Review: Cellnique De-puffy Jewel

Disclaimer: the product mentioned in this review was provided to me by Cellnique. In no way does this alter my opinion on the product, this review is my honest experience and opinion. I am not paid by or affiliated with this company. Please use this product at your own discretion. Just because it worked/didn't work for me doesn't guarantee it will/won't work for you.


Price: $50 from Cellnique.com

What they say: With its unique combination of Acetyl Tetrapeptide Gold Dipeptide and Rhodochrosite Extract, this breakthrough eye formulation helps alleviate eye puffiness and dark circles by increasing blood circulation and deep moisture the eye areas. Consists SPF15 which protects skin from again UVA and UVB rays.

Benefits
• Reduces puffiness and dark circles
• Minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Strengthens and regenerates skin tissues
• Soothes, softens, and hydrates the delicate eye-area skin
• Sun protection with SPF15

What's in it:

Rhodochrosite Extract - An anti-stress ingredient which fights aging by preserving cell to release collagen and elastin fibers, soothes and relaxes skin.

Acetyl Tetrapeptide Gold Dipeptide - Minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by relaxing facial expression muscle. This will greatly prevent further premature aging.

Guaranine - Reduces the appearance of dark circles and puffy eyes by constricting blood vessels.

Full ingredient list: Purified Water (Aqua), Butylene Glycol, Methylsilanol Mannuronate, Glycerin, Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol, Caustic Soda (Sodium Hydroxide), Carrageenan Moss (Chondrus crispus) Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Propylene Glycol, Ppg-26-Buteth-26, Guaranine, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sulisobenzone (Benzophenone-4), Disodium EDTA, Quartz, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbic Acid, Rhodochrosite Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Acetyl Tetrapeptide Gold Dipeptide, Red #33 (CI 17200), Blue #1 (CI 42090).

What to do:

The good stuff:

• Thick, gel consistency
• Easy to apply, smooth texture
• Moisturizes under eye area
• Fully absorbs in ~10 minutes
• A little goes a long way
• Visibly reduces puffiness
• Contains SPF

The low-down:

• Expensive
• Was no match for my dark circles & fine lines :(

My take: This product is a thick gel and is easy to smooth on. I only need very little to cover my entire undereye area, so it'll last me a long time. I have been using this product at night and only occasionally during the day. I find that if you don't wait long enough and try to apply concealer over it, the gel kind of rubs off in little pieces. So you have to wait for it to fully absorb before applying anything over it. Since the consistency was so thick, I thought it would just sit on my skin. But it actually fully absorbs after about 10 minutes! It did not irritate my skin and left my undereye area hydrated.

If you look at the three pictures to the left, you can see that this product truly did have an effect on my undereye area.

The picture from April 2009 (it's a bad one, sorry) shows my eye with no concealer. The puffiness is really pronounced, as are the dark circles. It's a small picture, but trust me, I have really bad fine lines as well :(

The picture from July 2009 has concealer, but it's obvious that I'm attempting to cover up the dark circles and fine lines and the concealer isn't doing the job very well. The puffiness is still severe.

I started using Cellnique's De-puffy Jewel on February 12, 2009. The third picture, February 21, 2010, shows my eye after 9 days of using this product. No concealer. NOTE - This is basically how my eye area has looked for the past 3 months I've been using this product. The good thing is that it has not worsened, but there has not been any more change either.

The good thing is that you can see that the puffiness is visibly reduced! It seemed to "flatten out" the puffiness, but it kind of left a little "hollow" dark area beneath where the puffiness used to be :/ But I cannot complain, because when I apply concealer, it looks a lot better than it used to, when the puffiness was severe.

