Crossdresser How To

Learn how to crossdress and exude femininity. With some practice you could even pass as a woman in public.

Crossdressing Makeup Gets Professional

A few months back I was watching a video on the Internet describing how to take care of your skin.  The video was for men who wanted to look more feminine – I’m always pleased to see such advice published. However I was horrified when they advised that we use toner after putting on moisturizer. Even the most well intentioned advice can lead people astray – and for a man who has nowhere else to turn it could mean the difference between beauty, and … something less.

On Crossdresser Heaven I’ve tried to provide good advice to crossdressers that is based on what I’ve learnt from beauty experts, and my own experience with products. See articles such as How to Look Like a Woman – A Cross Dresser Skin Care Routine, and Crossdressing Makeup – The Basics.

However I don’t have quite the qualifications or experience of the lady you’re about to meet. I was delighted when Christina left a comment on Crossdresser Heaven. Christina is a makeup artist who works with men, and has kindly offered to share makeup tips and advice on Crossdresser Heaven.

Every few weeks you can find expert advice from a professional makeup artist on Crossdresser Heaven. Please welcome Christina Evans, and email her your burning questions about makeup!

Meet Your Makeup Artist – Christina Evans

Christina - A Makeup Professional who caters to crossdressers As the first girl in my sixth grade class to wear eye shadow, I should have known I was destined to be a makeup artist. It took a BS in Criminal Justice and four grueling years as a parole office to realize I wanted to make people look pretty, not throw them in jail. My training began with BeautiControl Cosmetics, a direct sales line out of Dallas, Texas. I also did promotional modeling for fragrance companies and when my agent found out I was a makeup artist, she sent me into the stores for various cosmetic lines. I made my own connections and started free-lancing for Elizabeth Arden, Hard Candy, Borghese, Francis Denny, Revlon, and many more. I traveled all over Houston and surrounding cities making women look beautiful. What I enjoyed most was teaching them why to use certain products and how.

Most sales associates know only what cosmetic companies tell them. That was not good enough for me. I graduated from the Institute of Cosmetology and received my state license as an esthetician. I then took a stage makeup class at the University of Houston and worked as the makeup artist on several community theatre productions. In 1999, I relocated to Los Angeles, where I received my California esthetician’s license, and received a 100 hour certificate from the International Dermal Institute.

Relocating to Phoenix in 2005, I decided to get away from product sales and focus on offering makeup lessons. Fate determined that all the responses I received would be from men. Several times I heard how other makeup artists never returned their calls, or weren’t comfortable working on crossdressers. Not one to let an opportunity pass, I decided to specialize in makeup lessons for men. It has been the best decision ever. To have clients who truly appreciate what I do, and are eager to learn, is the greatest gift. I can’t imagine going back to department stores, pedaling product to half interested customers.

I’d love to hear your stories or answer your makeup and skincare questions.

Christina Evans
Makeup101byevans@yahoo.com
http://Linkedin.com/in/makeup101byevans


P.S. Vanessa here – I’m looking to sell a pair of unused Gold Seal Breastforms (size 7) I bought from thebreastformstore. They’re a bit big for me – they have never been used, and come with a set of adhesive pads. They sell for $169+shipping from the store. I’d sell them for $125 (or the best offer) + shipping. Email me at vanessalaw@crossdresserheaven.com if you’re interested.

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If You Do This Your Crossdressing Life Will Be Better

Crossdresser hair removal There was a catchy song I used to listen to when I was younger. The lyrics were nothing to rave about, as over and over they proclaimed ‘If you buy this record your life will be better’. Yet the tune was hypnotic, and perhaps some subconscious part of me that longs for approval was convinced that my purchase had improved my life. Most advice is like that of the song. Tantalizing in it’s potential, yet somewhat lacking in the fulfillment of that potential.

Two weeks ago I wrote a post entitled ‘How To Look Like A Woman’, where I promised to share a secret that will magnify your femininity ten fold. The truth for many who crossdress is that it requires a lot of effort to cultivate our femininity. It takes work to choose appropriate clothes, move like a woman and wear makeup to accentuate our inner beauty.

