{
  "status": "Blank template. No observations or results recorded.",
  "roster": [
    {
      "pairId": "finish-and-setting",
      "productIds": [
        "maybelline-matte-ink",
        "maybelline-vinyl-ink"
      ],
      "question": "How does the matte-versus-reflective choice change the application routine and the appearance the wearer wants?",
      "shadeRule": "Choose similar red, rose, or brown depth based on real samples where possible. Do not call two shades equivalent because both names sound nude.",
      "recordDifference": "Vinyl Ink includes shaking; follow each product's own setting directions."
    },
    {
      "pairId": "solid-precision",
      "productIds": [
        "maybelline-ink-crayon",
        "mac-macximal-silky-matte"
      ],
      "question": "Does a maintained crayon point or a conventional bullet better fit the wearer's preferred edge?",
      "shadeRule": "Choose similar apparent depth and a matte family. Record a color mismatch instead of concealing it.",
      "recordDifference": "Tip shape, sharpening, and any liner use must be disclosed."
    },
    {
      "pairId": "classic-cream",
      "productIds": [
        "maybelline-color-sensational-creams",
        "revlon-super-lustrous"
      ],
      "question": "Which direct-from-bullet routine is easier for this wearer to apply and refresh?",
      "shadeRule": "Select a cream finish in the Revlon line; avoid comparing a pearl shade with a cream shade without explaining the difference.",
      "recordDifference": "Confirm formula family and finish on both received packages."
    },
    {
      "pairId": "satin-or-sheer-shine",
      "productIds": [
        "loreal-colour-riche-satin",
        "revlon-glass-shine"
      ],
      "question": "Does the wearer prefer satin color or a more translucent glossy balm effect?",
      "shadeRule": "Choose a broadly similar color family. Treat this as a finish-and-coverage comparison, not a matched-color performance test.",
      "recordDifference": "Underlying lip pigment and layer count will influence the comparison."
    },
    {
      "pairId": "sheer-everyday",
      "productIds": [
        "elf-hydrating-core",
        "clinique-almost-lipstick"
      ],
      "question": "Which sheer format suits a quick touch of color and the wearer's normal refresh pattern?",
      "shadeRule": "Pick an e.l.f. shade reasonably close in family to the selected Honey shade. Photograph the unmatched products honestly.",
      "recordDifference": "Record the heart-core format and exact number of coats; do not infer hydration superiority from a format or ingredient."
    },
    {
      "pairId": "two-step-routine",
      "productIds": [
        "revlon-overtime",
        "covergirl-outlast-all-day"
      ],
      "question": "How practical are the two-stage routines, and what does topcoat upkeep involve?",
      "shadeRule": "Aim for comparable apparent depth in the complete finished looks, while recording the exact shades and any mismatch.",
      "recordDifference": "COVERGIRL specifies a 60-second no-press stage; Revlon's accessible directions say to allow the color to dry. Do not silently impose one brand's instructions on the other."
    }
  ],
  "protocol": [
    {
      "stage": "Identify the actual sample",
      "instructions": "Record the full formula name, shade, size, batch or lot mark if readable, source, date received, whether bought or gifted, and an unedited package photograph. A source or purchase record is kept in the editorial archive, not used as a shopping CTA."
    },
    {
      "stage": "Choose the comparison conditions",
      "instructions": "Use a similar ordinary setting for both products. Assign separate sessions rather than layering one candidate over the other. Record preparation, lip condition in the wearer's own words, food, drinks, and any departure from the plan. A small convenience sample must not be presented as representative of all wearers."
    },
    {
      "stage": "Document the baseline",
      "instructions": "Photograph bare lips in the chosen light, then follow the actual package directions. Consult the application notes on each product page, verify against the received package, and resolve any conflict in favor of current package directions. Record coats, application time, drying time, liner, balm, and any topper."
    },
    {
      "stage": "Observe ordinary wear",
      "instructions": "Suggested checkpoints are immediately after the instructed routine is complete, around two hours, around four hours, after an ordinary drink or meal, and before removal. These are observation times, not promised wear durations. Record actual elapsed time and activities instead of forcing a completed checkpoint after a session stops."
    },
    {
      "stage": "Separate transfer from remaining color",
      "instructions": "If a wearer chooses to make an ordinary cup or tissue contact, record the contact, pressure description, and timing. Photograph the mark and the lips separately. A clean cup does not prove unchanged color; remaining color does not prove zero transfer."
    },
    {
      "stage": "Record upkeep",
      "instructions": "Log every color touch-up, topcoat refresh, edge cleanup, and extra product. Capture before-and-after refresh frames when practical. Do not describe a refreshed look as an untouched original application."
    },
    {
      "stage": "End the session",
      "instructions": "Record removal method, approximate time, number of attempts, and subjective feel in ordinary language. Stop use if the wearer experiences discomfort they do not wish to continue with, and record the stop rather than treating it as a full-length trial. This exercise does not diagnose a reaction or establish clinical safety."
    },
    {
      "stage": "Write the finding",
      "instructions": "Tie each statement to the exact sample, wearer, conditions, and observation. Give preferences and drawbacks together. Use unknown where evidence is missing. Publish a hands-on label only after the corresponding observation and photo records exist."
    }
  ],
  "observationRecord": {
    "sessionId": "",
    "wearerCode": "",
    "publicationPermissionRecorded": false,
    "productId": "",
    "fullFormulaName": "",
    "shadeNameAndNumber": "",
    "packageVersionOrLot": "",
    "sampleSource": "",
    "boughtGiftedOrOther": "",
    "sessionDate": "",
    "lightAndCamera": "",
    "naturalLipPigmentDescription": "",
    "lipConditionInWearersWords": "",
    "preparationAndOtherProducts": "",
    "packageDirectionsRecorded": "",
    "applicationPasses": null,
    "applicationTime": "",
    "settingOrTopcoatSteps": "",
    "baselineImageFiles": [],
    "observations": [],
    "refreshes": [],
    "removalMethodAndAttempts": "",
    "wearerPreferenceAndReason": "",
    "limitations": "",
    "reviewedForPublication": false
  },
  "checkpoint": {
    "actualElapsedTime": "",
    "activitySinceLastCheck": "",
    "appearanceOfCenter": "",
    "appearanceOfEdge": "",
    "transferContactAndMark": "",
    "subjectiveFeelInWearersWords": "",
    "refreshSincePreviousCheck": "",
    "imageFiles": []
  },
  "imageLog": {
    "filename": "",
    "sessionId": "",
    "wearerCode": "",
    "productId": "",
    "exactShade": "",
    "elapsedTime": "",
    "view": "",
    "activity": "",
    "refreshStatus": "",
    "lightingNote": "",
    "editingDisclosure": "",
    "publicationPermission": false
  }
}