Also, while it reduced the puffiness really well, it only very slightly seemed to have any effect on my fine lines and dark circles. It seems to help a LITTLE, but nothing dramatic like I'd hoped. This is something I expected though, because honestly, no product I've tried so far has had any (lasting) effects on my dark circles. The most successful product I've tried for my fine lines though, has been Shu Uemura Phyto-black Lift Anti-Wrinkle Firming Essence, but I only have a sample size :(

Would I repurchase/recommend?: The only thing dettering me from repurchasing this product is the price. Overall, I really liked how well it reduced my puffiness and would hate to see it return once I run out of this product (hopefully, that won't happen). However, I wouldn't really recommend this to people with severe dark circles and fine lines like me. It works really well for puffiness but I think it would be better suited for people with minor dark circles and fine lines, or people who just want to reduce undereye puffiness!

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Review: Cellnique Derma Brightening Complex

Price: $41 for 30ml from cellnique.com

What they say: Formulated with exclusive Triple Action Melano-Targeting technology, this strongly effective yet gentle formulation works excellent on skin discoloration, dull and uneven skin tone, restores skin’s luminous glow without provoking any skin irritation or peeling. Unprecedented clarity radiates from within.

Benefits:
• Works on skin discoloration, dull and uneven skin tone
• Exfoliates dead skin cells without provoking skin irritation
• Rich moisturizing arributes for skin softening
• Promoting a firmer skin texture
• Antioxidant protection for the skin

What to do:

What's in it:

L-Ascorbic Acid - Effective in inhibiting melanogenesis (process where skin cells produce melanin or pigment) for a brighter skin. It also assists in promoting a firmer skin texture while providing sustained antioxidant protection for the skin

Kojic Acid - A natural ingredient derived from fungus (mushrooms), it works as a whitening agent, helps promote a clear, fresh looking complexion.

Lactic Acid - Noted for its rich moisturizing attributes and its ability to exfoliate dead skin cells without provoking skin irritation. It also presents the added benefits as a skin softening agent which makes it an excellent option for sensitive skin.

Full Ingredients List
Purified Water (Aqua), Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethoxydiglycol, Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid), Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Lactic Acid, Kojic Acid, Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben.

The good stuff:

• Smooth, liquidy texture
• Easy to apply, a little goes a long way
• Feels moisturizing
• Scent is not bothersome
• Makes skin look bright, radiant, soft, and smooth
• Whitening/brightening effect evens out skin tone
• Did not irritate my skin

The low-down:

• Expensive
• Dries slightly sticky/tacky

My take: I love love love this product! Definitely my favorite from Cellnique! I'll start off by saying that if you are looking for a whitening/brightening product, THIS WORKS. I have been using this for the past 3 months, and it takes a few weeks to begin seeing results, but after that, it becomes easy to see that your skin is visibly lighter and brighter, more even toned, radiant, and smooth. Fabulous! The effects last. My skin is still luminous, bright, and even-toned even if I skip using this product now and then. It also did not break me out or otherwise irritate my skin. It feels moisturizing without being oily/greasy and leaves skin feeling and looking healthy : )

It has a serum-type a dropper applicator. I suppose it is like a serum, very thin and liquidy and easy to smooth on. It is slightly yellowish in color but that doesn't affect how it looks when applied, it's clear. I only need 2-3 drops to cover my entire face, so 30 ml will last me a long time. The scent is somewhat fruity... I can't really place my finger on exactly what it smells like though. It is pleasent and not overbearing kind of scent.

One thing I want to note though is that I only use this at night, after cleansing. When it dries, it becomes slightly sticky/tacky to the touch. I would use it during the daytime too but I'm always in a rush so I can't wait for it to fully absorb. Plus, using it just at night is giving me satisfactory results anyway. The only other things to note are the price ($41) and availability (online only), and that it is not meant to help with skin pigmentation or spots. Instead, Cellnique recommends Derma Whitening Essence for that. I want to try that too!

Would I repurchase/recommend: Yes, I would definitely repurchase this product despite the price because it works. I would HIGHLY recommend this product to anyone who is in search of a whitening/brightening product that improves skin tone and radiance!

This is what my skin looks like with NO FOUNDATION!

Disclaimer: Cellnique provided me with the product reviewed in this post.

