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Navigating the Seasons: Transitioning Your Skin from Summer to Winter

Navigating the Seasons: Transitioning Your Skin from Summer to Winter

As the leaves change their colours and the temperatures drop, our skin undergoes a transition of its own … and it’s not necessarily the most comfortable transition. Moving from the warm days of summer to the chilly days of winter can play havoc on the skin. This often results in a dry, tight and flaky complexion throughout the colder months. 


One of the main reasons our skin tends to become dry and uncomfortable during this time is because of the drop in humidity. In contrast to the summer months when the air is laden with moisture, winter is essentially stripped of it. Winter also brings in harsh winds and a biting frost. These extreme temperature fluctuations add stress to the skin and cause its moisture to evaporate much more quickly than it would in the summertime. Not only do we then experience a dry and tight complexion, but many of us can also suffer from oily skin and blackhead breakouts - this is our skin trying to compensate for the natural oils lost, and so it begins producing even more oil, also known as excess sebum production. 


Unfortunately, indoor heating systems only make this worse. When we move from the dry and cold temperatures outside to the heat indoors, skin becomes even drier. While essential for staying warm, central heating systems reduce the humidity inside the home, creating an environment that saps even more moisture from the skin. Just as it continues to strip the skin of its moisture, excess sebum production continues. After just one day with these changing temperatures, the skin is left dry, parched and in desperate need of extra care. 


Considered cleansing in winter is one of the most important things you can do to take care of your skin. We want to help avoid excess sebum production, dry and flaky skin, redness and irritation, all of which are associated with colder temperatures.


When choosing your cleanser, be sure to avoid harsh, foaming agents that can be too drying - don’t be fooled by the marketing! Instead, opt for a creamy or oil-based cleanser to effectively remove impurities without compromising your skin's moisture barrier. Naturally, we would recommend Ilody’s Rasa Dream Cleansing Oil - not that we’re biased or anything…


Rasa Dream Cleansing Oil has been designed to deeply hydrate while reawakening the skin and senses. Two years in the making, this delicate formula harnesses clean, non-toxic ingredients to nurture and nourish the complexion.


The cleansing oil itself introduces the hero ingredients of Amla and Moringa. Packed with antibacterial properties, Moringa works to reduce inflammation while hydrating the skin and preventing future breakouts, while Amla extract softens and brightens the skin to leave a clear complexion and enhanced natural radiance.



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Introducing Our (not-so-secret) Ayurvedic Powerhouse Complex

Introducing Our (not-so-secret) Ayurvedic Powerhouse Complex

Our gorgeous new RASA DREAM CLEANSING OIL has been a long time coming. That’s right, nearly two years in the making.

Rasa Dream was created to put an end to the sticky and expensive oil cleansers we find in today’s marketplace, and that we all feel we HAVE to try. Whether we’ve seen it advertised on social media or the latest celebrity swears by it. Most of the ingredients, we can’t even pronounce! Our founder, Deepika, has made it her mission to source only the finest ingredients, so that ilody and you, can reap the skin benefitting rewards of radiant, glowing skin.  

As Ilody’s latest addition, Rasa Dream has been formulated with transparency, integrity and of course, with every skin type in mind. From clear or combination, to oily and acne prone. Each carefully curated ingredient comes together in our beautiful blend to create a (not-so) secret ayurvedic weapon. Together, they allow for our rejuvenating and calming cleanser to be as effective as it is gorgeous - even its sweet scent of clove bud, Himalayan cedarwood, geranium and mandarin have been chosen to gently awaken your senses in the morning - it’s this level of detail that makes Rasa Dream one of a kind.  

While most beauty companies like to keep their trademark formula a secret, at ilody, we’re open and honest, sharing everything we possibly can…

The foundation of Rasa Dream starts with the formulating of natural oils. These work to penetrate the skin so the complexion is purified and hydrated from within, and not just on the surface of the skin. Rasa Dream uses sunflower, safflower, moringa oils and rice bran, all of which are packed full of rich nutrients and vitamins. Sunflower is especially known for its emollient properties and for adding an extra layer of moisture -  exactly what we’ll need this winter to prevent those cold skin dry-outs. Moringa oil then acts as a barrier to lock this moisture in, giving a healthy, youthful glow. 