Yet through all of this we’re struggling with stubble that shows up each morning when we wake up, and part way through the evening just as we’re trying to look our best. The secret to enhancing your femininity is permanent crossdresser hair removal.

Crossdresser Hair Removal

If you’ve ever tried to hide the stubborn remains of facial hair under a thick layer of makeup, then you know what I’m talking about. After shaving the same area three times your skin is left raw – if not bleeding – and there are still some hairs that remain. You’re forced to hide your true skin tone underneath concealer and then foundation, not a very natural look. Not at all suitable for day time, when most woman wear a light application of makeup.

We can all appreciate how difficult facial hair is to conceal, but it gets worse. Facial hair makes a proper skin care routine next to impossible. Most woman strive to tone, balance, moisturize and protect their skin. Yet the first thing men do every day is scrape a razor blade over it. How supple and healthy would you feel if you had to endure such trauma?

The daily infliction upon your face doesn’t stop with the skin shearing shave. Afterwards your pores and left open, and small cuts can invite bacteria to take root. Gradually your skin will become rougher.

But wait, it gets worse! Have you ever tried to tone and moisturize after shaving? It’s quite painful, actively discouraging a good skin care routine. I’m also not sure how good it is to pour lotions on your face after you’ve cut it to shreds. It would seem like topicals should remain topical.

Permanent or even semi-permanent hair removal allows your skin to generate a natural softness and makes it easier to maintain a healthy skin care routine. It has psychological benefits as well. A quick glance at your hairless and feminine face, even in guy mode, will let you feel the exhilaration of femininity.

Since you’re spending less time shaving each day you’ll have time to put a light dusting of makeup on before heading to work. Just a touch of foundation and some light blush and you can practice your makeup technique with noone being the wiser.

So What About That Crossdresser Hair Removal?

Last year I shared some different options for transgender hair removal. Hair removal can be expensive and painful, but in my opinion it’s more than worth it for the benefits you get. Not least of which is the ability to get hair removal done without anyone suspecting a thing. Well, apart from your esthetician.

I highly recommend a few treatments of laser hair removal, followed by electrolysis to clear up any stragglers. Having done this dual treatment myself I’ve a new level of respect for ladies who have removed all their facial hair through electrolysis. Electrolysis is painful, slow and effective. It’s also the only way to get rid of any white or gray hairs you may have. (Am I too young to admit to any gray hairs just yet?)

In contrast, laser hair removal is great at treating large areas (like the beard) quickly. It works best on a darker hair / fairer skin combination, and results are usually seen after the first treatment. Laser hair removal can be deceptive though, since some of the hair grows back a few months later. I’ve often felt the results were beyond expectations a week after treatment, but 3 months later a good third of the hairs have returned.

The Real Secret To Femininity

Thanks for sticking with me this far. I’ll end with another song I enjoyed from my youth by Baz Luhrmann – Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen). It still sends chills down my spine when I listen to it.

Amidst the great advice is another gem to enhance your femininity – Wear Sunscreen!

So you’re set. Hair removal. A good skin care routine. And Sunscreen.

Be beautiful my girlfriend!


For more great tips on achieving a perfect feminine appearance I recommend the ultimate crossdressing guide and the flat2fem transgender breast enlargement program.

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How To Look Like A Woman – A Cross Dresser Skin Care Routine

Cross-dresser-skin-care-routine If our eyes are a window to the soul then our face is the home of our humanity. Your face is the first thing that people see. From an early age we learn the subtle cues that facial expressions share and look to the face as the true judge of sincerity. Over any other part of your body your face contains the richest source of information on who you are and how you feel.

The face is also the first place people look to confirm any suspicions they may have about your gender. Unfortunately many crossdressers fail this test because they lack a good skin care routine.

As a man you can easily get away with poor care for your face. It’s not by chance that rugged and hansom often find themselves in the same sentence. For right or wrong, a weather and time worn face denotes strength and wisdom in a man, but neglect in a woman.

My Cross Dresser Skin Care Routine

To be considered beautiful by most of society a woman’s face must resist the ravages of time and remain soft and supple. In our endeavor to emulate the feminine form we too must strive to provide loving care to our face – the ultimate cross dressing fashion statement.