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Review: Cellnique Skin Action Sebum Gel

Price: $51 for 30ml

What they say: This is a phyto bio-engineering formulation gel for all skin types to reduce both blackheads and whiteheads on affected skin area without painful extraction. This daily maintenance gel also reduces sebum secretion, leaving the skin clear and producing smooth visible results within 10 days of application.

Benefits
• Controls excessive sebum
• Reduces the formation of blackheads and whiteheads
• Reduces skin inflammatory
• Controls and prevents breakouts
• Increases skin moistures and improves skin elasticity
• Anti-irritation

Main Active Ingredients:

Phyto Bio-engineering Technology
• The application of engineering principles to address challenges in the fields of plant biology. It applies principles to the full spectrum of living systems. It deals with disciplines of product design, sustainability and analysis to improve and focus utilization of biological systems.

Male Ferm Root Extract
• Reduce skin inflammatory and irritation with its soothing effect. It is able to control and prevent future breakouts on skin. It also helps improve skin texture.

Potassium Azelaoyl Diglycinate
• Has been used to control the secretion of excessive sebum thus decrease the formation of blackheads and whiteheads. It is also helps prevent skin discoloration caused by acne or comedones without over drying the skin. Besides, it also increases skin moistures and improves skin elasticity.

Witch Hazel Extract
• The use of Witch Hazel to disinfect the skin has significantly reduces the presence of bacteria on the face, this reduction limits skin inflammation and the likelihood of acne or comedones developing.

Full Ingredients List
Purified Water (Aqua), Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) Extract, Witch Hazel (Hamamelis Virginiana ) Extract, Carbomer, Propylene Glycol, Menthol, Poly(Oxy-1,2-Ethanediyl),α-(Donyl Phenyl)-ω-Hydroxy, Sodium Hydroxide, Peppermint (Mentha piperita) oil, Male Fern (Dryopteris filix-mas) Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Milk Protein, Potassium Azelaoyl Diglycinate, Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) Leaf Oil, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Diazolidinyl Urea.

What to do:

The good stuff:

• Light, smooth, liquidy texture
• A little goes a long way
• Slight cooling sensation
• Contains menthol but DID NOT irritate my skin!!!
• Hygenic pump bottle
• Clears up acne as promised!
• Keeps breakouts under control
• Left my skin clear & smooth

The low-down:

• Expensive
• Made my T-Zone oily
• Cooling sensation did sting a bit for me, near my eyes
• The pump is hard to control the amount that comes out
• Results are not always consistent (good and bad)

My take: I should start off by saying that this product contains menthol! GASP! Menthol is on my no-no ingredient list. But in this case... my skin was NOT adversely affected by it :D There is a slight cooling/refreshing sensation when applying this product, but it's not too strong. I will say though, that when applied anywhere near my eyes, it did sting/burn my eyes a bit, but this quickly fades. Otherwise, it did not irritate my skin.

This light, liquidy gel smooths on easily, and only a little bit is needed to cover a large area. The best thing is, it did clear up my acne within a short period of time (I started using this product when I was having bad breakouts)! It faded my acne and returned my skin to being clear & smooth. But it isn't a "miracle overnight" product, you need to wait to see results! I will say though, the results are not always consistent in regards to the time it takes to clear up acne.

Sometimes, it fades some pimples really quickly (a day--couple days), and other times, it takes a week or so, and sometimes, it does not fade spots completely -- I have two post-acne marks that have not faded completely even though I apply this on them every day. It's not a real big deal to me though, because other than those 2 spots, this product has worked really well for me on numerous other pimples. Also, compared to Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Eliminating Spot Gel -- which only works when it wants to! Grrr! -- this product actually lives up to its claims!

The description also says that it will keep oil under control. Several times, I had applied it to my T-Zone in the morning, but I found that it actually makes my T-Zone more oily/shiny throughout the day, as opposed to not using it at all, and just using setting powder. So now I use it ONLY as an acne spot treatment, and it works rather well that way. I personally do not use it as an oil-control product ATM.

