Tag Archives: Review

Two Ways to get Dazzling Summer Lips

23 May

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MACDazzleGlass1

Summer isn’t quite here yet… but ohmygah I am loving the weather right.  Sunny and in the mid 70′s, it’s absolute perfection.  I’ve been busy with makeup stuff, blogging and… saving my $$ for The Makeup Show in Chicago next month!  It will be my first one, I’m so excited!

With this gorgeous weather and all of the exciting things happening in my life right now, I’ve been in the mood for FUN lips.  Something flashy and that involves glitter.  Cue, the MAC Dazzleglass Lipglass in Bare Necessity and Funtabulous.

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I’m afraid pictures do not do these justice, it’s hard to pick up their true sparkleosity on camera.

Dazzleglass Lipglasses are a bit sticky (like the original Lipglasses) with MAC’s signature vanilla scent.  Bare Necessity is a warm apricot with red and gold micro-glitter.  It’s absolutely gorgeous on its own, it creates a warm muted lip with fine glitter particles.  This would flatter anyone with warmer, golden skin tones.  Funtabulous is fabulous (I’m sure you saw that one coming).  It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for anyone itching to try a new lip color I urge you to try this one.  It’s an orchid purple with violet and azure blue micro-glitter.  It doesn’t look great on my warm NC30 skin on its own, but I like to layer it over other colors to give it some new dimension.  The blue in it makes it really stand out! {but don’t worry, you won’t have smurf lips}

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Bare Necessity has a lot more red glitter & Funtabulous leans more violet/blue in person.

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So Fresh ‘N So Clean

20 May

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Fresh says: Soy Face Cleanser for all skin types is an extra-gentle, multitasking gel formula that instantly whisks away everyday impurities and makeup—even mascara—without stripping the skin of essential moisture. The soap-free, fragrance free formula is also perfect for sensitive skin, too.
Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream is a universal daily age-defy moisturizer proven to provide 24 hours of significant moisture. It is formulated with a proprietary Super 7 Complex specifically designed to minimize and prevent signs of aging, deliver intense hydration, and boost radiance. It is further enriched with maca root extract, noted for enhancing luminosity and cell turnover.

Soy Face Cleanser:  The cleanser does exactly what it says; it removes makeup and cleanses without leaving the skin feeling dehydrated.  It does a pretty decent job of removing eye makeup,  but my 3 coats of mascara gals and my false lash wearing sisters will probably need a separate eye makeup remover.  The product also has “amino acids, soy proteins promote moisture retention, elasticity, and firmness.”  It does help with moisture retention, my skin feels so soft after using.  However, I can’t really speak for its claim for elasticity and firmness.  I do know that I’ve been using this every day for 2 weeks (AM and PM) and my skin looks and feels great (no break outs, dry patches, etc).  This would be good for any skin type, any age.

Lotus Face Cream:  I was really surprised on how light this felt on this skin.  For some reason I had it in my head that my oily skin wouldn’t like this product, and I have to say I’m pleasantly surprised.  I’ve been using it every day for 2 weeks (AM and PM) and it’s kept my skin hydrated and balanced.  Fresh claims that the lotus has “high levels of polyphenols, the most powerful antioxidants known to defend against wrinkle-causing free radicals.”  Good to know, since the battle with wrinkles seems to be never-ending.  This doesn’t have SPF, so when using in the PM I always put some sort of SPF over it (usually a BB cream).  This would be good for any skin type, any age.

Overall
The Soy Face Cleanser is gentle and does a great job of removing makeup and impurities without stripping the skins moisture.  It does remove mascara to a point.  The Lotus Face Cream feels silky smooth on the skin without feeling heavy.  Bonus for all of its awesome ingredients (lotus flower and their Super 7 Complex).  These products are pretty universal, any skin type could use them.