At the heart of Rasa Dream lies our Ayurvedic complex that is a signature blend of calming and brightening botanicals, curated to bring radiance, clarity and support to our complexions… 

Turmeric is a powerhouse! It helps brighten the skin and the appearance of uneven skin tone. It also has fantastic anti-inflammatory properties to reduce inflammation and speed up the skin’s ability to heal.  

Licorice is known as a natural tyrosinase inhibitor, meaning that it helps to reduce hyperpigmentation caused by environmental aggressors. Think sun damage, UV, irritation and redness. A plant native to Western Asia and Southern Europe, licorice has nearly 300 compounds that have antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s a trusted game changer. 

Tulsi contains high levels of vitamin C and is a potent antioxidant. It eliminates germs that can lead to breakouts and acne, and like no other, can unclog pores for a clear, radiant complexion. It also helps restore moisture, leaving that feeling of soft, comfortable skin.

Punarnava literally means ‘that which renews’ and so is well known for its rejuvenating powers. It brings to the table balancing properties which help to alleviate inflammation, swelling and stressed skin … an ingredient we all wish we could carry around in our back pocket!

Last but certainly not least is Manjistha, also known as Indian madder root powder. This herb is renowned for its brightening effect on the skin, working to reduce dark spots and even dark circles around the eyes. It’s known for stimulating the lymphatic system, which is why this powerful herb beautifully complements our beauty rituals. Massaging this into the skin reduces fatigue and exhaustion - ideal as part of both your morning and evening beauty ritual. 

Head over to our Instagram to watch our beauty ritual in action.

 



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in conversation with Christina Gliha

in conversation with Christina Gliha

“I find how some people self-designate with strict titles about how and what they are to be very limiting. Learning new things keeps you humble and open to connecting and passion stacking.” 

- Christina Gliha 

"When I was planning the launch for Ilody's Kansa Wand, I wanted to explore another way to visualise it. I didn’t want to go down the photography route. I wanted something more personal, something different. I’ve always loved the tactile nature of illustration, and truth be told, the art is having a wonderful moment right now. 

Illustration makes me think of textiles which I’ve always had a love for - whether it be traditional embroideries in sari’s or the rich embroideries that I’ve been lucky enough to see while working with fashion designer, Alexander McQueen.

I began researching another way to convey the beauty of our Kansa Wand and came across Christina’s work on social media -  take a look at her incredible designs @christinaglihaillustration. I reached out to her to see if she wanted to collaborate, to which she said yes. 

Then, the magic happened. 

Join Christina and I, as we sit down for a deep conversation, discussing her life as an artist, what inspires her and how she likes to work. I hope you enjoy. 


Deepika x

How do you start your creative process?
Christina: It always depends on the type of project. For a client project, everything starts with interviewing them, understanding their vision, putting together a creative brief and of course doing lots and lots of research! I read everything I can about the brand, their industry and competition, and I look at a lot of reference imagery, film and books. I also look “out-of-category” to help see where there are new opportunities to innovate and differentiate. If the client makes a specific product or service, for example, a new lipstick, I use it myself for a while to understand it more fully.

When it’s personal work, I may just see something and be instantly inspired and want to interpret it, but usually I have a huge reference archive I look through. This is where I combine elements that I think work well together. I am also very inspired by my childhood, pop culture, fashion, food and my travels and I take an obscene amount of photos to draw upon!

Illustration is having a moment in recent times within fashion and beauty, why do you think that is?
Christina: Because our iPhones are now a virtual photo studio in your pocket! I would say the average person has a certain proficiency with taking pretty decent images, but our smartphones have now made the act of taking a relatively good photo seem more attainable and thereby, ubiquitous and possibly less special. 

With illustration, it’s a more rarified skill comparatively and as a medium, it can be more emotive and flexible. You don’t need a whole photo studio and team and set design built for a concept – an artist can draw anything – a destination, a crowd of people, another universe or surreal reality and there are no model contracts or studios to book or sets to build. It’s actually quite lovely. 