The website FAQ says that the reason this would happen is because "This is part of the healing process which only happens to very dehydrated skin." However, my skin is NOT dehydrated. It is definitely on the oilier side. It also gives the same reasoning in the FAQ section for what I mentioned about the inconsistent results... and recommends additional hydration. I certainly don't want to add moisture to my already oily skin, so I'm not really sure what to make of that :/

The only other things I'd like to note about this product is the price ($51 = kinda up-there), and that although it comes in a hygenic pump-bottle, the pump is a bit hard to control the amount that comes out. For example, I'll want just a little tiny bit to use on one pimple, and I'll try to depress the pump slowly. But not enough comes out. So I'll have to push it a little harder, and then a whole glob ends up coming out. Overall though, this product is an excellent spot treatment!

Would I repurchase/recommend?
I possibly would repurchase this product, but there is alot in the bottle so it'll last me a long time. Again, the only thing really deterring me is the price. But hey, it works, so I guess you're really paying for what you get! Also, it did not help ME with my oily skin, but it might work better for others. Overall, I would recommend it to those searching for new oil control methods, as well as a great acne treatment : )

Disclaimer: this product was provided to me for free, from Cellnique. Please remember that just because it worked for me does not guarantee that it will/won't work for you.

Also, please check out Cellnique Earth to learn more about the impact that paper & bags have on the earth, and how you can go green and reduce, reuse, and recycle!

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Review: Cellnique Advanced Bio Renewal Masque

(This was another sample product that I received from Cellnique)

Price: $51 for 50g (cellnique.com)

What they say: This unparalleled scrub mask is formulated with bio-captured fresh fruit enzymes and acids complex. It works effectively in exfoliating dead cells, optimizing cellular renewal performance and deep pore cleansing, thus revealing a softer, fresher and healthier skin.

Benefits
• Promotes cell renewal
• Slows down aging process
• Exfoliates dead skin cells
• Lightening, brightening and instant radiant effects



Color: Grayish white
Scent: Fresh fruity scent
Texture: Clay type
Feeling: Mild tingling sensation

What to do:



What's in it:

BioCELL eL: Advanced Bio Renewal Masque contains 20% BioCELL eL, Cellnique’s exclusive acid complex formulation that uses AHAs to accelerate cell renewal rates, enzymes and vitamins to neutralize and prevent possible irritation by the acids.

Alpha Hydroxyl Acid: AHAs are known to have the ability to rejuvenate skin by exfoliating dead cells from the skin, this further causes the skin to grow new cells to replace the damaged cells. AHAs also helps in wrinkles and photo-aging.

Enzyme:
• Papaya enzyme + Bromelain from pineapple fruit extract
• Bromelain, an enzyme derived from pineapple plant, Bromelain helps digest keratin protein and promote exfoliation effectively. Skin appears smooth and brightens after the dead skin cells being removed.
• Papain, an enzyme derived from papaya, helps exfoliate damaged and dead skin cells to prevent clogged pores that can result in skin eruptions. It is able to whiten and soften the skin, heal wounds and prevent the subsequent development of pimples.

Full ingredient list: Purified Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Kaolin, Glycolic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, C12-20 Acid PEG-8 Ester, Polysorbate 20, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Papaya (Carica papaya) Enzyme (Papain), Phenoxyethanol, Trithanolamine, Caprylyl Glycol, Titanium Dioxide, Citric Acid, Pomelo (Citrus grandis) Peel Extract, Pineapple (Ananas sativus) Fruit Extract, Acrylate / C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Fragrance, Disodium EDTA, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Potassium Sorbate.