Where: Sephora, Fresh, Amazon (Cleanser, Face Cream). Price:  $38/5.1 oz Cleanser, $42/1.7 oz Face Cream
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Real Techniques Duo Fiber Collection

7 May

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Real Techniques says: Create buildable color and add texture to look pixel perfect for any occasion and in any light with this first and only duo-fiber set. Duo-fiber face brush: for lightweight application. Duo-fiber contour brush: for controlled contouring and sculpting. Duo-fiber eye brush: for finishing touches to the eye. A true multi-tasker – duo-fiber bristles work with cream, liquid or powder for an unbelievably air-brushed finish. Ultra-plush, synthetic taklon bristles are hand-cut and 100% cruelty-free. Extended aluminum handles are light and easy to use.

Real Techniques makes some real good brushes, for real.   Created by the beautiful and ever so talented Sam Chapman of Pixiwoo, these brushes are high quality for an exceptionally affordable price.

Duo fiber face brush:  I’ve been using this with powders, loose and pressed.  It does a nice job of picking up just enough powder to set my foundation .  While it wouldn’t be my choice if I wanted to apply a fuller coverage powder foundation, it’s ideal for setting powders.  You could also use this for a light application of blush (cream or powder), however it is a little large for my taste.  It also wouldn’t be my first choice for applying liquid foundation.  Because the brush is so soft and the duo fibers are sparse, application is slightly streaky.

Duo fiber contour brush:  The shape is similar to their original contour brush.  The large dome shape fits perfectly into the hallow of the cheek.  The duo fibers build soft layers onto the skin.  This wouldn’t be my first choice if I wanted to do a strong contour.  However, it would be ideal for every day use.  This also works really well with cream blush.  I tap the flat side along my cheek to dispense the product, then use the pointed end to blend out.  That’s my personal favorite use for it!

Duo fiber eye brush:  This one is a bit stiff.  Like the other brushes, it allows you to create soft layers.  The shape fits nicely into the orbital bone, creating the perfect crease.  This can lightly apply color or you can use it to blend.  I like to use it with a dark color on the outer V of my eye to create a soft natural contour.  I used it to apply concealer under my eye and it’s a bit pokey.  Meaning… it hurts!  I mentioned before that the fibers are a bit stiff.  While the shape was ideal for a great concealer brush, the white fibers poked my under eye area too much for my comfort.

I also compared these to MAC duo fiber brushes, pics are in the post.

Overall
The face brush works with both loose and pressed powders for a light application (like setting foundation).  The contour brush is great for applying a soft layer of bronzer into the hallow of the cheek, but my personal favorite use is to apply cream blush.  The eye brush lightly applies color, allowing you to create soft layers.  However, it’s a bit stiff for under eye concealer application.  This set would be great for anyone who loves multitasking brushes!

Where: Ulta, Real Techniques, Amazon. Price: $20.00
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Peter Thomas Roth CC Cream, Review

3 May

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PTRCC
Sephora says: An all-in-one antiaging treatment, sunscreen, complexion corrector, moisturizer, and tint.  This multifunctional complexion corrector is formulated with arbutin and camu camu, an Amazonian superfruit that has 30 times the vitamin C of an average orange. Vitamin C evens out the skintone and supports natural collagen, creating the appearance of firmer, brighter, younger-looking skin over time. It instantly minimizes the look of imperfections, while broad spectrum SPF 30 protects skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Antioxidant vitamins C and E help fight free radical attack and keep skin healthy, radiant, and beautiful.

BB creams, CC creams, DD creams, PooPoo creams… seriously I can’t even keep up.  BB (beauty balm) creams made a huge splash in the US this past year.  The average American woman uses 2 products a day, and since BBs claim to be your skincare, primer, and makeup all in one they were (are still are) a huge hit.  So what’s the difference between BBs and CCs?  CCs still prime, hydrate, and protect the skin.  The difference is in the name, CCs are “color correcting,” so they have a few different ingredients that target lessening the appearance of dark spots, sun spots, and post-acne marks.  Is one better than the other?  No, they are just different.

