Top 10 Tubing Mascaras
Get Sky-High Lashes Without The Smudge—These Top Tubing Mascaras Lengthen, Define, And Rinse Off With Ease
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Tired of catching a glimpse in the mirror mid-day only to see raccoon eyes staring back at you? Same. That’s why we love tubing mascara, a hidden gem in the makeup world that more people need to know about. If you haven't heard of it yet, don't worry—we’re here to break down what makes tubing mascara stand out and why it might become your favorite new addition to your makeup bag. Using our Rank & Style algorithm, we've even ranked the best tubing mascaras based on user reviews, best-selling products, industry recognition, and social buzz to find the 10 best options for length, longevity, and ease of removal. Here's what made the cut on our list of internet favorites:
1. Best Overall Tubing Mascara: Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara
2. Best Lengthening: Too Faced Ribbon Wrapped Lash Extreme Length Tubing Mascara
3. Best Volume: MILK MAKEUP KUSH High Roll Defining & Volumizing Tubing Mascara
4. Best for Everyday Wear: caliray Come Hell or High Water Volumizing Tubing Mascara
5. Best Budget: E.l.f. Lash Xtndr Tubing Mascara
6. Longest Lasting: L'Oréal Double Extend Beauty Tubes Lengthening Mascara
7. Best Brush: MAC Cosmetics Extended Play Gigablack Lash Mascara
8. Best Curl: Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara
9. Best Nourishing: Kulfi Badi Lash Smudge Proof Volumizing Tubing Mascara
10. Best for a False Lash Effect: HOURGLASS Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara
Ready to shop now? Jump to our reviews.
How We Ranked The Best Tubing Mascaras
When it comes to determining which products make our Top 10 lists, we aren’t simply picking our favorites. Instead, we use the Rank & Style Algorithm—our data-backed approach to selecting the best products. Our algorithm does all the research you would normally do before buying a product, meaning you can spend less time researching and still feel 100% confident in your purchase.
Here's how it works: Our algorithm checks verified user reviews from over 100 major retailers, factoring in the average rating and the total number of reviews for products within a given category. It also identifies best-sellers across these retailers, awarding extra points to the most popular picks. Industry recognition plays a role, too—products that earn shoutouts from reputable publications and experts score extra points. And of course, we keep an eye on social media trends, tracking what’s hot on TikTok and Instagram.
For this list, we analyzed 27 different tubing mascaras, assigning each one a score based on those four factors. The algorithm then uses weighted averages to determine each product’s total score and ranking. The 10 with the highest score are reviewed and approved by our product experts. When all is said and done, you get a data-backed list of the 10 best tubing mascaras for length, longevity, and smudge-free wear.
What Exactly Is Tubing Mascara?
Tubing mascara is a special formula that uses polymers instead of pigment to coat your lashes. Similarly to how an artificial nail covers your real one to give you length, these polymers create elongated tubes over your natural lashes, giving a lengthening effect. Within a few moments after application, your tubing mascara will dry and become essentially smudge-proof, making it a great option for all-day wear.
Is Tubing Mascara Better For Your Lashes?
Many people consider tubing mascara to be better for your lashes than regular mascara because it’s gentler to remove. Traditional formulas often require makeup remover, which can be harsh on your eyes, skin, and lashes. Even then, regular mascara—especially waterproof versions—can be stubborn, often needing extra scrubbing that tugs at your lashes and leads to fallout. Tubing mascara, on the other hand, dissolves with just warm water and light pressure (more on that below), making removal easier and potentially better for lash health.
Benefits of Tubing Mascara
There are plenty of reasons to love tubing mascara, but one of the biggest perks? The effortless removal process. It’s designed to break down in warm water, which is all you need to get it off. You can use your favorite facial cleanser if you’d like, but warm water alone does the trick, making it a game-changer for anyone who wants a gentler, fuss-free removal. This ease of removal process is a major benefit of choosing a tubing mascara over a traditional one.
Another standout benefit? No more raccoon eyes. Have you ever tried removing regular mascara, only to end up with black smears around your eyes that seem impossible to scrub off? Tubing mascara eliminates that problem completely. When removing, you’ll see the rubbery tubes come off in solid pieces that don’t smear or smudge, leaving your face fresh and clean with no scrubbing required.
