Origins Mix & Mask Box by Britishbeautyblogger

I am a huge fan of the BBB Beauty boxes and have had quite a few of them in my time. The current Origins Mix and Mask Box really excited me. I am a huge fan of Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask and it does wonders for my skin when it feels dehydrated and in need of some TLC and that is where my experience with Origins ends. The chance to try some more products from the range was too good an opportunity to miss.

Inside the box there is Five products and a quad of pods. The quad of pods is such a fantastic idea and if you haven't seen them already, you can go along to an Origins stand and purchase a selection of pod masks to try out and they are also handy for travelling with too.

So inside the box we have:

Maskimizer Skin Optimizing Mask Primer

A mask primer sound pretty ingenious to me and it is exactly what it says it is. This primers helps to improve the effectiveness of your clay, cream or sheet face mask. Using a Marine Algae Complex, the lightweight primer hydrates skin and softens pores to allow the mask to spread evenly on the face, whilst helping to boost radiance and hydrate your complexion. It is a fine mist spray, so it is really light on the skin and quite refreshing at the same time. This is a 95ml Full Size, value £18.50.

By All Greens Foaming Deep Cleansing Mask

I adore the sound of this. This Mask is a self-activating foam mask with Green Tea, Spirulina and Spinach helps gently deep clean and unclog pores without stripping skin. Perfect for a skin detox and given it packed full of rich antioxidants, vitamins and minerals it sounds just incredible. You will also find Coconut derived cleansers and Kaolin Clay help remove skin-damaging dirt, pollution and pore-cloggers. So skin gets its’ deepest, purest clean. Feels cool, clear and totally refreshed. A 25ml, Luxury Sample Size, value £11.42

Origins VitaZing SPF 15 Energy Boosting Moisturiser Sheer Tint 

This is a multi-tasking moisturiser that handles the vital jobs of hydrating, energising and protecting to maintain skin's momentum all day. Designed to give your skin a refreshing zing of antioxidant-rich Mangosteen, it adds a healthy hit of radiance that mimics the glow you get from a week's vacation. All in 10 seconds max. This is a 50ml full size, £29

Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask

The only product that I have tried from Origins and reviewed here. I absolutely love this and it uses a blend of avocado and apricot kernel oils along with Japanese seaweed to not only make your skin feel super soft and smooth but it does an amazing job at instantly hydrating skin. Designed to be used around twice a week, it is divine. A 30ml luxury sample size, value £6.90

Original Skin Retexturising Mask Pod with Rose Clay

This is an innovative 2-in-1 mask which is made with Mediterranean Rose Clay, Canadian Willow Herb and exfoliating Jojoba beads. Said to help gently deep clean while refining skins texture. Pores appear to vanish. Clarity is restored. Glow is instant. A 30ml luxury sample size, value £6.90

GinZing Peel Off Mask 

This is the mask I cannot wait to try! My obsession with coffee beauty products is well and truly indulged with refreshing peel-off mask which is fortified with Coffee Beans. So I not only love that it is a peel off mask, who doesn't love to peel off a mask I ask you. It also uses fruit acids and Panax Ginseng alongside the coffee to lift away stubborn dead skin cells, dirt and debris to smooth and refine the skin. A 15ml sample size, value £4.80.

Mask Pods 

This to me is such a great idea for two reasons. Firstly it is a great introduction to Origins masks, a sort of try before you buy if you like. I am a huge fan of getting a decent sized sample product rather than purchasing something full sized and not liking it. Secondly, I am a huge fan of multi-masking. Different areas on my face often need different treatments, more so because I have combination skin which leaves me with an oilt tzone but dry cheeks, so I need lots of moisture in parts and not so much in others.

In my box I got the following:

• Out of Trouble 10 minute Mask Pod to Rescue Skin 
• Drink Up 10 minute Mask Pod to Quench skins Thirst 
• Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask Pod to Clear Pores 

I think the names on these are self explanatory as to what it is they do but for my skin type, Clear Improvement and Drink Up are perhaps the two I would partner to multi-mask. These are 10ml each, value £2.50 each.

If you ever wanted an introduction to a well known brand like Origins, then this is it. It is just absolutely amazing, more than value for money when the contents are quadruple the £20 it cost to purchase. I think this is my favourite box yet.