I apply this on a freshly cleansed face with my fingers.  The first thing I noticed was the color, I have the color light to medium (it comes in 3 shades, this one is the lightest) and it’s too orange and dark for my NC30 skin.  I was really surprised by this, while I’m not a dark skinned girl I wouldn’t be considered to be fair skinned.

The coverage is much like a tinted moisturizer (it reminds me of Laura Mercier’s).  It’s a dewy finish, so if you have oily skin set this with some powder (I use the Bare Minerals Ready Foundation over it).  When I used the product without powder on top, my face was shiny within 15 minutes.  It gives enough coverage to give my skin some color, but a concealer is still needed if you have any major imperfections (dark circles, blemishes, etc).  If you prefer a lighter coverage foundation, you may want to consider checking this out.

Since it made my face orange, I wanted to mix this in with a moisturizer to thin it out.  I mix with the PTR Camu Camu Power C X 30 Vitamin C Brightening Moisturizer (half and half) and the two work nicely together.  It does take away some of the coverage, but I use concealer and finish with a medium coverage powder.

The product does what if promises, which is minimize imperfections.  I’ve been using for 2 weeks so I can’t really speak for it’s long term claims (firmer, brighter, younger-looking skin).  Another thing that I love about this product is that it contains mineral/physical (as opposed to chemical) SPF.  Neither type of SPF is better than the other, they just work differently.  Sensitive skin types are less likely to be irritated by mineral SPF.

Overall
The product has a lot of stand-out ingredients that are beneficial to any skin type.  On its own, it gives light coverage but still enough to help even out the complexion.  Any skin type could use this (you can use it as a primer as well), if you have oily/combo skin finish with a powder to set and reduce shine.  My biggest complaint is the color, the lightest shade is too dark and orange for my NC30 skin.

Glitter Rating: 4 / 5

Where: Sephora, Amazon. Price: $48.00/1.7oz
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Ooo La La, Ole Henriksen!

23 Apr

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OleReview

I’ve tried numerous skincare lines, I’ll test them for about a month or so, but I always go back to my usual regime.  This is the only line that has been able to break my old habits.  It’s that good.

First things first:  how do you pronounce “Ole Henriksen?”  I don’t know about you, but I didn’t know for the longest time.  The correct pronunciation is “Ooo-lah Hen-rick-sin.”  Good, now that we’ve got that covered, lets dig in!

Truth To Go Vitamin C Wipes:  These wipes are so refreshing yet manage to clean off a full face of foundation.  They do take off my eye makeup to a point, but I still need to use a separate MU remover (mind you, I wear heavy eye MU).  I noticed brighter and smoother skin after one single use!  I tried using them AM and PM and it was a tad irritating to my skin, so I only use them at night.

Truth Serum Collagen Booster:  Vitamin C does wonders for the skin.  It helps boost the collagen production and also provides antioxidants (a few of its many benefits).  The oil-free formula has a very thin consistency (it’s liquid-y!) but quickly penetrates the skin’s surface, so you aren’t left with a sticky feeling.  It provides hydration (oily skinned gals, you still need hydration!) and nourishment.  The best part?  More radiant and glowy skin!  I use AM and PM.

Invigorating Night Gel:  This unique blend of AHA’s gently exfoliates the skin without drying it out.  The algae extract nourishes the skin and the mucopolysaccharides bind moisture to the skin.  The consistency is thicker than the serum but thinner than a creme.  This is gentle enough to use every day (PM only).

Sheer Transformation:  I originally thought this would be too thick for AM use, but the consistency is light and creamy.  I cannot speak for its claims on fading skin discolorations, but I can say that it’s nourishing without making my oily skin more oily.  It’s a nice dose of vitamin C and leaves my skin looking bright and fresh.  If you do have any hyperpigmentation, this is a natural way to help lighten those spots. I use this AM and PM (making sure to wear something with SPF over it).