How to Remove Tubing Mascara
If easy removal is a main benefit, how exactly do you do it? Let’s break down the steps to gently removing your tubing mascara:
1. Use warm water: Using warm water—not cold—is a must since it helps soften the mascara for a gentle removal.
2. Gently splash or soak your lashes: You can either cup some water in your hands to splash on your eyes or press a warm, damp washcloth over your lids for 20 seconds to soften the tubes.
3. Slide the mascara off with your fingers: Once the mascara is nice and soft, gently pinch your lashes and slide your fingers downward. You should see it come off in little rubbery tubes. You can gently rub if necessary, but DO NOT SCRUB OR TUG! If you’re having trouble getting the tubes to slide off, try soaking them a little longer.
4. Rinse away any leftovers: If needed, give your eyes a final rinse with warm water to clear away any residue.
HELPFUL TIP: Don’t panic when the tubes start coming off in Step 3! Many people mistake them for their actual lashes since they come off in long strands or chunks. Rest assured, your lashes are completely intact. While it may look dramatic, this removal process is actually far gentler than scrubbing away stubborn raccoon eyes from traditional mascara.
Is Tubing Mascara Waterproof?
No, tubing mascara is not waterproof, but it is water-resistant. So, what’s the difference?
Waterproof mascara does not come off in water (duh) and requires an oil-based makeup remover. Tubing mascara can’t be waterproof because warm water is the key to getting it off.
It is, however, water-resistant. Sweat, oil, and humidity pose no threat to your tubing mascara, which allows it to hold up incredibly well during the day. A splash of cold water? No problem. A little crying? It’ll stay put. But if you’re planning on doing hot yoga or diving into the pool, you might want to stick to regular waterproof mascara.
How To Choose A Tubing Mascara
The best tubing mascara for you might be different from the best one for someone else. It all comes down to your goals and the look you want to achieve. To make sure your choosing a tubing mascara that fits your needs, consider the following:
1. Check the ingredients: While many tubing mascaras have “tubing” in the name, not all of them do. Thrive Causemedics Liquid Lash Extensions mascara is a good example. To make sure you’re actually getting a tubing mascara, check the ingredients list for “polymer” or “copolymer”.
2. Set your goal: What’s most important to you in your new mascara? Are you looking for length, volume, or extra curl? The benefits of every mascara are different. Some might do multiple things well, or they might do one thing absolutely perfectly. Figuring out your goals and comparing them to the strengths of each option will help you find a tubing mascara you’ll be happy with.
3. Set your budget: The price of tubing mascara can vary widely, from drugstore brands to luxury designer names. Setting a budget you're comfortable with before you start shopping will help you narrow down your options and ensure you end up with a product you won’t feel remorseful about buying.
Where To Buy Tubing Mascara
Now for the fun part—it’s time to shop. Tubing mascara is widely available. You can find affordable brands at your local drugstore or Target. For a broader selection, we recommend checking out beauty retailers like Sephora or Ulta Beauty. Shopping in person is a good idea if you want to try out a new tubing mascara before you commit to buying.
If you already know what you're going to buy, you can usually save some money by shopping online. There are many tubing mascaras available on Amazon, while some (like Thrive Causemedics) can only be purchased through the brand's official website. For the best deal, check out our beauty retailer coupons and discounts:
• Sephora Promo Codes
• Ulta Coupons
• Target Promo Codes
• Bloomingdale’s Promo Codes
All products and deals are sourced by the Rank & Style team using data and expert insights. If you shop through our links, we may earn a commission—at no extra cost to you.
Jump To Products
The Rankings
HOURGLASS Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara
Overall Score
4.65
10
HOURGLASS Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara
4
1972 User Reviews
4
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best for a False Lash Effect
Our Score: 4.65
Average Review Rating: 4.34 stars # of Reviews Checked: 1,972 Best Seller: No Social Score: 4
Shades: Black, Brown Size: .35 fl oz Full Size, .17 fl oz Travel Size Cruelty Free: Yes
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, Castor seed oil, Carnauba wax, Pro-vitamin B5
Pros: Dramatic length & separation, buildable formula
Cons: Some reviewers report clumping
EDITORS TAKE
If you’re looking for a dramatic fake lash effect, without the cost of extensions, you’ll love this tubing mascara from Hourglass. Like the name suggests, this mascara gives you an instant extension effect using a buildable formula. One quick coat can give you length and separation, while additional coats will help create a fuller, more volumized look.
While some reviews have reported clumping, most don’t seem to encounter this problem. It seems to be a result of over-applying the buildable formula too quickly. You can minimize this by applying fewer coats or giving the first coat more time to dry between applications..