If all of that isn't enough, inside your box is a code for £10 off when you spend £30 at www.origins.co.uk, a great little treat if you have found a product you absolutely love.

YOU BEAUTY BOX: THE JET SET EDIT: JULY 2016

There have been a few changes to You Beauty Box this month and I am not too sure I like it. It used to be £6.95 per month and for that money you would get to choose two products and then you would be sent two treats. Now you have a choice of three different types of subscription which allows you to selected 2,3 or 4 products with the prices varying accordingly.  I now have the Silver membership option which are £8.95 I can now select a third product from those available on the monthly shortlist. I also receive the usual monthly treats, brand offers, FREE P&P, email previews and the option to cancel at any time.

This months You Beauty Discovery Box is titled 'The Jet Set Edit' and it is packed full of summer beauty buys, perfect for going on holiday with, preparing for that holiday and a touch of glamour. The edit this month features products for your hands, lips, face, body, Sun protection, perfume, nail polish, make up and your hair.

Now initially I had attempted to add Alpha H Liquid Gold to my box, but after a few technical issues, it wasn't to be and the selection was quickly sold out. So instead I had to make further selections and this is what I chose:

White Rabbit Skincare, Lime & Coconut Cleansing Water (30ml £2.25)

I have never come across the brand before and Lime & Coconut sounds like an amazing cocktail, never mind skincare.  White Rabbit Skincare is a brand which hails from Scotland and is described as being 'Luxury Vegan'.  So this Cleansing Water, as you can imagine smells incredible, I absolutely love it andit is  suitable for all skin types!  I have been using it as a first cleanse and it is great for removing make up, dirt and grime from your skin and it does leave my skin feeling so soft and smooth, it is hard not to love it.  

This is definitely one of those brands I might never have discovered had it not been for a beauty box and it is something I am grateful to have found.  A full sized 200ml bottle costs just £15 which is an absolute bargain.

Illamasqua Precision Ink Liner in Abyss (Fullsize £20.50)

This went into my box for a friend who absolutely loves it.  The Precision Ink creates perfect lines with its long-lasting water-proof formula.

With a luxurious fluid consistency which impart rich, effortless colour in one stroke, Precision Ink Eyeliner is perfect for use on the eyes, but can also be used on the face and body for creating sensational makeup effects. As you can see, the Precision Ink Eyeliner has an ultra-thin brush which allows for intricate sharp lines whilst the waterproof formula stays put until you decide it's time to take it off.

Rodial STEMCELL Super-Food Glam Balm Multi (25ml £17.50)

Having tried the lip balm and liking it, I have been wanting to try the Glam Balm Multi for a while.  Described as being 'a super-intensive anti aging multi purpose nourishing balm' it can be used in over 100 different ways to feed skin essential nutrients, restore moisture and balance out dehydrated skin. Using innovative PhytoCellTec Alp Rose stem cells combined with 3D Hyaluronic Filling Spheres it works to quickly reduce the look of fine lines and boost appearance of skin's vitality. 

Glam Balm Multi is packed with a revitalising cocktail of super-food oils and vitamins skin remains protected and moisturised.

Key Benefits:

• Stem Cell (PhytoCellTec™ Alp Rose Flower): Protects against environmental stress.
• VCIP Vitamin C: Helps corrects sun damage an skin tone.
• Calendula Oil: Soothes and calms the skin whilst protecting against skin irritation.
• Hyaluronic Filling Spheres: Instantly plumps fine lines and wrinkles.

The Treats in this months box comes from St Tropez and it is their newest In Shower Gradual Tan Lotion in shade medium.  I was really impressed with the original (here) and I am looking forward to giving this a try so I can see if there is any difference or much change in colour. 

Plus there is a £10 gift card to use with White Rabbit and it has no minimum spend, so I might just be picking up another cleansing water!

So there you have the July You Beauty Box and it is a pretty good box this month, a really good selection of products.  What do you think?

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Camden Beauty Spa - Manicure

If there is one beauty treatment I love, it is a manicure.  There is something quite relaxing about having someone else file your nails, sort your cuticles and then paint them without a hint of a smudge, rogue hair or streak in sight.

