Based on looking at the website, smashbox.co.uk is no longer trading in the UK & Ireland. This means you cannot place new orders, purchase gift cards, or shop for products directly from their site. While they are still assisting with existing orders, gift cards, and refunds for purchases made before 29th September 2022, the website primarily serves as an informational portal regarding their closure. For those seeking cosmetics, this platform is no longer a viable option.
Overall Review Summary:
- Status: Closed for new orders in the UK & Ireland.
- Functionality: Limited to customer support for past orders, gift cards, and refunds.
- Ethical Standing (Cosmetics Niche): While the ethical standing of cosmetics can be complex, involving ingredients, animal testing, and labour practices, the direct issue with smashbox.co.uk is its closure. The broader industry often faces scrutiny regarding its ethical alignment with Islamic principles, particularly concerning animal derivatives (e.g., carmine, gelatin), alcohol in formulations, and any testing methods that cause undue harm.
- Recommendation: Not recommended for new purchases due to cessation of operations. For existing customers, contact their Consumer Care for support.
The website clearly states, “Smashbox is no longer trading in the UK & Ireland. While we’re unable to accept new orders, we’re still here to help with existing orders, gift cards and refunds.” This direct communication leaves no ambiguity regarding its current operational status. The focus is entirely on managing the wind-down process rather than facilitating new sales. For anyone looking to acquire cosmetic products, smashbox.co.uk is not a platform to consider. This situation underscores the importance of verifying a website’s active status before committing time or effort to explore its offerings.
Best Alternatives List (Ethical Cosmetic and Skincare Products):
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- Key Features: Organic, natural, cruelty-free skincare and cosmetics. Wide range of products including makeup, sun care, and hair care. Emphasis on sustainable and ethical sourcing.
- Average Price: £15-£40 per product.
- Pros: Certified organic, strong ethical stance, suitable for sensitive skin, effective formulations.
- Cons: Higher price point than some conventional brands, limited colour range for makeup compared to larger brands.
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- Key Features: Certified organic, vegan, and cruelty-free makeup. Known for high-performance natural ingredients and a diverse product range.
- Average Price: £20-£50 per product.
- Pros: Excellent product quality, ethical certifications, good for sensitive skin, luxurious feel.
- Cons: Premium pricing, availability might be limited in some physical stores.
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- Key Features: Handmade in the UK, vegan, cruelty-free, halal, and ethical beauty products. Offers skincare, body care, hair care, and makeup.
- Average Price: £10-£30 per product.
- Pros: Halal certified, supports charitable causes, wide range of products, natural ingredients.
- Cons: Smaller brand, so less mainstream recognition, product availability might fluctuate.
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- Key Features: Organic health and beauty brand focusing on natural and ethical sourcing. Offers skincare, bath & body, and aromatherapy products.
- Average Price: £18-£60 per product.
- Pros: Well-established, strong organic credentials, pleasant natural scents, good for well-being.
- Cons: More focused on skincare than extensive colour cosmetics, can be expensive.
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- Key Features: Certified organic, cruelty-free, and vegan skincare and makeup. Specialises in products for sensitive and allergy-prone skin.
- Average Price: £12-£45 per product.
- Pros: Highly suitable for sensitive skin, strong organic certifications, transparent ingredient lists.
- Cons: Limited makeup range, primarily a skincare brand.
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- Key Features: Utilises natural ingredients from Siberia, including wild-harvested herbs. Known for organic extracts and natural certifications. Offers skincare, hair care, and body care.
- Average Price: £8-£25 per product.
- Pros: Affordable for natural products, unique ingredients, widely available.
- Cons: Some products may contain fragrance which can be an allergen for some, not all products are fully vegan.
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- Key Features: Focuses on “clean” ingredients, free from potentially harsh chemicals. Offers effective skincare solutions, cruelty-free.
- Average Price: £20-£60 per product.
- Pros: Highly effective formulas, pleasant textures, widely available, strong environmental commitments.
- Cons: Not fully organic, some products may contain essential oils which could irritate very sensitive skin.
Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.
IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.
Smashbox.co.uk Review & First Look
Based on a thorough review of smashbox.co.uk, the immediate and most striking piece of information is that the brand is no longer trading in the UK & Ireland. This isn’t a temporary closure or a rebrand; it’s a permanent cessation of operations in these regions for new orders. The website itself acts as a clear and concise public announcement of this fact, rather than a functional e-commerce platform. For consumers attempting to purchase cosmetics, this site is effectively defunct. The main page prominently displays a message of gratitude to customers and explains that while new orders cannot be placed, they are still managing existing orders, gift cards, and refunds for purchases made prior to 29th September 2022. This specific date is crucial as it marks the cutoff for new transactions.
The website’s design is clean and professional, focusing solely on conveying the closure information. There are direct links to FAQs and contact details for consumer care. They even provide recommendations for alternative brands like M·A·C Cosmetics and Too Faced, suggesting a responsible approach to customer transition despite the difficult decision to close. This transparency, while unfortunate for brand loyalists, is commendable in clearly setting customer expectations.
Operational Status and Consumer Impact
The core impact of this website is its non-operational status for new sales. This means any user navigating to smashbox.co.uk with the intent to purchase cosmetics will be met with a clear message that prevents any new transactions. The brand’s statement, “Smashbox Cosmetics is no longer accepting new orders in the UK & Ireland,” leaves no room for misinterpretation. This directly affects the ability of customers to access products they might have previously relied upon. For those with existing orders or gift cards, the provision of a dedicated Consumer Care helpline (0800 074 6905) and an FAQ section demonstrates a commitment to winding down operations responsibly. Data from typical e-commerce site closures often shows a period of confusion and frustration among customers if communication is poor; Smashbox appears to have mitigated this by being direct and providing clear channels for support.
Website Content and Information Accuracy
The content on smashbox.co.uk is entirely geared towards managing the closure. It’s concise and addresses key questions directly in its FAQ section, such as:
- When is the brand closing? Stating new orders are no longer accepted.
- Why is the brand closing? Citing “an accumulation of challenges.”
- What happens if I need to return an order? Assuring returns for orders placed before 29th September 2022 will be processed.
- Can I still buy a gift card? Confirming gift cards can no longer be purchased, but existing balances are honoured until 29th September 2022.
This information is presented clearly and consistently. There is no misleading or deceptive content that might trick users into thinking the site is still active for purchases. The focus is entirely on transparency and support for past transactions. The website’s accuracy in conveying its closure status is critical for managing customer expectations and avoiding frustration.
Smashbox.co.uk Pros & Cons
Given that smashbox.co.uk is no longer trading, a traditional pros and cons analysis in terms of a functioning e-commerce site isn’t applicable. Instead, we’ll focus on the implications of its current state and how this closure affects users and the broader cosmetics market. The “pros” are limited to the clear communication regarding the cessation of services, while the “cons” highlight the significant drawbacks for consumers.
Limited Utility for New Purchases
The primary disadvantage of smashbox.co.uk is its complete lack of utility for new purchases. For anyone seeking to buy cosmetics, this website cannot fulfil that need. This is a critical point for consumers who might stumble upon the site via search engines (e.g., searching for “smashbox co uk”) and expect an active retail experience. The direct message on the homepage, while informative, instantly halts any purchasing intent. This leads to wasted time for consumers and potential redirecting to other brands, as suggested by Smashbox themselves.
After-Sales Support for Existing Customers
One notable “pro” is the continued provision of after-sales support. For customers who placed orders before 29th September 2022, smashbox.co.uk explicitly states: “Orders placed before 29th September 2022 will still be processed after this date and all returns will be processed as usual before and after this date.” This commitment to honouring prior transactions and facilitating returns and gift card queries (until the specified date, then via Consumer Care) is a positive aspect of their winding-down process. Providing a dedicated phone number (0800 074 6905) for Consumer Care shows a responsible approach to customer service during a difficult transition. This aspect helps mitigate potential customer dissatisfaction that could arise from an abrupt and unsupported closure.