STANDOUT REVIEWS
One Ulta reviewer writes: “...The wand gets to every single one of your lashes and doesn’t ever get clumpy. You can easily layer it to get a more defined look or a more natural look without it being clumpy and thick or making it hard to come off. It dries down very quickly as well…”
Kulfi Badi Lash Smudge Proof Volumizing Tubing Mascara
Overall Score
4.7
09
Kulfi Badi Lash Smudge Proof Volumizing Tubing Mascara
4.9
135 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Nourishing Tubing Mascara
Our Score: 4.7
Average Review Rating: 4.9 stars # of Reviews Checked: 135 Best Seller: Yes Social Score: 3
Shades: Black Size: .34 fl oz Cruelty Free: Yes
Key Ingredients: Castor seed oil, Rambutan extract, Tri-peptide complex
Pros: Nourishing Ingredients, smudge-proof
Cons: Limited shade range
EDITORS TAKE
We can be hard on our lashes. Extensions, or even regular mascaras that require scrubbing to remove, can damage them, cause them to fall out, and limit growth. If you’re concerned about the health of your lashes, Kulfi Badi Lash tubing mascara is the perfect choice. It contains nourishing ingredients like castor oil and rambutan extract, but the stand out is its uniquely formulated tri-peptide complex. This ingredient combo softens, conditions, and nourishes lashes, promoting healthy growth. It doesn’t hurt that it also adds length, buildable volume, and removes incredibly easily with no scrubbing required.
STANDOUT REVIEWS
One Sephora reviewer reports: “...One of my favorite things about this tubing mascara is the nourishing tri-peptide complex. I love that it not only enhances my lashes instantly but also helps condition them over time. Plus, it’s flake-free and smudge-free, so I don’t have to worry about raccoon eyes or touch-ups throughout the day.”
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara
Overall Score
4.7
08
Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara
4.2
6521 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Curling Tubing Mascara
Our Score: 4.7
Average Review Rating: 4.2 stars # of Reviews Checked: 6,521 Best Seller: No Social Score: 5
Shades: Black, Brown Size: .27 fl oz Full Size, .13 fl oz Travel Size Cruelty Free: Yes
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, Castor oil, Carnauba wax
Pros: Curl & length, easy removal
Cons: Full size is slightly smaller than some tubing mascaras
EDITORS TAKE
From the very first swipe, this tubing mascara lifts and curls lashes so well that you can skip the lash curler entirely—and they’ll actually stay that way all day. The formula adds fluttery length and definition without flaking or smudging (even after a full workday or a long walk in humidity). It feels weightless on your lashes and removes like a dream—no raccoon eyes, no rubbing, just warm water and it slides right off. For anyone who wants clean, curled, and clump-free lashes with minimal effort, the Tartelette Tubing Mascara truly delivers.
STANDOUT REVIEWS
One Amazon reviewer writes: “..This is my go-to everyday mascara. It's very buildable and gives great length and curl. It washes off with water alone. Again, obsessed.”
More Colors
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
MAC Cosmetics Extended Play Gigablack Lash Mascara
Overall Score
4.75
07
MAC Cosmetics Extended Play Gigablack Lash Mascara
4.39
2604 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Tubing Mascara Brush
Our Score: 4.75
Average Review Rating: 4.39 stars # of Reviews Checked: 2,604 Best Seller: Yes Social Score: 5
Shades: Black Size: .2 fl oz Cruelty Free: Yes
Key Ingredients: Carnauba wax, Vitamin E, Pro-vitamin B5
Pros: Precise application, long lasting
Cons: Full size is smaller size than most other tubing mascaras
EDITORS TAKE
If you love clean, defined lashes that never clump, the MAC Extended Play Gigablack Lash Mascara is your new go-to. The real standout here is the ultra-slim, precision brush—it grabs every tiny lash, even those hard-to-reach inner corners, and coats them from root to tip. It’s perfect for building soft, fluttery definition or layering for a more dramatic effect. Whether you're going for a natural daytime look or a polished, wide-eyed finish, this mascara delivers with total control. While the tube is slightly smaller than your average mascara at only .2 fl oz, we think the results are worth it.
