enjoyed this box..might be my favorite so far 😊

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Amanda

So I noticed that this box has a better value than my 450 box because of the caudalie so mine has almost a -10 dollar difference which kinda stinks but I still think my box is decent. 😛

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Vanessa

I got the same box as Haley. At first, when I saw the spoilers, I was disappointed because I didn’t understand why they would send a setting power to someone whose profile specifies that they have very dry skin.. but now I see there was a method to the madness because all the foundation/BB creams they sent out in all the other variations were way too dark for us pale folks. Plus, once I read that you can use the setting powder to “bake” your face, I was so happy. I think that’s what I’ll use it for! 🙂

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Leslie

I got the stupid BB cream sample even though I specified ivory skin tone. I really wanted the powder too. I wish they wouldn’t send products you can’t use.

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Lola EB

What does it mean to “bake” your face?

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Amy

I received the same box as Haley. Best box ever. So far, the lipstick seems fine.

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Kaitlynn Baker

Ugh, I don’t like that the perfume sample is in towelette form :/ But I am excited about the cleanser!

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Michelle

I loved my box except for the Clinique lipstick which was a bust. Literally it fell out of the tube when I twisted it up to see how much there was. It has hardly any color payoff and what there is goes away almost instantly. It went straight in the trash.

The Tarte stick is very cool and I love how you can see where you out it.

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Teresa

I had the same issue, mine is broken off in the cap of the tube-completely smashed. The part you twist up is a mess. I’ve emailed Sephora, hoping they will replace. I’ve never had a problem before. Does anyone have experience with their customer service?

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Amanda

I got 150 points for my broken one but I was able to get it out of the cap so win win.

Lori Tinsley

I am getting box 468 and I am so disappointed. I really was hoping for the dermablend setting powder. I think this box was not curated well for aging fair skin.

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Alyce

I’m also in the club of “dry and aging” skin. I was a bit disappointed that there were no specific products identified for our skin type. Everything we received is suitable for every skin type.

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Rookala

When I rolled up the Clinique Almost lipstick (same color as yours, Haley) and put it to my lips to apply, it fell right out of the tube onto the counter! I was able to slip the tiny stub back in, but a word to the wise, use caution and only roll up a tiny smidge at a time when applying. Love the tint. I received this one some time ago in another sub & loved it, so I’m happy to have another. It looks so dark in the tube but looks great on!

I received an IT Cosmetic Color Correcting Full Coverage Cream + Anti-Aging Hydrating Serum sample in my bag in the color Medium. It was a tint too dark for my usually “medium” skintone, the smell was chemically and I hated the thick, greasy feel of this product on my face. I wiped most of it off and applied my regular moisturizer, leaving a lighter shade on my face. Luckily, the The smell was short-lived. I’ve sampled the IT under eye concealer before and also found that product to be too thick/greasy/oily for me. My eyeliner smudged immediately.

I received a small spray bottle of Tory Burch Love Relentllessly and it’s nice. It is a sweet floral, but doesn’t have much staying power. Here’s a tip for how to use those fragrance samples you’re not over the moon over. What I’ve been doing with my perfume samples, if their not my personal taste to wear, is to keep them in my bathroom, and I’ll squirt a spritz or two in the sink and it leaves my bathroom smelling nice! So what you might not care for on your person makes a great room freshener!

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carrie

Ah! Genius! Never heard that one, thank you for sharing 🙂

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Altce

Love the room refresher idea! Have never heard that one before. 😁

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Melissa W.

I received the same box as Haley and I am so happy! This was actually my first Sephora box and it took me so long to subscribe because I’m not into makeup that much. Well, I am very pleased. The 2 makeup items I got are ones I will use! I will continue my sub with Sephora!

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Katie

I was pretty happy with my box yet again. I got the:
1. AP foundation (haven’t opened it yet but I have light to medium skin so it should work)
2. the ouai sample
3. tarte stick which I already have a deluxe sample in but never tried (in super excited to try it not based on your review)
4. the Clinique (which was intact)
5. Tory burch spray perfume (so glad I didn’t get the wipe sample)
6. and my favorite item Farmacys Honey Potion which I already have a full size in!!! I’m so excited to see a pricier item in the box and now I have a sample size i can travel with and could always refill when empty. I know the Honey Potion isn’t for everyone, it does have a different smell but smells doesn’t effect me and it warms up your face so I’m not sure how much I’ll like it in the summer but it’s been great for the winter.