I’m going to share with you my cross dresser skin care routine. I use products tailored for my skin type – I have a slightly oily skin – so keep in mind that you may need to use a different formulation depending on your skin type. If you’re in doubt about your skin type I recommend you indulge yourself and go for a facial at your local beauty salon. They’ll be able to tell you all about your skin and facials are a heavenly way to spend time.

To enhance and maintain your natural beauty there are five things you need to do as part of your cross dresser skin care routine.

Clean Your Face

Dermalogica-crossdresser-skin-care-routine-cleanser Clean your face twice a day with a high quality cleanser. This will remove any excess dirt and oil and should make your skin feel fresh and a little tight. If your skin feels dry after washing your face check your cleanser, you may be removing too much oil. I prefer to use Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel. I started using it a few years ago and haven’t found anything that makes me look or feel better. If you decide not to use Dermalogica, whatever you do stay away from soap! Most soap is not good for your face.

Exfoliate

Our skin goes through a natural cycle of dying and being replaced by new skin cells. Unless you do something about it dead skin cells will hang around, giving you a dull and lackluster appearance. The best way to deal with this is to exfoliate once or twice a week after cleansing. This removes the dead layer of skin and leaves your face smoother and softer. Don’t exfoliate more than twice a week. I find that the small granules of Dermalogica Skin Prep Scrub give invigorate my skin without scratching it.

Apply Toner

A toner helps freshen, soothe and condition your skin, helping it to better absorb moisture that you’re going to apply next. I use Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner. It’s spray is a convenient way to apply toner.

Moisturize

Dermalogica-crossdresser-skin-care-routine Men’s skin is naturally coarser than a woman’s. Sun exposure, smoking and drinking can quickly cause your skin to look old and tired. Moisturizer is essential to looking younger and keeping deep wrinkles at bay. In fact, if you only ever do two things make sure to clean your face and moisturize. I use Dermalogica Active Moist (Yes, I really like their products, no I don’t work for them :) ).

Apply Sunscreen

In Seattle we only see the sun three months of the year, yet even then UV rays can penetrate the clouds, prematurely aging your skin. I highly recommend wearing sunscreen if you’re going out, even when it’s overcast. Personally I find that most sunscreens clog my pores and cause me to break out, so I use a mineral makeup foundation which has built in SPF 15. If I’m going hiking or swimming and need something a bit more robust I’ll use Dermalogica Oil Free Matt Block.

You’re Done With Your Cross Dresser Skin Care Routine – At Least for today

As men we struggle against our genetics as well as a lifetime of bad habits. Even if you’ve gone many years without taking care of your skin it is possible to reverse some of the damage. If you’re still early in your journey through life you have the best opportunity – right now – to set yourself up for a lifetime of beautiful, soft skin. Done regularly these five simple steps will allow your face to represent the femininity inside you.

Look beautiful! Next week I’ll share with you the one thing you can do to magnify your femininity ten fold. If you do this and follow the five steps above your face will be your best asset in passing. Subscribe to Crossdresser Heaven so you don’t miss on this invaluable information.

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Some Tips for Passing as a Woman

Passing… it seems like the holy grail for crossdressers. If we could work hard enough, lose that extra pound and practice voice lessons for another hour – maybe, just maybe we could pass as a woman. In our minds we’ve build up passing as something elusive that is to be dreamed about and never achieved.

Yet passing is closer, and easier than you’d think if you let go of the notion that everyone, all the time must only every perceive you as the woman you’re trying to impersonate.

Here are nineteen practical tips from Kelly Stevens for how to pass as a woman. If you’re serious about passing you’ll find more high quality advice in the world’s best crossdressing guide.

How to Crossdress and Pass As A Woman

1. Dress your age. If you aren’t a junior, don’t buy your clothing in the juniors department

2.  Dress appropriately for the situation. A cocktail dress at the mall isn’t optimum. Make up needs to be appropriate.

3.  Crossdressing is an illusion. A genetic woman can go out without any make up and can look a mess but not look like a man. You can do the same as a man and not look like a woman. You need to constantly preserve the illusion and this involves diverting attention away from your flaws and using clothing and most importantly accessories to preserve the illusion. I do not need glasses but found they feminize me so I bought some (in the women’s section of an eyeglass store). wearing men’s glasses simply is not good enough in 99% of the people I know. I wear a hair band, diamond engagement ring, chain bracelet, necklace, earrings that dangle, and red lipstick because many people have critiqued me and said these things feminize me. The red lipstick and nail polish divert the eyes away from other parts of me.