Camden Beauty Spa is a fabulous location if you live in London, close to the tube station it is just a few minutes walk away and they are open seven days per week, open late (till 9.30pm Monday to Saturday and 8pm on Sunday) and to top it off you do not need to make an appointment. You can also take advantage of the online booking service so you don’t need to pick up the phone. It is perfect for on the go, last minute or surprise treat.

I went to the Spa for a manicure, though they do offer a lot more treatments which you can find here. I had the classic manicure which comprises of Hand & arm massage, cuticle tidy, shape & Perfect Polish. It lasts for 45 minutes and costs just £21, if you want to add gel polish to your manicure then there is a charge on top. The hardest task for me was choosing a polish, there is a lot to choose from whether you like Essie, OPI or Morgan Taylor. I opted for Essie Carry on which is described as being a deep burgundy purple shade and one I absolutely love.

So here are my nails before I entered the salon, not looking at their best and they had been unfiled for a few weeks!

So as part of my manicure, my nails were cleaned, buffed, filed and shaped, which they most definitely needed as it had been some time since I had done them and then my cuticles were softened and pushed back and doing this makes such a difference I feel. I have always been told to never cut to trim the cuticle unless when it is treated, there are bit of skin hanging. All of this I find so incredibly relaxing and sat looking into space whilst my manicurist just got on with the job.

Once my nails has been sorted, I was treated to an amazing hand and arm massage where upon which I possibly dosed off for a few minutes because it was so relaxing and I actually forgot about life and stress was eradicated.  Once I had been massaged, my nails were then prepped with a base coat, then two coats of Essie before a top coat by Seche Vite and then some cuticle oil and this was the end result.

The manicure, considering it wasn't a gel or shellac polish lasts for 10 days without chipping, which is not only the sign of a good quality polish, but a fantastic manicure done by a brilliant Manicurist and I am absolutely thrilled with the result, the shape of my nails and the whole experience.

If you are looking to treat yourself, a friend or just fancy some pampering, then I cannot recommend Camden Beauty Spa enough, it is an amazing experience, really close to the tube station and is a hassle free experience.

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Magazine Freebies - August 2016

This month see's some absolutely amazing Magazine Freebies, making up for a few months where there has either been none or there is just one or two pretty decent ones, if you follow me on Instagram, I have featured them for this month. The best so far has to come from both Marie Claire and Glamour Magazine if you are a Benebabe and like your brow products or if like me you love a good Benefit Mini, as I showed here.

For those of you who are not in the know, Benefit have just launched a whole new Brow collection, which I have had a sneak peek of and it is pretty fantastic, keep your eye out here for more information. 

That said, in Marie Claire Magazine this month, you can get your hands on one of those brand new products - Read, Set, Brow and it is the product I think I am likely to reach for the most. Goof Proof Brow Pencil which is a clear and sturdy brow gel that promises a flake-free, 24 hour hold completely natural brows that are just set in place. I really liked this gel and you can use it on its own or with other products to ensure those brows stay in place. Ready, Set Brow is £18.50.

Staying with the Benefit freebies we have Glamour Magazine which has Gimme Brow in two different shades, 1 (light) and 5 (dark). Gimme Brow which has been given a makeover, is a tinted eyebrow gel which contains tiny microfibers that adhere to skin & hairs, creating natural-looking fullness and definition. The custom, tiny tapered brush blends easily while the precision tip shapes hairs into place.

Also this month:

• Red Magazine - The Organic Pharmacy trio of skincare products which include a Marigold and Comfrey handcream, Antioxidant Lip Balm and a duo rose face cream which together are worth £20.95
• Harper's Bazaar - L'Occitane choice of 4 products which include the iconic shea butter hand cream, the nourishing almond shower oil, or the refreshing Néroli & Orchidée scent which is divine or one of my favourites and that is the Imortelle Divine Creme which is as the name suggests, totally divine. Together these products are worth £32!

Image Credit - Harpers Bazaar

So, once again there are some fabulous freebies to be had this month which are more than worthy of being picked up.  Have you picked up any yet?

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

MY PURRFECT GIFT BOX | JUNE EDITION

I am back once again with the amazing Mypurrfectgiftbox* on the blog and as I have said before, it is an absolute must for cat lovers, cat loving friends and for your furry friends.