I wish I would have gotten the loose powder because I actually haven’t tried many but I’m still extremely happy with all my items. A+ Sephora Play, I just wonder what the value of my box was?

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Amanda

Like almost 40 so like $10 less than Hayley’s :/…I got 450 like you and was hoping for a higher value.

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Mh123

My doorbell literally rang and I received my box right after reading your review. Instead of the DermaBlend setting powder, I received the Boscia BB cream that weight 0.35 oz, oil-free, and SPF27. Everything else is the same. I haven’t used Boscia BB cream before but glad I get it because my skin type is oily.

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marilyn

I was very excited with the bag. I’m thinking I could use it to transport my bathing suit when wet, lay it on the plastic side with the mesh up so it dries. My daughter pointed out it was for the gym. – Dual purposes.

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Shirley

Along the same lines, the mesh bag is the perfect size for a pair of boxing hand wraps. Since my trainer likes to mix up our workouts, I found this little bag is great for separating clean wraps from sweaty ones after taking a few swings at him, lol. I swapped for a few extra just for this purpose.

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carrie

Ah! Genius! Never heard that one, thank you for sharing 🙂 love all the ideas we share through this forum.

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Amber P

I really enjoyed my box this month. Instead of the Dermablend I got the Bosque BB Cream – which, is super glittery…but that’s OK I’ll still use it.

I also was fortunate enough to get two Caudalie bottles – they must know that I’m trying to step up the anti-wrinkle brigade. I did not like the perfume toilette though, I love getting perfume samples and I love the little vials. However, I hated this scent so I give them a pass on it seeing as I got an extra product anyway…I just don’t want to see it as a trend!

I can’t seem to figure out if the Play! Pass can be used at a Sephora inside JCP. Does anyone know? I’ll be going to one this weekend and would like to use it if I can!

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Alyce

Amber,
Yes the Sephora card can be used inside a JC Penneys!

I loved this bag as well! I hope future nags “Play” with the material used in construction.

Quai’s Hair Mask was superb for my medium length, color treated hair. I do agree the the envelope style purchase is not one of my favorites, but the results were spectacular! I concentrated on my brittle ends, and worked towards the scalp during application. After letting the product sit for about five minutes I dampened my hands and combed my fingers through my hair to distribute the product. I believe this made a substantial difference allowing my complete head of hair to become coated.

I also couldn’t resist purchasing the Black Honey lipgloss. I wear it over a light taupe and the shade stayed all day!

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asagaobalcony

Yes, they take them. In fact, I’ve gone to the mall with 2 valid play passes, used one at JCP and one at Sephora on the same day. I hate the mall so I appreciate having to make as few visits as possible.

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marilyn

I’ve used the play pass for the 50 points at JCP sephora (in fact, I forgot and returned with my receipt and they applied the 50 points).

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michelle

I received this box too. I’m happy with the products. I will probably swap the hair mask. The rest I’ll keep. 😉

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Amber

I got box #450, with the AP foundation. While the lighter color works for me, I’m super disappointed that it’s such a tiny sample (not Sephora’s fault, they can only give what they get). I might get 2, maybe 3 uses out of the sponge if I don’t use too much. But I wonder if the sponge and the applicator are the same materials they use in their full size. Because I couldn’t get the product to stick to the applicator. I had to pinch out the sponge and tap it on my face, then blend with the applicator. Nice enough formula. But I def won’t buy it. Wish I had gotten any of the other 3 choices lol. Oh well! Everything else in my box I will use, so no biggie

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Charlotte

Haley, your makeup swatches and reviews are always spot-on; I always know how well something will work for me based on your review! (I’m a fair redhead.)

I’m wondering which skin color you selected in your Play profile so that you got the Dermablend instead of the AP foundation sample. I have Fair selected, but am contemplating a switch to Porcelain.

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