The good stuff:

• Smells like pineapple!!!
• Pretty easy to apply
• Gritty-creamy texture
• Has little exfoliating particles
• Contains AHAs (did not irritate my skin!)
• Dries quickly
• Leaves skin smooth & soft
• Improves skin tone/texture
• Leaves skin looking radiant and healthy

The low-down:

• Expensive!
• The scent becomes kind of odd after awhile (for me)
• The exfoliating particles may be a bit harsh
• You need to use a lot to cover your entire face evenly

My take: Let me start off by saying... this masque smells like pineapple! I love pineapple, so that's a plus for me :D However, after awhile of leaving the masque on, it starts to smell... not so appealing anymore? :/ But it's not a big deal for me. The texture is thick, creamy, and gritty. Easy to slather on, but you have to keep using more and more to cover your entire face in an even layer. My little sample pot has 3g in it, and I used a little more than half the pot for one use, so say, around 2g? The full-size is a 50g tub.... you're basically paying $1 per gram; $2 per use (if you're using the same amount I did). So in 1 full-size tub, I'd estimate that there are ~25 uses. But if you are following the directions and using it 1x a week, it should last ~6 months (of course, don't quote me on this!)

The little exfoliating bits are gentle, but as with any exfoliating product, it might be harsh on sensitive skin, even more so because of the AHAs. I did not really feel any "mild tingling sensation" like the product description states, but maybe I wasn't paying enough attention, haha XD This masque did not irritate my skin though. The overall results? Radiant, clear, smooth, soft skin! I have been using Cellnique's Derma Brightening Complex religiously for the past 2 months, so that is mainly what I would contribute my current "nice skin" to. However, the masque did a great job of making it look nicer :D

Would I repurchase/recommend?
Unfortunately, the only thing really stopping me from buying the full-size product is the PRICE. $51 is a bit too steep for me. PLUS, I feel like I can get very similar and wonderful results using Queen Helene Mud Pack Masque, which only costs $3.99! Sooo... while I think this is an excellent masque that yields great results, I wouldn't repurchase anytime soon; it is definitely more of a "luxury" product! If the price doesn't deter you though, I would certainly recommend it. Maybe not so much for people with sensitive skin though... but you could always patch test/use a very thin layer of product instead of slathering it on like I did :P

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Review + Comparison: Cellnique Skin Purifying Daytime Protection 20

I've been using the products Cellnique sent me for nearly a month now (reviews coming soon!), and I've been using this particular one (sample) for the past few days... and I have to say, I'm in love!

Price: $34 for 30g

What they say: Benefits: A specially designed, non-oily three-in-one formulation providing daytime protection for oily and acne-prone skin. Works as a sun block (UVA and UVB, SPF 20), an acne cream and a natural foundation to blend acne scars for even appearance. Treating Skin Problems: • Blemishes • Acne • Scars / Marks • Congestion • Breakout. Suitable Skin type: Oily

What to do: Apply evenly on the face and neck with upwards and outwards stroking movements (straight lines). Use as a concealed for blemishes or inflamed acne area.

What's in it: Benzoyl Peroxide - An effective anti-bacterial agent for treating blemishes. Benzoyl peroxide penetrates into the follicles in the skin to kill bacteria that cause skin acne problems, with low risk of irritation.

Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) - Salicylic acid is the only beta hydroxy acid (BHA). Salicylic acid has been prescribed as an exfoliant and functions as an anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial for treating breakouts. In addition, salicylic acid has the ability to penetrate into the follicles and skin surface, which helps exfoliate the skin’s surface as well as inside the pore lining where clogged pores (blemishes, blackheads or whiteheads) occur.

Burdock Extract - Burdock is used for its antiseptic properties to regulate oiliness of the skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties help to control and effectively prevent breakouts.

Full Ingredient List: Purified Water (Aqua purificata), Butylene Glycol, Titanium Dioxide, Talc, Ethylhexyl P-Methoxycinnamate, Cyclomethicone, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Lactic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Cetyl Sulphate, Ceteareth-10, Ceteareth-20, Salicylic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxides, Witch Hazel Extract (Hamamelis virginiana), Great Burdock (Arctium lappa) Extract, Iron Oxides, Methylparaben, Dimethicone, Tropical Fragrance.