4.  Choose a wig wisely, This may be among the most important things you do. Length, color, style all matter. (If it is too perfect, it will look fake.)

5.  Hair removal is always an issue.  You think nothing of spending a great deal of money on clothing and cosmetics so spend some on a quality razor.  Consider hair removal on your face if necessary. I had laser hair removal and it was the best thing I ever did. Use the right foundation to cover the beard but shave it off first! covering is not as good as removing. Shave closely and several times.

6.  Apply make up skillfully.

7.  Cover your arms if you need to. My arms are larger than a woman’s so I wear some type of top. This means I never get to wear sexy cocktail gowns and expect to pass but I can usually find something nice with sleeves. Cover your Navy tatoo!

8.  Keep your skirt length appropriate.  In fact, keep everything appropriate. Anything that looks out of the ordinary will be noticed and once you are noticed you will not pass.  Much of the time if others really noticed me i would not pass yet somehow I pass extremely well. Why?  Because I blend in and fly under their radar.

9.  Avoid direct confrontation with anyone and when it i necessary to interface with a waiter, store clerk, etc. be prepared.  When i go to the grocery store i know they will inevitably ask me paper or plastic so I am ready and reach for a plastic bag.  I know I will be asked cash or credit so I have my cash or credit card in my  hand where they can see it before they ask. But if I have to speak, I speak softly and quietly and smile.In a restaurant, point to the menu item as you order. This reduces the need to fully speak in detail.

10.  Choose where you go in public carefully to minimize problems. If you don’t really pass, stay out of the ladies’ room. I go out at any time of the day or night in Times Square and pass but I avoid groups of teenagers like the plague. They will notice and if they notice they will not notice quietly.

11.  Walk like a woman not a caveman.

12.  Relax. If you are afraid, you will walk like you are afraid. Have confidence.

13.  I’ve seen many men who do not prepare themselves to pass. One CD friends is an auto mechanic and he shows up at support group meetings with black grease on his hands.

14.  Eat and drink like a lady. I love beer but more women drink wine so i drink wine. Men stuff their faces. Women are much more, well, feminine in how they eat.  Study female  behavior so you can emulate it properly. A word about smoking. I personally feel that smoking is one of the easiest means to tell if someone is a CD or a real woman. Few men can smoke like a woman. You think you can, but you can’t.

15.  Carry a mirror and use it. Men don’t need much attention but women need constant attention. Walking from the parking lot to the Mall can result in blown hair. Eating can alter make up. Be prepared.

16.  Smell like a woman.

17.  Pay attention to detail. You may not be into make up and real women don’t need it to look like a woman but it will really help you. Curl your lashes. (No, don’t use artificial lashes). Keep your clothing stylish. No, that man’s coat isn’t going to pass as a woman’s coat. Details! If you have a huge Adam’s Apple, wear turtle necks. Learn to adapt.

18.  We all want to have our own set of 52 DD tits but if you wear 52DD tits you are going to attract attention and you will therefore be noticed.

19.  Be self aware. Know your limitations. Unless you have practiced dancing like a girl you probably won’t do it like a girl.

And there you have it – nineteen practical tips for crossdressing that don’t require night classes or intentisive training. Don’t stop now, there is so much more to learn about crossdressing – learn how to pass as a woman.

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Why Does My Wig Keep Falling Off?

I love long, flowing sensuous hair – there are few things that make me look or feel more feminine, and few things I enjoy more than spending an hour or two in the salon. I used to wear my hair long, but as with any marriage compromises are agreed upon. In my case I agreed to wear a wig instead and cut my hair short after my wife expressed her (quite vigorous) dislike for my long hair. It was a sacrifice I made out of love, though part of me was looking forward to the plethora of styles and lengths that would become available to me overnight. I could also be a bit more adventurous in my choice of style, as I had made a (somewhat half-hearted) effort to avoid too much suspicion in male mode. Feminine face-framing bangs (fringe for those across the Atlantic) were now available to me – oh joy!