It’s also possible for a brand to stand out with an illustration style because it’s easier to create something unique. Lastly, I think illustration that feels handmade speaks to people on a different level. Some illustration work is so perfect that it almost feels solely computer generated which can leave people feeling cold. Imperfection helps people connect more to artwork because that is inherently human. I actually often go back to roughen up work because sometimes people mistake some of my more realistic work for photographs - which never elicits the same emotional response.

You’ve worked with many brands over the years as an art director, graphic designer, what drew you back to illustration?
My husband, Martin Bregman, has been working as an illustrator as well for over a decade and I had a front row seat to his great success. He has built a life for himself that is pretty incredible and to be honest, I was jealous of it, as working in advertising can be very challenging on so many levels. I wanted more joy for myself and I wanted to choose who I worked with. People have told me that they can literally see how much I love something in the way I render it and I think that authentic interest makes all the difference in how I feel and how good the work is. I have spent just as much time turning down work as taking it on because I don’t want to do anything that doesn’t light a spark within.

When you're not working on brand collaborations, what inspires you to illustrate? 
I made a commitment to myself that I would draw every day for a year during the beginning of the pandemic, and now it’s actually a compulsion. I actually feel like I must do it! I have come to realise that nothing makes me happier than creating on my own terms. I have had some destructive addictions to consumerism in the past that I have redirected into creating art and wow! What a game changer. I feel more awake, more myself and on the right path – it’s so inspiring. 

Are you influenced be any artists, photographers or writers? When I look at your work, especially the more painterly aspects, I’m reminded of Hockney. Does fine art play a part in your work?
Everything influences and inspires me, especially fine art and photography. I also come from a long line of painters, illustrators and sculptors, so it’s in the blood so-to-speak. I am very influenced by my family legacy. My father and step-mother were very encouraging of my artistic interests during my childhood, and they supported my desire to go to art school and pursue a creative life. This support and encouragement was invaluable.

Artists like Hockney and Maria Kalman are huge influences. When I look at their work I feel so optimistic. I want to make other people feel that way too, but you must always start with pleasing yourself instead of chasing trends. Once you start with asking “will so-and-so like this?”, you’re doomed! If you feel giddy looking at your own work after a couple days or weeks have passed since you made it, you know you’ve nailed it. Sometimes I look at my own pieces and think, “did I really make this? How?!”. Sometimes, I am sincerely surprised by the final results. This magic happens when it comes from inside, not anywhere else. Obviously, sometimes the conclusion is that the work is utter rubbish, and that’s perfectly ok too.


Your style is very painterly. It’s loose with visible brushstrokes, how do you think this connects with people as opposed to seeing more photography when brands communicate their products?
Sometimes when images are too perfect, they wash over you. You reject them and sort them into the “not real” pile. When I was commissioning work as a Creative Director, I found I was always drawn to everything hand-drawn to balance out how corporate and aloof some brands can be. The act of pairing art with commercial messaging can be a very interesting juxtaposition. Some may feel it’s crass or cheapens the art, but I think all creative endeavours deserve respect if they are built from a good place. I love good advertising and consider it an art form like anything else when it’s done with skill and integrity. Some people balk at that idea but I ran an art gallery briefly in my youth and that world is just as commercial as anything else. How we divide and label things is more about how it suits our needs rather than what it really is. All pursuits can have merit if you approach them with the right ideals. 

Have you found social media to be a big factor in communicating your work and building new relationships with brands, creatives, art directors?
I only launched my illustration Instagram account recently and have been pretty blown away by the response given that so many people feel that platform has had its moment in the sun. Social media has been amazing because big brands, designers and celebrities have reached out to me directly and vice versa and so there isn’t this barrier of handlers protecting you from having direct conversations with founders. I’ve been stunned by this aspect and to be honest, I love it. You can really cut through quickly and make great connections.

I’m also experimenting with TikTok now too, and I see the potential for community building in a big way given its unique tone of transparency. The platform encourages sharing and vulnerability in a very positive and real way, versus the perfect veneer of Instagram.