Power Peel:  I’m always a bit skeptical when a cosmetic product claims to be a “peel.”  To be clear, legally, you cannot buy actual chemical peels over the counter (the percentages depend on you state).  Therefore, this isn’t the same peel you would get from an esthetician/dermatologist.   That being said, this little product packs a lot of punch.  The Almond Polish provides a nice mechanical exfoliation (make sure to wet your fingers before applying) without being too harsh.  The Lemon Strip contains AHA’s and fruit acid, which chemically exfoliate the skin (dual exfoliation, score!).  This is the step where I felt the most activity.  The last step is the Chamomile Comfort mask, which you place over the Lemon Strip.  This contains chamomile, primrose, and jojoba seed oil that soothe and calm the skin.  Only use 1-2x a week.

Overall
I’m giving this a high rating because any skin type can use this.  Dryer skin may want to add in a heavier night creme, but other than that I wouldn’t change a thing about this set.  If you were only to get one product, I would suggest starting with the Truth Serum.  However, you really need to use the entire line to get the best results because the products are formulated to work together.  Ole is really good about having kits that contain several products at a discounted price, so that is an easy way to introduce yourself to the line.

Glitter Rating: 5 / 5

Where/Price: Sephora, Amazon (Wipes $15/30, Serum $45/1.0oz, Night Gel $45/1.7oz, Sheer Transformation $45/1.7oz, Power Peel $45/6 treatments, Three Little Wonders Kit $70)
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Stila Illuminating Beauty Balm, Review

17 Apr

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StilaBB3
Sephora says: An all-in-one, high-definition, age-defying beauty balm enriched with broad-spectrum SPF 30. Add a touch of illumination with this revolutionary, oil-free formula that uses the smallest particle of coated pigments for seamless, smooth coverage. Ideal for all skin types and skintones, this beauty balm gives skin a lit-from-within glow. The formula is infused with innovative micro-spheres, which have been shown to hide skin imperfections and reduce the appearance of wrinkle depth by up to 84 percent. It also contains natural, skin-protecting emollients, which have been shown to increase antioxidant activity by up to 89.7 percent. Enriched with a proprietary blend, this balm helps reduce skin inflammation, improve texture, support collagen production, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles by up to 67 percent.

Upon seeing the word “Illuminating,” I thought my oily skin would hate this product.  Generally anything that adds luminosity to the skin is a nightmare for us naturally shiny skinned gals.

I tried this product on its own, with no moisturizer and no foundation over it.  It did manage to slightly camouflage some redness and unevenness in my skin (more coverage than the Urban Decay BB), but still not by itself (for me).  Now, if you have near perf skin and just want a little somethin’ somethin’, then I think you’ll love this.  For me, however, I need a little more.

I also noticed it made my face shiny within 30 minutes.  Now, if I had a dry skin and needed a bit of a shine boost, then that would’ve been great news.  I, however, don’t need help in that department.  My face will shine bright like a diamond on its own.  I tried using this under my foundation, and what do you know?  It worked fabulously as a primer.  I was really surprised that I wasn’t shiny-faced by mid-day.  It lasted a full 9 hours underneath my makeup, just as I would expect a primer to do.

Overall
If you have dry skin and you’re looking for a low maintenance light coverage product, this is exactly what you’re looking for.  If you have oily/combination skin, this will work great as a primer underneath a foundation (liquid or powder).

Glitter Rating: 3 / 5

Where: Sephora, Stila, Amazon. Price: $38.00/1.3oz.
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Awakening Cheeks with Tarte

16 Apr

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TarteAwakeningCheekStain
Sephora says: Tarte Cheek Stain is a water-based gel cheek tint that gives you a natural flush—exactly like someone just pinched your cheeks! This formula is alcohol-free so it won’t dry your skin and it’s also oil-free so it won’t clog your pores. Plus, it contains Skinvigorating™ ingredients like a T5 Super Fruit Complex™—pure water to help skin retain moisture, and mineral-derived pigments known for their soothing and softening properties.

What exactly is tarte’s cheek stain?  It’s nothing more than a sheer, cream blush in a stick form.  It goes on sheer but has buildbale coverage.  The color is a medium nude with pink undertones.