Crossdressing with a Wig

What I didn’t bargain for is the hereto forth unknown fear of falling off. This dreaded disease is caused by a gnawing fear that your wig is going to fall off. Symptoms include an obsession with keeping your hair far away from anything it could catch in, a reluctance to experiment too much with the hairbrush and a near constant maneuver I call ‘check the hair is still there’. So my journey begins to find out how to keep my hair on my head.

I found a few articles on the Internet such as how to wear a wig and crossdresser wig care.

The first step is to find a style that you like, and that suits your face. Ideally you would do this in person to get a look that works, but if you’re still not comfortable trying on a wig in public many websites have good return policies. Reputable stores such as Amazon have a large wig selection that is worth looking at as well.

Wig Styles

Gorgeous Wavy Curls

Gorgeous Wavy Curls

Medium length flirty wig

Medium length flirty wig

Long straight hair is feminine

Long straight hair is feminine

How To Wear a Wig

  1. Choose a wig that fits. Many wigs have straps that can be adjusted to achieve a better fit, just make sure there isn’t too much space left inside the wig that will leave a bubble.
  2. Wear a wig cap if you don’t want your hair to show through, or blend your hair together with your wig for a more natural look
  3. Center the wig on your head before putting it on. Many wigs have a parting or some indication of the center.
  4. Put the wig on by pulling it over your head and then pulling the back of the wig down to secure it
  5. Make sure the front of the wig aligns with your hairline and that the wig is snug on your head
  6. Secure the wig with bobby pins to ensure your hair doesn’t escape

And viola! There you have it. If you’ve put the wig on correctly it should both look and feel natural, and you shouldn’t be worried about it falling off (at least not most of the time). This takes a lot of practice, I still struggle with wearing a wig, but the more I wear it the easier it gets.

Tips For Securing Your Wig

Bobby pins are your friend, as this video shows.


Share Your Wig Secrets!

Do you have any tips to share on how to wear a wig? How to find one that looks natural, or the best way to keep the wig from flying away? Comment and let us know.

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Crossdressing Makeup – The Basics

As crossdressers we’re not alone in our makeup confusion. There are many women who do not know how to properly apply makeup. The main reason for this is poor color choice. Many women choose a foundation that does not match their skin tone. If you apply the wrong color, your face will be much lighter or much darker than your natural skin tone. It is very noticeable and very unattractive. Here are a few easy tips to get you on your way to successfully applying makeup.

Crossdresser Makeup Basics

Cleanse Your Face

Cleanse and moisturize your face before applying makeup, so you can wash away any excess oils and dirt. Apply a generous amount of cleanser. Wait about ten to fifteen minutes and then rinse your face in warm water. Then pat your face dry with a towel. Next, apply a moisturizer with sunscreen. You will notice that it is now easier to apply the foundation because your skin will be more likely to accept it.

Apply Concealer and Foundation

Choose a concealer that is a shade lighter than your foundation. Pour a generous amount of concealer on your fingertips. Then, smooth it on your face using either your fingertips or a makeup sponge. Make sure that you cover any dark circles and blemishes.

Unlike concealer, your foundation must perfectly match your skin tone. Dab the foundation on your fingertips and apply it in dots to the center of your face. Then, blend it with a makeup sponge to cover your entire face. Powder is great for keeping concealer and foundation on longer. You should always keep a pressed or loose powder with you, whether it is in your purse, car, or office desk. You can touch up your face with powder during the day or while you’re enjoying the night life.

Apply Blush and Lipstick

Before you place the powder on your face, apply blush. For best results, use a mirror and smile. When you smile, you can see exactly where to apply the blush, on your “apples.” These are the upper parts of your cheeks. Place the blush on a brush and dust off any excess blush. Then, lightly brush the blush on your “apples.”

You should moisturize your lips, so you can apply the lipstick smoothly. Apply lip liner to your lips. The liner serves as a guide, so you will know what boundaries not to cross when putting on your lipstick. Now, you are ready to apply the lipstick to your lips. A neat trick is to run your finger across the center of your lips to get rid of excess lipstick that may get on your teeth.