You illustrate so many things, from beauty to places. Do you have a favourite thing to draw?
I’m very curious about everything and am interested in a lot of different things. I love variety. I’m all about pushing myself to try new things, and I think this curiosity about everything really helps make my work and life interesting. I feel like I have ideas flowing from the top of my head like a fountain! I have never stayed in my lane professionally or otherwise, and this has typically challenged people, as they’re unsure as to how to categorize me. Regardless, I love it and will never stop exploring and growing. 

I find how some people self-designate with strict titles about how and what they are to be very limiting. Learning new things keeps you humble and open to connecting and passion stacking. I recently designed a store of the future for Lululemon and had never done a project of that scale before. Most people would say, how can I possibly figure this out if I haven’t done it already? I never think that I can’t do something - there is always a way - just sit down, do the research, surround yourself with the right people, be open and the ideas and solutions will come. Everything in life is creative problem solving. I always tell people that humans were not put on planet earth to just try a couple things - try everything! Why not? Our world is a playground. This curiosity translates to what I am inspired to draw - it’s really a record of what I am thinking about at any given movement and what I love.

When delivering a project do you have an ideal set up? 
I’m very process oriented because of my decades of agency experience where one has so little time to actually be creative. That acute pressure taught me to be incredibly flexible and focused and shut out all distractions no matter how chaotic the environment around me was. For that reason, I am not very precious about where I work - I can really work anywhere, and in any situation. I once designed an entire pitch in a car returning home from a cottage. To be clear, I was not the one driving! But, if I had to pick an ideal way to work, it’s late at night while watching movies – the split focus distracts me so that I can’t be anxious or get derailed by questioning if something is good enough yet.

Do you have any rituals that keep you grounded and balanced?
To be frank, the single best ritual (and investment) I have ever made for myself is to go to therapy regularly, do shadow work and remove all the drama from my life. I couldn’t recommend this more. 

In terms of other routines, I go for an hour's walk every day with my dog, no matter the weather. This time in nature is essential for happiness. I also call my best friend everyday, who is a creative genius and talk to them for at least an hour or more about our goals and dreams  – this really energises me. I also try to go to museums and new restaurants as often as possible and take two or three creative inspiration trips a year.

In terms of beauty and wellness products, I find the degree of choice overwhelming and so I really look to smaller founder-led brands that I trust to guide me. I read ingredient labels and truly care about the people behind brands - their stories and motivations. In terms of makeup, I love to play and try all the colours and trends because it’s fun and a creative form of self-expression. 

Lastly, I always stay out of the direct sun and wear 50+ sun block every day no matter what (I have since I was 25!). I drink mostly just water and eat intuitively - I don’t have strict rules around what I can and cannot have. I prioritize knowing where the food comes from, seasonality and flavour. I’m very lucky, because my husband does all of the shopping and cooking and is always making the most marvellous dishes for our family – eating well is everything to us. That said, I will just as easily indulge in a bag of Hawkins Cheesies too!



Visit Christina’s incredible work at christinagliha.com

 

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the conversation - Sofiia Manousha

the conversation - Sofiia Manousha

we sat down with Sofiia Manousha to find out more about her wellness rituals. 

Sofiia founded mybeautyfuel food as a way to share her recipes with her close friends after having health problems for a couple of years. she changed her diet and lifestyle moving towards plant-based foods and encompassing wellness in all it's forms into her every day rituals. she now features in French Vogue, works with brands such as Stella McCartney.

you have a very busy career, acting, directing and your wellness work with mybeautyfuel food, what rituals help you to de-stress and remain grounded?
my morning routine is everything for me, dry brush, cold shower, 20 mins of yoga and breath work. journalling helps me feel more calm and grounded, also my matcha latte ( made with homemade cashew milk) with adaptogens are a huge part of my wellness routine. also no screen, no phones until I reach the end of these rituals.

how did mybeautyfuel food come about?
after a couple of years of health issues, I created my beautyfuel food with my sister. at first it was to share recipes from my plant-based cooking with my close friends and then..... I think I've learnt that people need authenticity, I try to be honest and real in what we share.