When I first got this product, I thought it was the same concept as their LipSurgence Skintuitive Lip Tint, which reacts to the skins pH and turns a customized color on each person’s skin.  Both products were released at the same time and sit right next to each other on the display at Sephora.  They also have similar packaging.  It wasn’t until I was researching the product that I figured out that this didn’t follow that concept.  However, that explains my odd swatching method later in this post…

Application can be a bit tricky with cream blushes, but I found it to be quite simple with this one.  I simply stipple (bounce) the product straight from the tube onto my cheeks, starting at the apple and going up towards the temples.  I go over about 3 or 4 times to create a natural glow.  It wears for 6 hours before starting to fade, and on tarte’s website it promises “all day wear.”  Although “all day” isn’t a concrete term, to me that means at least 8 hours.  To increase wear time or intensify color, layer with a powder blush {how to}.  The color is sheer and would suit light and medium skin tones, darker skin may find that it’s too sheer.

Overall
An easy way to create a natural glow on the cheeks.  Application is easy (use a stippling motion).  This would best suit light-medium skin tones.  The only downside is the shorter wear time (6 hours).  If you’re someone who has been scared to try cream blush before, this is an easy way to incorporate it into your makeup routine.  It’s also an easy way to spruce up your spring/summer makeup regimen!

Glitter Rating: 4.5 / 5

Where: Sephora, Tarte, Amazon. Price: $30.00/0.5oz.
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Everlasting Blush, it goes on and on and on…

14 Mar

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Sephora says: A fade-proof blush with remarkably rich pigment to enhance individual features and the complexion. Be brilliantly flushed from sunrise to far past sunset with this long-wearing blush. The smooth, velvety powder glides onto cheeks and effortlessly blends into the pores to enhance the natural radiance of your skin. The fade-proof formula promises up to 24-hours of color and the rich pigment offers buildable, custom coverage for every skintone.

Say what you want about the famous (or infamous) Kat Von D, but there’s no denying that she has established a very decent color line.  A lot of people have fallen in love with her foundation, which is super full coverage with a matte finish (btw, it’s currently out of stock at most Sephoras.  I’ve heard that they’re changing the packaging).  Her new blush definitely spiked my interest, especially with its 24 hour claim!

I love the way this blush applies, it’s sheer but buildable.  This is the type of blush you could throw on in a hurry and not look like a crazy person from the 80′s.  Essex is a cool rose and Bellisima is a peachy pink, both matte finish.  Any skin tone could wear these due to their sheer buildable coverage and what color you prefer to see yourself in.  The matte finish is perfect for my oily skin, and the smooth texture doesn’t get all powdery on me.  I like the packaging, but I’m a person who likes a simple, no frills approach.  It makes a good use of space, has a mirror, and securely closes with a “snap.”  These only come in 7 shades, 5 mattes and 2 shimmers.  I can’t say it lives up to a 24 hour claim (which is quite a ridiculous claim) simply because I don’t run on vampire time, so I wash off my makeup when it’s bedtime.  It does, however, wear for a good 9 hours with no fading.

Overall
These applies beautifully with sheer, buildable, natural coverage.  It only comes in 7 colors, but there’s nudes, pinks, and rose shades in that small range.  These are just as good as the famous NARS blushes and you also get more product for $4 less.  I recommend to anyone who’s in the market for a long wearing blush!

Glitter Rating: 5 / 5

Where: Sephora, Amazon (Bellisima, Essex). Price: $25.00/0.25 oz.
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Bite Beauty, looks like my lips but better!

6 Mar

Bite Beauty says: A purse-friendly triage of hydrating color, perfect for when you’re on the go.  Mini Lipstick provides long-lasting color and moisture-rich coverage made from food-grade ingredients that are good enough to eat. Mini Lip Shine is a luscious pairing that combines a lip conditioning treatment with intense shine. In every application, a micro-delivery of super antioxidant resveratrol fights free radicals with potent long-term age-repair benefits. Each Bite product contains the amount of resveratrol equivalent to five glasses of red wine.