STANDOUT REVIEWS
One reviewer on Google writes: “...I have tried many tubing mascaras and this formula is by far my favorite. It does not smudge, even in my 12+ hour shifts in humid, hot south florida! I'm extremely impressed by its application as its slim brush grips every single lash and separates them. I find most tubing mascaras are very clumpy and weighs down the lashes, yet this is the complete opposite; it lengthens like crazy, doesn't irritate my sensitive eyes, AND holds my curl…”
L'Oréal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes Lengthening Mascara
Overall Score
4.75
06
L'Oréal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes Lengthening Mascara
4.39
20434 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Our Score: 4.75
Average Review Rating: 4.39 stars # of Reviews Checked: 20,434 Best Seller: Yes Social Score: 5
Shades: Black, Blackest Black Size: .2 fl oz Cruelty Free: Yes
Key Ingredients: Carnauba wax, Pro-vitamin B5
Pros: Lengthening, nourishing primer
Cons: 2-step application
EDITORS TAKE
L’Oréal’s Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara is a drugstore gem that overdelivers on performance—especially if you’re all about length and smudge-proof wear. The two-step system might seem a little extra at first, but the primer seriously amps up your lash length and helps the mascara grip tight. If you can get past the primer learning curve, this mascara gives a lash-extension effect at a fraction of the cost, and it's one of the easiest long-wear mascaras to remove.
STANDOUT REVIEWS
From an Amazon reviewer: “This is my ALL TIME favorite top lash mascara - lasts all day, doesn't irritate my sensitive eyes and never flakes, makes my lashes look thick and long and is easy to remove.”
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E.l.f. Cosmetics Lash Xtndr Tubing Mascara
Overall Score
4.75
05
E.l.f. Cosmetics Lash Xtndr Tubing Mascara
4.39
7693 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Budget Tubing Mascara
Our Score: 4.75
Average Review Rating: 4.39 stars # of Reviews Checked: 7,693 Best Seller: Yes Social Score: 4
Shades: Pitch Black, Soft Black, Deep Brown Size: .25 fl oz Cruelty Free: Yes
Key Ingredients: Carnauba wax, Jojoba oil
Pros: Affordable, length & definition
Cons: Limited volume
EDITORS TAKE
Don’t let the price tag fool you—e.l.f.’s Lash XTNDR Tubing Mascara punches way above its weight class. This under-$10 pick delivers seriously impressive length and definition. While it may be lacking in the dramatic volume department, it’s perfect for a natural, everyday lash look that won’t smudge, flake, or melt down your face by lunchtime. If you’re into minimalist glam or want a budget-friendly backup to your luxury fave, this one deserves a spot in your rotation.
STANDOUT REVIEWS
One happy Ulta customer says: “I have tried many tubing mascaras over the years and this is the best one yet, and affordable. The formula isn't too wet upon opening, it just glides seamlessly. Holds my curl and is smudge-free since it's a tubing mascara. Anyone who stated it 'flakes' when removing is because it is meant to. To remove, use warm water on your eyes and the 'flakes'—aka tubes—will come off clean and mess-free!”
More Colors
Cruelty Free
Caliray Come Hell Or High Water Volumizing Tubing Mascara
Overall Score
4.75
04
Caliray Come Hell Or High Water Volumizing Tubing Mascara
4.1
3315 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Tubing Mascara for Everyday Wear
Our Score: 4.75
Average Review Rating: 4.1 stars # of Reviews Checked: 3,315 Best Seller: Yes Social Score: 4
Shades: Black Size: .37 fl oz Full Size, .18 fl oz Travel Size Cruelty Free: Yes
Key Ingredients: Avocado oil, Coffee seed oil, Triple wax mix
Pros: Clean ingredients, lengthening
Cons: Wet formula
EDITORS TAKE
If you love the look of clean, fluttery lashes this tubing mascara might just be your new go-to. The formula is designed to lengthen and subtly volumize without clumping. Be careful during application; the formula is wetter than some other tubing mascaras and can transfer onto your lids. But once it dries, it’s essentially smudge-proof. It’s lightweight, buildable, and infused with clean ingredients, all wrapped up in eco-friendly packaging that aligns with caliray’s chill, sustainable vibe. While it leans more natural than dramatic, it delivers on its promise: beautiful, defined lashes that are perfect for everyday looks.
STANDOUT REVIEWS
One Reddit reviewer reports: “It's a very good mascara for a natural look. Unlike most tubing formulas, it holds a curl pretty well. Overall, I'd consider it the most 'my lashes but better' mascara I've seen.”