What foods would you recommend to women to take for healthier skin, hair, general wellbeing?
I'm a huge fan of mushrooms; reishi, chaga, cordyceps, they help the body increase immunity and are good for skin and brain. also I believe in intuitive eating, my food is 90% plant-based, with good proteins like eggs and small amount of fish, I don't eat meat. a lot of nuts, cold pressed oils and also dark chocolate (I need my raw chocolate everyday) but my first recommendation is; good sleep, good hydration and be surrounded by love and joy.

your heritage is Moroccan, did you inherit any beauty rituals from your family?
my mother always takes care of her skin. I remember as a child she used to supplement with onagre (evening primrose) and bouracche (borage). also a lot of coloured foods like pomegranate, red pepper, juicy peaches. in Morocco we love the ritual of hammam, scrub, honey mask it's transformative.

how does your heritage play a part in your recipes?
everything, my food has to be generous, flavoursome and colourful. I love cooking for my friends and family, organising big dinners, family picnics. my food is about blending love with food. 

can you tell us about your evening routine?
at night I clean and massage my face. also I love sharing an herbal tea and some chocolate with my boyfriend, these moments are happiness.

what does healthy living mean to you?
listening to my body, no diets, no restrictions but a good understanding of what my body needs.

you can find recipes and more on mybeautyfuelfood.com

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Ingredient Focus; Licorice Root

Ingredient Focus; Licorice Root

Why we love this adaptogenic herb 

 
one of the many apatogenic herbs and plants used in ayurveda, we use licorice in our skincare formulas to reinforce and support the skin's resistance against stress aggressors that age the skin. the root helps to address the symptoms by helping to lower our bodies response by interfering with compounds as they are happening and prevent them from signalling overproduction which can have positive implications  for acne, wounds, hydration, inflammation and more.
 
helps to minimise the production of tryosinase, to combat and reduce discolouration, while liquirtitin helps to disperse excess melanin slowing down and reducing hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
 
licence is a potent antioxidant, decreasing reactive oxygen species 
which causes skin to discolour and age 
 
offers anti-inflammatory protection, containing the molecule licochalcone A, which inhibits two inflammatory markers.
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Founder Story - Why I Started ilody

Founder Story - Why I Started ilody
For as long as I can remember I've wanted to start a business, but I didn't know what form it would take, my career has taken me on a wonderful path and I've been privileged to work on some of the most iconic moments in fashion including fashion shows and advertising campaigns for Alexander McQueen, Bottega Veneta, Stella McCartney among others.
Through my teenage and art college years I wrestled with what it meant to be a South-Asian Indian born in Britain, I found many times it was a tale of two lives, my Indian heritage not merging with my British upbringing. 
as my career progressed the desire to bring the threads of my heritage and the experiences of working within the luxury fashion & beauty industry came to the forefront and the seeds of ilody were born.
with ilody I wanted to bring the richness of my heritage and elements of ayurveda to our customers. I started with the ingredients, they were an essential part of the brands ethos and meaning, coming from a point of authenticity of my own roots (not appropriation as larger brands have done for many years). alongside the wealth of ingredients, the experience and notion of ritual as routine was very much a part of how the products were constructed in their  texture and scent. I believe people now more than ever need to have rituals within their life. The products are designed to allow this moment of self reflection, calmness and being present.  
as the brand expands I'm excited to introduce new products later this year which will further enrich the ritual elements of your daily routines. 
3 rituals I always go back to;
1) spend time in nature, I have an allotment that I go with my family, my husband and 3 kids (my husband is also a beekeeper) it's been a constant in my life over the last 8 years and I find it's a moment of mindfulness when I'm there. The act of my hands in the soil and being more aware of my surroundings allow me to become present and gives me a sense of calm.
2) turmeric, probably my favourite spice of all, I love to have some in some freshly squeezed orange juice. vitamin c with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powerhouse of curcumin.
3) using our Kansa Wonder Wand, spending time massaging my face with our Kansa Wand helps me to wind down in the evening, calming my face while releasing tension and depuffing.
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Heritage Story - Eshita Kabra-Davies