Kim and Juan Kniveton the founders of My Purrfect Gift Box are dedicated cat lovers, so much so they moved back from the USA to the Isle of Man to set up and run their own idyllic countryside retreat for cats - Boodee Beg Boarding Cattery, something I dream of doing (if I ever win the lottery). With their onsite gift shop not doing as well as they had hoped, Kim and Juan decided to start My Purffect Box and each month they choose to focus on a different cat charity, rescue centre or shelter and highlight the work they do through their social media sites and through information that comes in each box. They then donate 5% of all our profits from that month's box to that chosen charity of the month.

This box is aptly titled 'Head To The Beach' and the items enclosed are ready for you and your cat to enjoy the summer sunshine and again it is packed full of amazing products that are hand made!

Starting with the gifts for the crazy cat lovers we have some cat eye sunglasses which are obviously an essential summer item to have. These are possibly the cutest things I have ever seen and they are not only stylish but they will protect your eyes with UV protection.  They also come with an incredibly cute cat sunglasses case (which I adore) from Etsy seller LukieDukie.

Next up we have some cat themes luggage tags and there is one thing for certain, there is no way you wouldn't not spot your own luggage with these. With two in the box, they are lovely and bright white and have a stunning cat print them on with enough room to write the important information.  Again these come from an Etsy Store - Theeclecticcloset and are available in black & White or in Colour.

Everyone needs a tote bag and as far as I am concerned you can never have enough of them. I always ensure I have one in my handbag so I am not having to pay out for a carrier bag. This beautifully designed cat tote bag is etched with an original drawing by an artist.  Made from 100% cotton, again you can find it on Etsy from artdp.

The final gift for humans comes in the form of a lip balm and I am one of those people who has an obsession with lip balms, but this isn't like any other I have used.  This one is infused with pure catnip essential oil for a fresh minty flavour and is enhanced with extracts from Gunpowder Green Tea and Gotu Kola.  Given my cats reactions to anything catnip, I am quite interested to see how they react to this.  Available on Etsy from wildroseherbs store.

Gifts for the cats have caused some excitement this month, well for Dexter anyway!  Starting with the cat candy toy which is soft, cuddly and so very brightly coloured, you cannot miss it.  With a jingle bell and a bit of catnip, Dexter has a new favourite toy.  Available from rufflesnufflemat.

Finally in the box we have two products which go hand in hand with one another.  A sachet of Encore natural cat food which my boys absolutely love and I buy it for them as a treat or as a change from the food they currently have and a Mason & Cash ceramic cat bowl which is far too cute and I want to keep it to myself

I think this is just another fabulous box. I love that there is a great inclusion of products for my boys and for my as a crazy cat lady. Boxes start from £15.95 and there is a choice of three boxes to choose from depending on your budget and then you have a further option as to whether you would like a one off box or a subscription.

So, if like me, you are a crazy cat lady or have a crazy cat friend, this is a perfect little unique gift to give or purchase for yourself as well as do you bit for charity!  I also absolutely love the Crazy Cat Lady Accessories Box!

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Braun Silk-expert IPL

As summer has arrived, by that I mean the Great British Summer, it is time to ensure those legs are looking the very best they can be when the time comes to grab those skirts, shorts, cullottes and pretty dresses.  For me, that means a huge exfoliation exercise and being hair free.

I am the first to admit that I find shaving my legs incredibly boring but it is a necessary evil and it is one of those tasks I never look forward to doing, much like cleaning my make-up brushes.  So when I was given the Braun Silk-Expert  iPL* hair removal system to use, it was love at first use.

To give a little background to the device, the Braun Silk-expert is a ground-breaking IPL system which results in permanent visible hair reduction in as little as four treatments. It works beneath the skin's surface by targeting the melanin in the hair follicle, helping to break the cycle of hair re-growth. With continued, regular use, it helps prevent unwanted hair from reaching the skin's surface. Not only that, but this device has what is called intelligent SensoAdapt technology which continually reads and adapts to your skintone throughout use, and emit gentle pulses of light which are tailored to your needs.

The device is incredibly easy to use and this is in part due to its design, it is sleek, not at all heavy and it doesn't hurt, sting, pinch or burn the skin in anyway shape or form and it is something you can use at any time of the day and as part of your skincare routine. It also doesn't leave my legs feeling dry and nor does it cause irritation, in fact I can find no fault with it what-so-ever.