Apply Eye Makeup

Eye makeup should be applied last because you will naturally use less makeup for your eyes. You can apply either a pencil or shadow to your eyebrows. For a more natural look, apply eyebrow shadow with a slanted, hard brush.

For eye shadow application, choose three shades of color. You need a light, medium, and dark color to add more definition to your eyes. Place the light shadow under your eyebrows. Then, place the medium shadow in the crease of your eyelids, and line your upper eyelids with the dark shadow. Next, line the upper and bottom eyelids with eye liner. I highly recommend Bare Escentuals Get Started Eyes – it’s high quality mineral makeup, and the set comes with brushes and some fun shades.

Finally, apply a volumizing mascara to your upper and lower eyelashes. These easy steps should get you on your way to applying makeup successfully. Click here for more crossdressing makeup tips.


Don’t Wait! Find more great crossdressing tips in the Ultimate Crossdressing Guide!

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Are You Trying To Crossdress With A Beard?

A Word From Our Sponsor: If you think a beard does not help you look your best, laser hair removal is a great option for permanent hair reduction.


Let’s face it, men are hairy creatures. We’ve got hair on our faces, our arms, our legs. Hair can grow on our back, our hands and out our ears. EWWW! We’re not naturally made to have soft, smooth skin like the women we attempt to emulate. Yet with all our passion we try – enduring blades, hot wax and jolts of electric current in the name of feminine beauty. Because we know:

Crossdressing With A Beard Is Pretty Hard

I think shaving is the bane of the crossdressers existence and I used to hate shaving with a passion. A close shave would leave my skin sensitive, and sometimes cause break outs. If I was in a hurry and needed to put on makeup soon after I had shaved my skin would feel puffy, and sometimes burn. Needless to say that I was eager to find a solution to my crossdressing hair removal woes.

Options for Crossdresser Hair Removal

Shaving: Since our teenage years most of us have been shaving. It’s the quickest, easiest and cheapest way to get rid of unwanted hair. Yet the more you do it, the more you need to keep doing it – your hair grows back thicker and faster with every shave. For some crossdressers a close shave may only last until the afternoon, and there are few things that will give you away more readily than a five o’clock shadow.

Depilatory Creams: I’ve found that these work wonders for arms and legs, but don’t go near the face with them! I made that mistake once, and boy do I regret it. I had a nice bright red patch that glowed with pain to remind me of my foolish endeavor. If you decide to use Nair, or another of the depilatory creams on your body, try it on a small part of your inner arm first. Some people have a reaction even if it is used on their body. Depilatory creams will keep you smoother for longer, but won’t work on your face and beard.

Waxing: OUCH! You’re braver than I am if you get your body waxed. I would also be wary of waxing your face, as I can see how it will go wrong and leave unsightly scars. I get my eyebrows waxed every month or so, but can’t say I recommend waxing as a good hair removal technique for crossdressers. It’s expensive, painful and needs to be repeated on a regular basis. On the plus side you’re smoother for longer than shaving, and hair will gradually thin out after repeated waxing sessions.

Laser Hair Removal: If you’re willing to live without body hair on a more permanent basis I highly recommend laser hair removal. I’ve had it done myself – it’s painful while you’re undergoing treatment, but I find that I hardly ever need to shave anymore. The downsides are that it can be quite expensive (watch out for places that have prices that seem too good to be true – you want a qualified cosmetologist or esthetician to administer the laser hair removal), and works best if you have dark hair and lighter skin. I can get away with mineral makeup these days (which looks natural, but also feels better than any other makeup I’ve tried).

Electrolysis: This is the gold standard of hair removal. If your serious about being smooth and sexy when crossdressed and willing to go through many painful sessions this is THE way to go. As with laser you want to find someone who is experienced and qualified, as scarring can occur if done incorrectly. The biggest difference between laser hair removal and electrolysis is speed, pain and permanance. Laser is faster and less painful as a larger area is treated at one time, but is only semi-permanent – some hairs may grow back over time. Electrolysis is slower as each individual hair is treated, but once the hair is gone, it’s gone!

So there you have it – you don’t need to go crossdressing with a beard!


P.S. If it’s your breasts, not your beard that needs some feminization – learn how to grow male breasts naturally!

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