Eco Friendly
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
Milk Makeup KUSH High Roll Defining & Volumizing Tubing Mascara
Overall Score
4.8
03
Milk Makeup KUSH High Roll Defining & Volumizing Tubing Mascara
4.35
598 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Volume Tubing Mascara
Our Score: 4.8
Average Review Rating: 4.35 stars # of Reviews Checked: 589 Best Seller: Yes Social Score: 4
Shades: Black Size: .3 fl oz Cruelty Free: Yes
Key Ingredients: Hemp seed oil, Sunflower seed oil, Carnauba wax, Jojoba wax
Pros: Volumizing, clean ingredients
Cons: Some reviewers had issues with clumping on the wand
EDITORS TAKE
Milk Makeup’s KUSH High Roll Tubing Mascara is for anyone who wants serious lash volume without sacrificing clean ingredients or comfort. It defines, thickens, and builds beautifully thanks to its tubing formula. What really sets it apart is the hemp seed oil–infused formula, which helps keep lashes feeling soft and conditioned all day long. While it can be a bit bold for those who prefer a super natural look, if you're after big, fluttery lashes that don’t smudge or flake, this mascara is a winner.
STANDOUT REVIEWS
One Amazon reviewer writes: “Kush Mascara delivers stunning results, giving my lashes a bold, volumized look. The formula is creamy and buildable, allowing for customization—one coat for a natural finish, or multiple for dramatic impact.”
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
Too Faced Ribbon Wrapped Lash Extreme Length Tubing Mascara
Overall Score
4.8
02
Too Faced Ribbon Wrapped Lash Extreme Length Tubing Mascara
4.68
937 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Our Score: 4.8
Average Review Rating: 4.68 stars # of Reviews Checked: 937 Best Seller: Yes Social Score: 3
Shades: Black Size: .27 fl oz Full Size, .16 fl oz Travel Size Cruelty Free: Yes
Key Ingredients: Carnauba wax, Shea butter, Castor oil
Pros: Dramatic lengthening, smudge & flake resistant
Cons: Limited volume
EDITORS TAKE
This tubing formula excels at adding dramatic, fluttery length while staying featherlight on the lashes. The brush is slim and precise, making it easy to grab every lash (especially those tricky inner and lower lashes) without clumping. While it’s not the most volumizing option in the bunch, what it lacks in fullness it makes up for in definition and longevity. It stays put through long days and humid weather, and when it’s time to remove it, warm water is all you need. If you’re after length, lift, and zero smudge drama, this mascara definitely earns its ribbon.
STANDOUT REVIEWS
One happy Ulta reviewer writes: “...If you crave length, separation, and lift in a deep black, smudge-proof formula, this product is worth a spot in your makeup bag…if you love a fluffier, more volumized look, you might need to pair it with a thickening base. But for fluttery, elongated, 'are those extensions?' lashes? It delivers.”
Cruelty Free
Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara
Overall Score
4.95
01
Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara
4.5
65723 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Curling Mascara Overall
Our Score: 4.95
Average Review Rating: 4.5 stars # of Reviews Checked: 65,723 Best Seller: Yes Social Score: 5
Shades: Rich Black, Brown Black, Deep Blue, Green, Pink Size: .38 fl oz Cruelty Free: Yes
Key Ingredients: Carnauba wax, Shea butter, Castor oil
Pros: Dramatic lengthening, long lasting, nourishing ingredients
Cons: Possible clumping if applying multiple coats
EDITORS TAKE
After testing countless mascaras over the years, Thrive’s Liquid Lash Extensions is the one I always come back to—and have personally used for over three years. What sets it apart isn’t just the dramatic length or the smudge-proof wear (though both are stellar); it’s that it consistently performs like a prestige mascara while doubling as lash care. The formula is infused with shea butter and castor oil, which actually help condition your lashes over time, making them feel healthier even after daily use. And unlike many tubing mascaras that can flake or fall flat, Thrive’s never lets me down—it defines, lifts, and stays put all day without a single raccoon-eye moment. For me, it’s the rare product that checks every box: long-wearing, easy to remove, clean ingredients, and genuinely lash-enhancing. Don’t just take my word for it; this tubing mascara has a 4.5 star average rating out of a whopping 65,723 reviews. That’s why it’s not just good—it’s the best.
STANDOUT REVIEWS
It’s hard to pick just one rave review out of the nearly 66,000 options, but this Amazon user sums it up beautifully: “This is hands down the best mascara on the market! Lashes look big, beautiful, and real! The product is also easy to take off without damaging your own lashes.”
More Colors
Eco Friendly
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
The Latest
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