Recommendations for Alternative Brands
Another “pro” related to their communication is the explicit recommendation of alternative brands. The website directs users to “SHOP M·A·C COSMETICS” and “SHOP TOO FACED.” While this might seem counter-intuitive for a brand, it’s a practical measure to guide their loyal customer base towards other options within the broader cosmetics industry. This act of recommending competitors, particularly for cosmetic products which often contain ingredients or are produced through methods that might raise ethical questions (e.g., animal testing, certain animal-derived ingredients), places the onus on the consumer to verify the ethical standing of these recommended alternatives. From an ethical standpoint, it is always advisable for consumers to research the practices and ingredient lists of any cosmetic brand to ensure alignment with their personal values and principles.
Smashbox.co.uk Alternatives
Since smashbox.co.uk is no longer operational for new purchases in the UK & Ireland, exploring alternatives is not just a suggestion but a necessity for anyone seeking cosmetic products. The alternatives should not only fill the void left by Smashbox but also, where possible, align with broader ethical considerations that are increasingly important to consumers. This section focuses on providing a diverse range of reputable cosmetic and skincare brands that are currently active in the UK market. Rocksrus.co.uk Review
Ethical Considerations in Cosmetics
When choosing cosmetic alternatives, it’s crucial to consider various ethical aspects, particularly from an Islamic perspective. Key points include:
- Ingredients: Avoiding animal-derived ingredients that are not halal (e.g., pork derivatives, certain alcohols, carmine if not ethically sourced). Many consumers also prefer vegan options.
- Animal Testing: Brands that are certified cruelty-free are often preferred, as causing unnecessary harm to animals is discouraged.
- Transparency: Brands that are transparent about their sourcing, manufacturing, and ingredient lists are generally more trustworthy.
- Sustainability: Brands that focus on eco-friendly packaging and sustainable practices are becoming more appealing.
These considerations can guide consumers in making informed choices that align with their ethical frameworks, beyond just product efficacy.
Notable Active Cosmetic Brands in the UK
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- Focus: High-quality, active ingredients at affordable prices.
- Key Features: Known for its minimalist approach to skincare, highlighting specific ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, and Retinoids. They are cruelty-free and many products are vegan.
- Target Audience: Consumers seeking effective, no-frills skincare solutions without a hefty price tag.
- Ethical Stance: Generally considered ethical due to their cruelty-free status and transparent ingredient lists. It’s advisable to check individual product ingredients for specific dietary or ethical requirements.
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- Focus: Skincare-infused makeup and effective skincare solutions.
- Key Features: Famous for their Glow Tonic, Pixi offers a range of products designed to enhance natural beauty and improve skin health. They are cruelty-free.
- Target Audience: Those looking for radiant skin and makeup that offers skincare benefits.
- Ethical Stance: Cruelty-free. Consumers should review specific product ingredients for their personal ethical considerations.
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- Focus: Inclusivity and diverse shade ranges in makeup.
- Key Features: Launched by Rihanna, Fenty Beauty made headlines for its extensive foundation shade range (50+ shades), promoting inclusivity in the beauty industry. They are cruelty-free.
- Target Audience: Anyone seeking a wide variety of shades for different skin tones and high-performance makeup products.
- Ethical Stance: Cruelty-free. Given their global reach, it’s always good practice to check if their ingredients align with specific personal beliefs.
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- Focus: Luxurious, high-performance makeup and skincare.
- Key Features: Known for iconic products like Pillow Talk lipstick and Magic Cream. Offers a blend of glamorous makeup and effective skincare. They are cruelty-free.
- Target Audience: Consumers seeking premium, high-end beauty products with a focus on celebrity-inspired glamour.
- Ethical Stance: Cruelty-free. As a luxury brand, it’s important to scrutinise ingredient lists for personal ethical standards.
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- Focus: Clean beauty, blending makeup with skincare.
- Key Features: Emphasises natural and organic ingredients, sustainable practices, and skin-loving formulas. Products are known for their modern aesthetic and performance. Many products are vegan.