The good stuff:

• A little goes a LONG way
• Texture is similar to BB cream... slightly thick but blendable
• Versatile, buildable coverage
• Blends seamlessly with skin
• Makes my skin look amazingly smooth and radiant
• Nice, natural, dewy finish
• Lasts all day
• Conceals redness & blemishes very well
• UVA & UVB protection, SPF 20
• Did not break me out
• Holds back shine decently

The low-down:

• Expensive
• Dries kind of quickly...
• However, takes awhile to fully absorb

My take: I have found LOVE in this multi-purpose sunblock... ♥ What I really have to RAVE about is how WONDERFUL it makes my skin look.... but I should start from the beginning. First off, I apply it by swiping some on my finger, and then dabbing it on my cheeks, forehead, nose, chin, and below my eyes. Very little goes a long way. Then I use a makeup sponge wedge to blend it in like the directions suggest; with "upward and outward stroking movements." The texture of this sunblock is very similar to BB cream, on the thick side (thicker than Etude House BB Magic cream but thinner than Skinfood Ginko Green BB cream) but still nice and smooth and blendable. However, the thing with this sunblock is that it dries rather quickly... there is still enough time to blend it in, but it dries a lot faster than say, my Skinfood BB cream. Despite this, it does take awhile for the product to completely absorb into my skin (~1 hour +) so it feels slightly tacky for a bit (I don't like this feeling). But once it is absorbed, my skin feels super smooth.

COMPARISON:

Skinfood has pink undertones while Cellnique is more yellow.
While I do like the finish the Skinfood gives my skin, it makes my skin look a bit dull lately because it isn't the best match for my skintone. The Cellnique looks rather light, but blends seamlessly with my skintone. (Please excuse the bad lighting!)

While the Skinfood is thicker than the Cellnique, it allows for more "playtime" before absorbing into my skin. Although the Cellnique is thinner, and easier to smooth on, you can see that it is already drying here. It needs to be blended in more quickly than the Skinfood.

Blended. Not the nicest, but you get the idea. Cellnique melds into my skin a lot better than the Skinfood, which looks a bit ashy on me. I will say that both give a really nice finish to my skin, but I prefer the Cellnique, hands down.

The coverage is quite versatile... you can use less for sheer coverage, but it is buildable to quite heavy coverage, but still leaves skin looking flawless. I cannot speak for improving my acne because thanks to their Skin Action Sebum Gel, my breakouts have disappeared! (Review coming soon). However, it does do very well at hiding my redness and small blemishes! One thing to note though, although it says that it is specifically for oily skin, I find that it only controls my shine decently... no better than ELF High Definition Powder or EDM pressed powder or BB Cream. It holds it back but I can still see/feel the same amount of shine throughout the day as I do when I use any other foundation/powder. No biggie though, it's a small price to pay for the way it makes my skin look (:

These pictures were taken with my cellphone cam.

These pictures were taken with my Cybershot, with flash.

EYES: ELF Brightening Eyeshadow quad (Nymph Dreams)
FACE: ELF Blush & Bronzer Duo
LIPS: NYX Round lip gloss (Whipped)
Lashes courtesy of TAAZ.com (:

Like I mentioned above, it blends in beautifully with my skin. Once absorbed, it gives off a dewy glow. My skin looks super smooth and my complexion is even-toned and radiant. LOVE! The pictures don't do it enough justice... the finish is SO much nicer IRL. And it lasts all day on me! Even after giving Happy a bath and getting water all over my face! XP This has not broken me out and seems to be aiding in the improvement of my skintone and complexion overall.

Would I repurchase/recommend?
I personally am seriously considering purchasing the full size. It has really impressed me that much! As for recommend, if the price tag doesn't deter you, I'd say it's definitely worth a shot! I think if you like BB creams, you might also like this product.

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Cellnique preview

I was contacted by a Cellnique representative to test & review some of their products. I have been reading many good reviews about their products, so I'm glad I have the opportunity to try them for myself! Here is what I received:

Full-sized products:
Skin Action Sebum Gel, Derma Brightening Complex, Contour De-puffy Jewel

Samples:
Gentle Foaming Cleanser, Skin Purifying Daytime Protection 20, Advanced Bio Renewal Masque

I will be testing these products for the next month or so... then reviewing! =]

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