Bite Beauty is a newer member of the Sephora family, and all I really knew about it was that it has resveratrol in it.  So… what is resveratrol?  A quick Google search led me to this video from Dr. Oz.  In a nutshell, it’s in red wine and it’s good for you.  Boom.  Lets start drinking, for our healths sake.

Well anyway, since we know it’s good when ingested, there’s positive topical benefits as well.

Susanne Langmuir, the founder and driving force behind Bite Beauty, created her brand with the guiding philosophy, “You eat what you put on your lips, so your lipstick should be good for you.” -Sephora.com

 As much as I wanted to fully extend the lipstick and take a big bite to test this theory, I resisted this urge.  Mostly because it would be really expensive.

Lip Shine:  It has sheer coverage, it just gives the lips a nice bit of warmth.  The color is coral with a hint of pink.  If you have a lot of pink in your natural lips, you’re not going to see a lot of color when you apply this.  It feels very soft with some slip to it, but it’s not as sticky as, say, a MAC Lipglass.  Bite Beauty describes this as a “glossy, translucent, lip tint” and I find that to be an accurate description.  The jojoba and lanolin leave my lips feeling soft and hydrated.  This only wears for about 2 hours.
Luminous Crème Lipsticks:  There are two shades; Pepper (dusty rose) and Fig (nude rose).  These feel very soft on the lips with semi-opaque coverage.  Both shades are very wearable for warm medium skin tones.  I do need to run the tube over my lips 3-4 times to really feel like I have product on my lips.  Bite Beauty says the best application is with a lip brush, which worked fine but it takes more time and I still needed just as much product.  They are creamy, moisturizing and very natural looking.  They wear for about 4 hours.  Fig is my new favorite MLBB (my lips but better) lipstick! :)

Overall
The gloss is lacking in wear time but still scores points for its unique moisturizing formula.  The lipsticks are also moisturizing with semi-opaque coverage.  They are very natural and wearable shades, and if you have pink in your lips these will compliment it nicely.  If you like a creamy formula then you might want to check these out.  I really like Bite Beauty’s brand philosophy (read more about them here) and will definitely be checking out more of their stuff!

Glitter Rating: 3.5 / 5

Where: Sephora, Amazon. Price: $15.00/0.52 oz Mini Lip Shine, 0.52 oz x 2 Luminous Crème Mini Lipsticks
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Milani Ultrafine Liquid Eye Liner, Review

4 Mar

Milani says: Sparkling intense color, long-lasting, waterproof formula.  The ultrafine felt-tip applicator makes it easy to apply a thick or thin line and dries down to a sparkling finish.

When I first saw these, I immediately thought of the MUFE Aqua Liners.  The packaging is identical, same size and color.  The felt tip applicators are pretty much the same, and if there’s a difference my eyes cannot detect it.

I swatched this next to MUFE Aqua Liner #4 and Stila Sparkle Waterproof Liquid Liner in Electric (pics below).  Get this: Exact dupes.  I kid you not!  Same packaging, same applicators, and the formula are the same.  Now, there may be slight difference in the finish if you really study it under a bright light.  However, at first glance when swatched next to each other, they all look the same.  The Milani is also $16 cheaper than the other two.  How cool is that?

Overall
This has the same great quality as some higher end liners for a fourth of the price.  It wears for 10 hours (I suspect it would last longer than that, but I didn’t want to sleep in this to really test it’s staying power).  The downside?  This only comes in 4 colors (2 blacks, turquoise, purple, and emerald).  It’s smooth, pigmented, and has a precise felt tip applicator.  I recommend for my liquid liner gals! BONUS: This is a great way to incorporate Pantone’s color of the year into your makeup!

Glitter Rating: 4.5 / 5
(-0.5 for the limited color range)

Where: Drugstores, Milani. Price: $7.49/0.58 oz
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