- Target Audience: Eco-conscious consumers who prioritise clean ingredients and sustainable beauty.
- Ethical Stance: Strong emphasis on clean ingredients, sustainability, and cruelty-free practices. Generally aligns well with ethical consumption.
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- Focus: Certified organic and natural luxury makeup with refillable packaging.
- Key Features: Known for its iconic, sustainable, and beautiful metal compacts that are designed to be refilled. Products are certified organic or natural.
- Target Audience: Those seeking luxury, sustainable, and certified organic makeup.
- Ethical Stance: Very high ethical standards due to organic certifications, sustainable packaging, and cruelty-free status. A strong choice for ethically minded consumers.
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Saie Hamiltonstuition.co.uk Review
- Focus: Clean, effective, and ethically sourced beauty products.
- Key Features: Saie offers makeup and skincare products that are formulated with clean ingredients, focusing on radiance and natural enhancement. They are cruelty-free and many products are vegan.
- Target Audience: Consumers interested in clean beauty and a minimalist approach to makeup that still delivers performance.
- Ethical Stance: Emphasises clean ingredients, sustainability, and transparency. A good option for those prioritising ethical consumption in cosmetics.
How to Handle Smashbox.co.uk Related Queries
Given the closure of smashbox.co.uk for new orders, the nature of queries related to the website has shifted dramatically. Instead of questions about product features, shipping, or new releases, the focus is now entirely on managing past transactions and understanding the brand’s exit from the UK and Irish markets. Consumers who encounter the website now are primarily seeking clarity on existing orders, gift cards, and refunds, or information about why the brand closed and where to find alternatives.
Addressing Existing Orders and Returns
For any customer who placed an order before 29th September 2022, smashbox.co.uk assures that these orders will still be processed. This is a critical piece of information. Similarly, returns for orders placed prior to this date will also be handled as usual. The website explicitly states: “Orders placed before 29th September 2022 will still be processed after this date and all returns will be processed as usual before and after this date.” This commitment provides a clear pathway for customers to resolve any issues related to past purchases. The most direct method for customers to get assistance with these matters is by contacting the dedicated Consumer Care helpline at 0800 074 6905. This centralises support and avoids confusion that might arise from multiple contact points or outdated information.
Managing Gift Card Balances
Gift cards are another significant area of concern during a brand’s closure. Smashbox.co.uk clearly communicates that new gift cards can no longer be purchased. However, existing gift card balances will be honoured until 29th September 2022. After this specific date, any queries regarding gift cards should also be directed to Consumer Care via the aforementioned phone number. This phased approach to gift card validity is important for consumers to note, as it provides a limited window for redemption before requiring direct contact for resolution. This detailed guidance helps prevent financial loss for customers holding valid gift cards.
Understanding the Closure and Future Availability
Many consumers will naturally be curious about the reasons behind the brand’s closure and whether Smashbox products will be available through other retailers. The website addresses this directly: “An accumulation of challenges has sadly led to the incredibly difficult decision to cease trading Smashbox in the UK & Ireland.” While this doesn’t provide specific business details, it acknowledges a broader set of difficulties. Furthermore, regarding future availability, the site states, “Smashbox Cosmetics is sadly no longer trading in the UK & Ireland. This is true for our smashbox.co.uk site and retail partner sites.” This confirms that the brand will not be sold through other UK or Irish retailers, providing a definitive answer to a common question. This clarity helps set expectations and encourages customers to seek alternative brands rather than waiting for Smashbox to reappear elsewhere.
Smashbox.co.uk Pricing
Discussing the pricing of smashbox.co.uk is no longer relevant in terms of active product sales. Since the brand has ceased trading in the UK and Ireland for new orders, there are no current prices to review, no shopping cart functionalities to explore, and no new promotions to analyse. The website exists purely to convey information regarding the brand’s closure and to guide customers with existing queries. Therefore, this section will focus on the implications of a closed e-commerce platform on pricing strategies and the general shift in consumer behaviour when a known brand exits a market.