The device is designed to be used on legs, underarm, bikini line and it can be used on your face, though it is not suitable for being used near the eyes because it is capable of producing 120,000 flashes and these flashes are part of the IPL technology. When it is in use, it flashes every 1-2 seconds which means a treatment on your leg takes around 8 minutes, which I find really impressive.

It also has two different modes of use.  The first is called the Gliding Mode which is for fast but efficient treatments and the second is called Press and Release which is designed for treating smaller more sensitive areas such as the underarm, upper lip and bikini line, so again, depending on your preference for use, there is something to try and decide which works best for you.

I have been using this device for the last few months and I am so impressed with it. Firstly, I have been waiting for some hair to grow back so I can show picture evidence of it working, but it is so good I have been waiting weeks to just to post this review. Now I don't have very hairy legs, so to speak, the hair is quite sparse in places

As you can see the hair on my legs is taking quite some time to grow back and that is after using it once a week for 8 weeks. 

Braun Silk-expert is an IPL system which results in permanent visible hair removal in as little as four treatments. It works beneath the skin's surface by targeting the melanin in the hair follicle, helping to break the cycle of hair re-growth. With continued, regular use, it helps prevent unwanted hair from reaching the skin surface. This Braun Silk-expert IPL is most effective on light to medium skin tones with hair ranging from natural blonde to dark brown or black. The device is least effective on very blonde, red, grey or white hair where the smaller amount of melanin does not absorb the light.
Finally, if you are as forgetful as me, don't worry, Braun have it covered with their app! The Braun Silk-expert IPL mobile application helps remind you of treatment dates, usage instructions and can even track your progress. You will be able to visualize the importance of the SensoAdaptTM skin tone sensor in getting the safest, most effective treatment. Braun Silk-expert: permanent visible hair removal made easy - now that is cool!

This device is available exclusively from Boots and this is a special edition as it comes with a Face Cleansing Brush.

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

#TEAMME with Superdrug | Yokebe

Superdrug have recently launched their #TeamMe summer campaign and they are working with well-known Olympians and members of the public to get the nation healthy and achieving their personal health and fitness goals. 

Whether your goal is losing weight, quitting smoking or getting your blood pressure under control, Superdrug will provide members of #TEAMME with the impetus, inspiration and expertise to get you there. #TEAMME is a team for all the regular people out there wanting to achieve their own personal health goals and with Superdrug by their side everyone across the country can set their own goal: to be the me they want to be.

I was sent a lovely package of products to work my way through and for me losing a bit of weight is something I have been doing but when you reach a plateaux it becomes much harder to shift those pounds and you become a little de-motivated. So Yokebe is what is referred to as being Active Food and is essentially a meal replacement shake for weight loss made with 100% natural ingredients + all the vitamins, minerals and macronutrients your body needs.  

Now I have never tried any kind meal replacement shake diet, I have never thought it was for me and it always looked and sounded far too time consuming, but I decided to give Yokebe a try.  My package included two tins of Yokebe in Natural Honey Flavour plus a couple of shakers plus a box of Yokebe Active Food 1 Week Turbo Diet Pack. 

The ethos with Yokebe is quite simple and is as follows:"We believe that meal replacements are the most effective way to lose weight. But this shouldn’t mean feeling hungry, lacking of energy, and yo-yo dieting. Yokebe’s formula is full of delicious natural goodness that nourishes your body, harnessing protein for active weight loss and a feeling of fullness".

Now the shake is really easy to make and it takes just a few minutes, much less time than I was expecting:

1. Pour 200 ml low-fat milk (1.5 % fat) in your Yokebe shaker.
2. Then add 50 g Yokebe (5 heaped measuring spoons or 5 heaped tablespoons) to the milk.
3. Finally, add 1/2 teaspoon (1.5 g) vegetable oil with a high level of unsaturated fatty acids (sunflower oil, safflower oil) - This is so you can absorb all of your fat solumble vitamins (A, D and E)
4. Tightly close the shaker and shake it vigorously!