Heritage Story - Eshita Kabra-Davies

meet Eshita, the fashion tech entrepreneur who is changing the mindset of a generation. after seeing first hand the textile wastage of fast fashion in her homeland of Rajasthan, she decided to change things and came up with By Rotation a peer-to-peer rental app. allowing both lenders and rotators to fulfil their fast fashion desires without contributing to environmental waste.

we spoke to Eshita about her rituals and what keeps her grounded.

what's your heritage?
i'm a Rajasthani girl that grew up in Singapore and then moved to the US and UK to study for my higher eduction.

can you tell us a family or inherited ritual or hack that you use today?
i love drinking, eating and applying turmeric to my face - it gives me a glow like no other ingredient.

what helps you to stay positive?
my cavapoo Saffron!

what have you changed in your life or discovered to improve your self-care?
i love to exercise - it's become quite a luxury for me lately due to lack of time, but yoga for me is the ultimate mood changer.

what's your am/ or pm routing?
i'm much more of night owl as it's the time I rarely get disturbed. I do however try to get my 6-8 hours of sleep, as with age I have really come to see the difference.

how do you wind down?
I love a comedy series to end my work day so it's got be either The Office, Curb Your Enthusiasm or It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia!

what stress remedy or wellness addition have you added into your routine?
I'm not a good sleeper, but I have found T2 sleep tea to be beneficial.

Three things you're into right now?
1) the ilody super serum rituals beauty kit, I use this everyday!
2) intermittent fasting (trying something new, although I might have unknowingly already had some days of this)
3) Bocan couture's negligee sets which I wear with my coat and heels!

shop now at by rotation

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active botanicals - seres serum

active botanicals - seres serum

seres serum packed with preventative ingredients to strengthen the skin.

What makes seres boosted collagen serum so special?
formulated to boost collagen in the complexion, as we age we lose collagen, elasticity and firmness. Seres blends clinically proven active ingredients with powerful botanicals that helps to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, nourish the barrier function helping skin to look healthier. 


3 Key ingredients to keep skin plump and firm

  • bakuchiol; from the Indian Babchi seed, this little seed has shown an ability to perform with similar results to retinol. Bakuchi helps to reduce fine lines, stimulates collagen production, increases firmness in your skin.
  • centella asiatica; used in Ayurveda for it's soothing abilities, the ancient leaf has been clinically proven to increase collagen type I and III helping to keep skin feeling plump, reducing sagging and lines.
  • Moringa and Safflower oils; nourishing superfood moringa, with over 90 nutrients, including antioxidants, vitamins A, B, C, D & E and help to retain moisture. Safflower helps to support the barrier function and is anti-inflammatory.

How to include seres in your routine
use seres morning and night after cleansing and before your facial oil or moisturiser or use as a lightweight emulsion moisturisers after layering luxmi hydrating serum for plump, glowing skin. 

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hydration duo

hydration duo

What is hyaluronic acid?
bouncy, plump skin is what we're all looking for. it is one of the main components of the extracellular matrix, like collagen it's one of the main factors supporting our cells. it helps to heal wounds, reduces inflammation, strengthens the barrier function and provides moisture in our skin which helps to keep our complexions looking young and healthy. from our late 40's our skin has half as much hyaluronic acid in their bodies adding to the effect of ageing in the complexion, with loss of elasticity and lack of firmness.

ancient tremella mushroom
rich in polysaccharides and vitamin d, this powershouse botanical has gelatinous texture which can hold 500 times it's own weight in water, as a humectant it draws in moisture to the skin, giving it that plump youthful look. used for centuries in eastern medicine it's a perfect match for hyaluronic acid to give the skin an extra dose of moisture.

Why our powerhouse duo works?
topical hyaluronic acid has immediate and long term effects on the skin and can hold upto 1000 times it's weight in water helping to show immediate results in the skin, keeping it plump and lifted. paired with tremella mushroom skin is given a plump dewy look, helps to reduce fine lines and improves elasticity. a must have for your everyday routine.

 

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Heritage Story - Amrit

Heritage Story - Amrit

punjabi-born indian model, sustainability advocate and artist is a rising star in the fashion world, with more Indian models appearing on the catwalks of major fashion houses and featured in the international magazines.

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