Absence of Current Pricing Structures
The most significant point regarding pricing on smashbox.co.uk is the absence of any active pricing structure. There are no product listings, no add-to-basket options, and no checkout process. This directly reflects the site’s non-operational status for sales. Consumers who navigate to the site will not find any price tags or promotional offers because the primary function of selling has been discontinued. This creates a clear barrier to any transactional intent and funnels users towards informational queries or alternative brands. From a user experience perspective, this is a clear indication that the site is not for shopping.
Impact of Brand Closure on Product Valuation
When a brand ceases operations in a specific market, the “value” or “pricing” of its products changes dramatically. For Smashbox products, this means they are no longer readily available at a set retail price in the UK or Ireland. Any existing stock, if found through other retailers (e.g., third-party sellers on marketplaces), might be subject to fluctuating prices – either heavily discounted to clear stock or potentially inflated by resellers seeking to capitalise on scarcity. This unpredictable pricing environment is a direct consequence of the brand’s withdrawal and highlights the ephemeral nature of product availability and fixed pricing in dynamic markets. Data from past market exits often shows a brief period of deep discounts followed by a complete disappearance of official stock.
Shift in Consumer Spending and Budgeting
For loyal Smashbox customers, the closure means they must now re-evaluate their cosmetic spending and budgeting. They can no longer factor Smashbox products into their regular beauty purchases. This forces a shift towards alternative brands, where new pricing structures, product sizes, and promotional cycles will dictate their future spending. Consumers might find that their budget for a comparable product from an alternative brand is either higher or lower, depending on the chosen replacement. This necessity to switch brands also presents an opportunity for consumers to explore ethically aligned options that might better suit their values, even if they come with a different price point. This decision-making process becomes an essential part of adapting to the market change.
Smashbox.co.uk vs. Competitors (Historical Context)
While smashbox.co.uk is no longer a direct competitor in the UK and Irish markets, it’s valuable to understand its historical position relative to other cosmetic brands. Smashbox carved out a niche primarily known for its primers, foundations, and professional-grade makeup, often favoured by artists and consumers seeking high-performance products. Its closure marks a significant shift in the beauty landscape, leaving a gap that other brands are now poised to fill. When comparing it (in a historical context) to its former competitors, we can examine factors such as product focus, market positioning, and brand messaging.
Product Focus and Market Niche
Historically, Smashbox positioned itself as a brand rooted in the professional studio environment, particularly known for its Photo Finish Primers which were revolutionary in creating a smooth base for makeup. This focus on high-performance, photo-ready makeup differentiated it from many competitors that might have focused more on skincare-infused makeup or natural formulations. Competitors like M·A·C Cosmetics, which Smashbox now recommends, also have a strong professional background and a wide range of colour cosmetics. However, M·A·C often emphasised bold colours and artistic expression, while Smashbox leaned into the idea of flawless complexion and longevity. Owleducation.co.uk Review
Other brands, such as NARS Cosmetics, also competed in the high-end makeup segment, known for their cult-favourite foundations and blushers. NARS often presented a more avant-garde and fashion-forward image, appealing to a slightly different demographic than Smashbox’s more technically focused approach. The departure of Smashbox frees up market share in the “studio-grade” or “professional makeup” category, allowing other brands to strengthen their hold in this segment.
Marketing and Brand Messaging
Smashbox’s marketing often played on its heritage from the Smashbox Studios in Los Angeles, implying a connection to professional artistry and celebrity culture. This messaging aimed to convey that their products were designed for demanding environments, like photo shoots. In contrast, many competitors employed diverse marketing strategies:
- Maybelline and L’Oréal (though different price points) focused on mass-market appeal, celebrity endorsements, and accessibility in drugstores. Their messaging often highlighted ease of use and everyday glamour.
- Clinique focused heavily on dermatologist-tested, allergy-tested, and fragrance-free formulations, appealing to consumers with sensitive skin or those seeking a more scientific approach to beauty.
- More recent competitors in the “clean beauty” space, like ILIA Beauty or Kjaer Weis, emphasise natural ingredients, sustainability, and ethical sourcing, catering to a growing segment of environmentally and ethically conscious consumers.
Smashbox’s closure highlights the intense competition and evolving consumer preferences in the cosmetics industry. Brands that can adapt to changing demands for ingredient transparency, ethical practices, and diverse product ranges are the ones likely to thrive. The comparison serves as a reminder that even established brands can face significant challenges in maintaining market relevance.
FAQ
What is Smashbox.co.uk’s current operational status?
Smashbox.co.uk is no longer trading in the UK & Ireland, meaning it is not accepting new orders or purchases.
Can I still buy products from Smashbox.co.uk?
No, you cannot buy new products from smashbox.co.uk as the brand has ceased trading in the UK & Ireland for new orders.
Why did Smashbox.co.uk close its operations in the UK?
Smashbox.co.uk stated that its closure in the UK & Ireland was due to “an accumulation of challenges.”
What happens if I have an existing order from Smashbox.co.uk?
Orders placed before 29th September 2022 will still be processed, and returns will be handled as usual.
How can I contact Smashbox Consumer Care for existing orders or refunds?
You can contact Smashbox Consumer Care at 0800 074 6905 for any questions regarding existing orders, gift cards, or refunds.
Are gift cards still valid on Smashbox.co.uk?
New gift cards can no longer be purchased. Existing gift card balances were honoured until 29th September 2022, and queries after this date should be directed to Consumer Care.
Will Smashbox products still be sold by other retailers in the UK?
No, Smashbox Cosmetics is no longer trading in the UK & Ireland, which applies to their website and all retail partner sites. Aquaticdesign.co.uk Review
Where can I find alternative products similar to Smashbox?
Smashbox.co.uk recommends M·A·C Cosmetics and Too Faced as alternatives. Other ethical alternatives include Green People, Inika Organic, and PHB Ethical Beauty.
Is Smashbox.co.uk’s closure permanent for the UK and Ireland?
Yes, the brand has permanently ceased trading and accepting new orders in the UK & Ireland.
Does Smashbox.co.uk provide information on product ingredients?
While the website is no longer for purchasing, historical product information would have included ingredients. For ethical considerations, consumers should always research ingredients of any cosmetic product.
Can I still access my old Smashbox.co.uk account?
The website’s primary function is now informational. While you might be able to log in for order history if the account system is still partially active, new purchases are not possible.
What is the specific date for the cessation of new orders?
Smashbox Cosmetics ceased accepting new orders in the UK & Ireland on 29th September 2022.
Are there any ethical concerns regarding Smashbox products historically?
Like many mainstream cosmetic brands, historical ethical concerns might relate to animal testing or specific animal-derived ingredients. Consumers should always research individual brand practices.
How does Smashbox.co.uk’s closure affect its global operations?
The website specifies closure in the UK & Ireland, implying operations may continue in other regions. Consumers outside these areas should check their local Smashbox websites.
What should I do if my gift card balance was not honoured before the cut-off date?
You should contact Smashbox Consumer Care at 0800 074 6905 to inquire about your gift card balance.
Is the phone number for Consumer Care free to call?
Yes, 0800 numbers are free to call from landlines and mobile phones in the UK.
Did Smashbox.co.uk offer a loyalty program?
Information regarding loyalty programs is no longer relevant on the active website due to its closure for new business. Any previous loyalty points would likely be defunct. Colingrayfencing.co.uk Review
What is the typical timeframe for processing returns mentioned on the website?
The website states that returns will be processed “as usual,” which typically implies standard industry return processing times after the item is received.
Are there any upcoming sales or clearance events on Smashbox.co.uk?
No, there are no upcoming sales or clearance events as the website is no longer accepting new orders.
Can I get recommendations for replacement products from Smashbox’s experts?
Yes, the website states, “If you have any questions about an order or would like to get our experts’ recommendations of replacements for your favourite products, please contact Consumer Care at 0800 074 6905.”
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