Having used Yokebe now for 2 weeks solid, I admit the taste is not for me.  I find it to be quite chalky, too sweet smelling and the taste is just not for me at all.  Once you have made your drink, it isn't one you can leave to sit around for a while because it separates slightly and becomes gloopy and given it contains milk, if left in the sun it will curdle.  That said, I was determined to stick with it and whilst I don't usually step on to any scales, I did for this and after 2 weeks of having a shake for breakfast instead of cereal or toast, the loss was 6lbs. I found the shakes to be incredibly filling and whilst I don't tend to snack much, I found lunchtime moving from 12.30-1.30pm because I simply wasn't hungry. I just need to find a way to deal with the taste or look to trying the chocolate version which has caught my eye.

If you find you need a bit of inspiration or advice, then #TeamMe is definitely one to look in to and you can find all the information here.

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Pixi by Petra AW16 Collection

A few days ago I was invited to a sneak preview of the AW16 collection from Pixi by Petra. Most people will associate Pixi with the cult classic Glow Tonic which has taken the blogging world by storm, so to be privileged to see the collection at first hand, was an absolute dream.

The store, which can be found in Fouberts Place here in London is an Instagram dream, you might even have seen me Snap-chatting it during event itself, and every bloggers delight with white backgrounds, rose gold signage and brush holders.

The AW16 collection. which keeps the green and gold packaging, has eight different products to devour.  Starting with the Lash Nourish Makeup Remover Pads (£10) which are just so cute. Designed to sweep off that smoky eye and stubborn waterproof mascara, these pads use a gentle blend of botanical oils and aloe vera to deeply condition your lashes and nourish the delicate under eye area.  

Glow Tonic To-Go (£20). Now these pads are the perfect tonic for the lazy (me). Each pad is saturated with the perfect amount of Glow Tonic and they are portable, so they are great for taking away with you.  The formula for Pixi Glow Tonic is designed to provide an instant freshness to your skin whilst brightening, hydrating and gently exfoliating and if you are a fan of the bottled version, you will love these pads too.

The best of bright kit (£22) is a product I got all excited about a few months ago because it is just fabulous and again, the perfect travel companion or a brilliant introduction to the Pixi brand.  In this little kit you will find a mini Pixi Glow Tonic, a deeply purifying Glow Mud Cleanser and a a Glow Mud Mask to detoxify.

So that is the skincare sorted and I have to say, I would gladly take one of each, they are so beautifully presented and as a Glow Tonic junkie, the mud mask sounds like heaven as does the cleanser.

Pixi also have their own brand of makeup and again, the packaging mirrors that of the skincare and five new products to add to the already extensive list of products, they are well worthy of checking out.

Starting with a Multibalm (£12) which comes in five different shades - Watermelon Veil, Wild Rose, Baby Petal, Soft Strawberry and Sheer sculpt, they use a stay-on creme powder formula which is lightweight and glides effortlessly onto the skin to give a pop of colour.  Buildable and blendable they are infused with aloe vera, shea butter and rosehip oil to protect the skin.  They can be used on the lips and cheeks.

One product I was delighted to see is the Lower Lash Mascara (£11). The wand is just so amazingly cute and tiny and it has been designed to define and intensify those lower lashes.  Using a slim brush which has short bristles, your lashes are coated after one application and again and it even catches those little tiny eyelashes in the corner of your eyes.  The formula is water resistant and has added Vitamin E and hydrolyzed silk to help it stay on all day and is suitable for even the most sensitive of eyes.

Also within the collection are the following:

Lash Line Ink in Velvet Cocoa (£12) is a deep brown ink liner which glides on like a dream and it uses a water resistant, non feathering quick drying formula. What I like about this is how it doesn't budge once it is on, whether you rub your eyes or if it is raining.

Lip Lift Max (£14) comes in two shades - Sheer Rose and Honey Sheen. Designed to be volume-maximising lip treatments, they leave a glossy finish which when applies has a cooling sensation on the lips and a hint of colour. They are non-tacky/sticky and

Endless Silky Eye Pens (£12) in two beautiful shades which are Graphic Greige and Opal Overcoat. These waterproof, non-smudge, no-budge eyeliners glide on effortlessly and stay put all day without a need to re-touch or apply.

As you can see, Pixi products are just absolutely stunning to look at and use, there is something about the packaging and how effortlessly easy everything is to use and wear.

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise