Vagisil Intimate Feminine Wash Review

This is a review of Vagisil Intimate Feminine Wash. This was released in India by Elder Pharmaceuticals in Feb this year, along with two other feminine hygiene products: Vagisil Anti-Itch Creme and Vagisil Intimate Feminine Lubricant. I bought it online from Medplusbeauty.com. In the past I have used a few bottles of Lactacyd and another feminine hygiene wash from Avon. Since Lactacyd is not readily available in my current city, I thought of giving this a try.

 Vagisil Intimate Feminine Wash India 

Quantity: 100 gms

Price: INR 120

Shelf Life: 24 Months

Packing: Flip open cap, Inverted Tube, nozzle comes sealed with aluminium foil. Need to puncture the seal before using.

 Vagisil Intimate Feminine Wash Swatch 

Vagisil Intimate Feminine Wash looks and smells like Clinic Plus Shampoo (blue gel). It is highly concentrated and very sticky. Initially a lot of liquid used to come out and I felt that this kind of liquid product should not come in such tube packing. This comes in a bottled packaging in other countries. Later as the level went down, it wasn't that runny. 

PRODUCT CLAIMS:

Well, despite the 'gently cleanses without irritation, even on sensitive skin' claim, this product is causing me itching. I have been using this daily for 2 months now. Initially a lot of liquid used to flow out, and because it was difficult to put it back in, I would use the whole amount. It would take almost a bucket of water to rinse off. I have reduced the quantity to just a pea sized amount and still it's such a pain to rinse off :(

Dashing a direct stream of water in the feminine private area is not advisable, as it disturbs the natural pH and washes off the body's natural defense layering against infections. Then if you have to dash a lot of water there just to rinse off this product, it defeats the whole purpose of using it in the first place. Honestly, I have seen no difference between washing my private parts with this or any other highly foaming shampoo. Initially I didn't like it for excessive foaming and now I hate it even more because it has eventually started itching.

Well, the embarrassing feminine odour they are using as a marketing stunt, it is important to note here that the feminine private part and discharge do have their own distinct smell and it is something natural and nothing to be embarassed about. But if it smells really odd or foul, it is advisable to see a doctor than use such a stupid wash full of Sodium Laureth Sulphate.

INGREDIENTS:

Here comes the best part. A product that looks so innocent at face value and uses attractive terms like 'hypoallergenic, enriched with skin-soothing chamomile, Vitamin E and Aloe', can you imagine what all goes into it. I researched each ingredient and found that besides SLS (Sodium Laureth Sulfate), this feminine wash contains other potentially harmful chemicals, which are restricted from use in cosmetics in certain countries. Even where these are allowed, there is a certain % in which they can be used, but the percentages are not mentioned anywhere on the packaging.

SLS: A surfactant commonly used in shampoos. Carcinogen and can cause skin allergies.

DMDM Hydantoin: Used as a preservative instead of Formaldehyde. But this product itself slowly releases formaldehyde in a product, therefore posing a bigger danger. This is suspected of causing skin or sense organ toxicity.

Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate: Again a preservative, used as an alternative to parabens. It is acutely toxic by inhalation and should not be used in products that can be aerosolized or inhaled. It is a potent and proven contact allergen, which causes allergic dermatitis. This is also commonly found in skin wipes though it is banned in cosmetics in certain countries.

Benzothonium Chloride: This compound is highly toxic by ingestion. It is also harmful by inhalation or skin absorption. It is an irritant of the skin, eyes, mucous membranes, and upper respiratory tract. When heated to decomposition this chemical emits very toxic fumes of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and hydrogen chloride gas. It is sensitive to light, meaning can cause chemical reaction when exposed to light.

I had been thinking of checking the ingredients ever since the itching started. At first glance, I thought it could be SLS but I see there are other potential allergans in this product that could be causing it.

People with sensitive skin, stay away from this. If you use a feminine wash in your daily routine please share your views/comments.

Everteen Natural Intimate Wash Review

Lactacyd Feminine Wash Review

Clean and Dry Intimate Wash Review

Alternate Uses for your Makeup and Toiletries

Ever thought your makeup and toiletries can be used beyond their usual purpose? Of course, a lot of these items can be multifunctional, if we give it a thought. Here are some alternate ways you can use your toiletries and makeup:

Disclaimer: The images used in this post are for illustration only. They are meant to be used as generic images for the items discussed and are in way associated with any brand promotion. You can use any item from any brand to achieve these results.

 Nail polish remover  

Nail polish remover can be used to remove stubborn sticker gum from utensils and other articles. A few years ago I bought cutlery and there were stickers around the neck of each spoon and fork. I tried every possible thing to remove the black gum left behind but it won’t come off. Finally, I tried nail polish remover and it came off in a jiffy. It can also be used to remove paint and nail polish stains from certain surfaces.

 Talcum powder 

Ever got your dress spoilt with curry stains while attending a party? Simply sprinkle a lot of talcum powder on the stain and rub it in. It will immediately absorb most of the oil and the food color. Scrape off the yellowish greasy powder and then sprinkle and rub more powder into the stain. Fold it away keeping the stained side up so it does not spoil the rest of the dress. By next day the stain would be gone or almost gone. The sooner you treat it with talcum powder the better the results.

Works like magic for the worst grease spots on Silk.

 Bleach activator powder 

When you are knocked down with bad cold with runny nose and can hardly open your eyes, simply sniff some activator powder that comes with your facial bleach cream. Usually a lot of this is left over after your cream is used up. This has ammonia and the strong smell instantly shoots up to your brain and gives immediate relief. Learnt this in the chemistry lab during school time.

 Cleansing Milk 

Cleansing milk is an excellent cleanser for leather goods from shoes to wallets to belts to bags, jackets, handbags… anything leather. Simply put some cleansing milk on a ball of cotton and cleanse the leather item like you would clean your face with it. For difficult to reach areas in your purse folds, clean using a Q-tip/ear bud dipped in cleansing milk. Gives new life to leather items. Helps remove the fungus during rainy reason. Have been doing this since school time.

 Nail Polish 

 This has multiple uses. 

Seals cuts in skin: When I get a cut in my skin and have to do laundry or dishes or anything that involves the cut’s contact with water, simple Band aid comes off, even the water proof one doesn’t stay for long. I simply cover the cut with some nail paint. Colored or clear nail paint is your choice. That seals the cut, prevents the water from getting in and helps speed up the recovery. Burns for a few seconds but provides great protection.

Marking for differentiation: When my mom and I are using similar combs, I mark one of them with nail paint to differentiate. Same can be used for utensils when you/your kids go camping and take utensils along, which may mix up with others. You can mark an initial of your name or simply a colored dot on your item.

Marking for exactness: If there is a hot and cold water mixer in your bathroom, use nail polish to mark the exact position of the hot/cold water knobs/lever, at which you get the ideal water temperature. Put a mark/dot on the knob and one on the wall and the two should be opposite, just like you set temperature for your clothes iron.

Color Coding: Anything poisonous in the home can be marked with red nail paint so you can even see from a distance that there is something children need to stay away from.

Lamination: When I have to courier some documentation, I usually apply clear nail paint on the written name and address just in case it may get rub off with water. It laminates that area. If you are allergic to metal fashion jewelry, simply coat a thin layer of clear nail paint on the area that comes in contact with your skin. Let it dry and you are ready to wear it without the fear of any skin reaction.

Rust proofing: Apply clear nail paint under the base of any metal containers in your kitchen or bathroom, which may spoil the surface with ugly rust stains. You can use old clear nail polishes.

Sealing buttons: Applying clear nail paint on the thread on buttons seals the thread and makes the buttons stay longer on your shirts/dresses. Just be careful when applying, so you don’t drop any on your clothes. If a small thread is coming out of the button, which may just be waiting for a pull to take the button off the shirt, seal it with clear/transparent nail paint as a temporary solution.

Threading a Needle: When your mom or you are finding it difficult to thread a needle, just dip the tip of the thread in a nail paint and wipe off the extra paint between your thumb and finger or with a paper tissue. The tip will harden in a few seconds and you can easily pass it through the eye of the needle. Particularly helpful if you are into jewellery making and at times may not be using a needle to thread the beads together.

 Shampoo 

Shampoos are the best cleanser for your combs, hair brushes and even make up brushes. Just dilute some shampoo and dip the combs/hair brushes/ makeup brushes in it till clean. Usually works within a few minutes and then rinse thoroughly with clear water. You can also directly rub shampoo in the base of wet combs/hair brushes (where there is lint and grime) and leave for some time.

 Astringent 

Astrigent can be used on insect bites to soothe the stingy feeling.

 Tooth paste 

Skin Burns: Tooth Paste can be used on skin burns for immediate relief. White toothpaste applied to pimples and left overnight can help dry down the pimple/zit.

Cleaning Silver Jewelry: The traditional white toothpaste can be used to shine blackened silver jewelry. Just rub the silver jewelry with tooth paste and all the blackness starts coming out immediately. Let the jewelry sit for 2 minutes and wash with plain water. Ta da, your silver jewelry sparkles like new! You can also try it on blackened metallic jewelry, works in most cases.

 Hair Dryer 

If your watch / cellphone or any electronic item happens to get soaked into water and stop functioning, the first thing to do is to switch them off, open and clean with a cloth to soak excess water and then dry up using a hair dryer. That’s what the phone repair companies also do. 

I also used hair dryer to repair my washing machine. I had to dry up a pipe and create vacuum in it before refitting it. Hair dryer did the trick for me.

 Vaseline 

• Rub on a stuck zipper to help it run smoothly. 
• Apply to rusted surfaces/ rusty-squeaky door handles or hinges, to ease up the rust and then wipe clean excess grease. 
• Vaseline also helps remove eye makeup easily. 
• Helps dissolve dried up oil curry stain on hard surfaces. If you don’t want to rub off hardened food stains from your precious furniture with wet cloth, just dab some Vaseline and let it become soft. Wipe off with a paper tissue. All the oil and stains should be gone. 
• If a ring or bangle is stuck on your finger/arm, Vaseline helps to easily ‘slip’ it off your body without hurting you much.

 Mascara and Eyeliner 

Mascara can be used to cover a gray hair here and there on special occasions. This is helpful only when you have just a few grey hair, which does not require hair coloring. This needs practice because you can over apply and make your hair hard or you may not be able to apply properly to cover the grey. It does help, but practice in advance. 

            

Old liner brushes can be used during nail art for drawing lines or as a dotting tool or for making intricate designs during pot painting.

Old mascara bottles can be refilled with castor /almond/coconut oil to easily apply to eyelashes at night, particularly during winters. Make sure to clean them thoroughly before using and also that the bottle is made from good quality plastic. Do not re-use Cheap plastic for long.

Bindis can be used for body art, nail art and traditional big red bindis can also be used for doing half moon maincures. For bindis, make sure you stick the bindi a few times to a paper or another surface to reduce the gum for a cleaner manicure.

 Soap Bar 

Used soap bars can be used to collect tiny glass pieces from the floor. If you happen to break something and can’t find the tiny glass particles, just gently wipe the wet soap bar on the floor and all glass particles will stick to it.

Soap is also helpful to maintain visibility while driving car in mad rainy weather. Scrub some soap in the windshield and it will not let the rain blur your vision. You will need to reapply it frequently as the rain wipes away the previous layer.

I hope you find this article interesting and useful. Do add any more tips you know of, in the comments below.

Organic Surge Colour Protect Shampoo Review

This is a review of Organic Surge Colour Protect Shampoo for colour-treated hair. I was using chemical hair colors for 9 years and kept using ordinary SLS based shampoos all this while, as I did not know earlier that color treated hair need milder products and special care. My hair ends started tangling into rigid knots after each wash. My first color protect shampoo was from Vidal Sassoon, that proved a disaster and my search for an SLS free shampoo brought me to Organic Surge.

Organic Surge Color Protect Shampoo

Price: INR 625 (I buy for INR 500 from medplusbeauty.com *highest discount)

Quantity: 250 ml / 8.33 floz
Made in the UK

Initially this shampoo was available at medplusbeauty.com at 50% discount for INR 312.50. But now the maximum discount is 20% at medplus. Other online stores are selling at a higher price.

Package Description:

Your hair’s best friend… colour treated hair needs extra care to maintain hair health and prevent colour fade or discolouration. Colour protect shampoo blends intense natural moisturisers with lychee extract, which is scientifically proven to prolong the radiance of colour-treated hair and improve manageability, leaving it looking softer, shinier and more vibrant.

Read the rest of the description here:

Organic Surge Colour protect shampoo is a blend of 98% naturally-derived and organic ingredients

Contains organic peach extract and almond essential oil.
Organic Surge is against animal testing.

ORGANIC SURGE COLOR PROTECT SHAMPOO INGREDIENTS:

Phenoxyethanol is used in products as an alternative to parabens and alone, it is unsafe for use near eyes, mouth, ear etc. But every product in the market contains either Parabens on Phenoxyethanol. Here, Phenoxyethanol / Benzyl Acohol / Potassium Sorbate combination gives it antimicrobial properties against Bacteria, Yeast and Moulds. These are added as preservatives.

I have never felt any itching on the scalp or irritation with this shampoo.

Smell: It has a deliciously sweet fruity fragrance
Color: Looks exactly like pineapple or sweetlime juice
Consistency: It is a little runny/watery

MY EXPERIENCE WITH ORGANIC SURGE COLOR PROTECT SHAMPOO

I have used 3 bottles of this shampoo so far. Recently started using an SLS-free shampoo bar from another brand because this shampoo is very costly now. But I love Organic Surge and will still repurchase it for the following reasons:

• It treated the burning in my scalp caused by the Vidal Sassoon Color Care shampoo
• It deeply enhances my hair color.
• It smells sweet and delicious, and feels like I am washing my hair with fruit juice than a shampoo.
• The best part is, I can wash my long hair within a few minutes. This has no Sodium Laureth Sulfate or any such chemical foaming agents, so it rinses off within 2-3 full big mugs of water.
• This shampoo is clarifying as it removed all the heaviness (deposits from continuous rich conditioning) from my hair and has made them light and soft.
• Organic Surge Colour Protect Shampoo gives immense shine, great visibility and radiance to my hair color.

Regarding the ‘Longer lasting Colour’ claim, I honestly did not find much weightage in that. It will protect your hair color if you use a permanent hair color but for any temporary hair colors I tried, they all washed out in 3 uses with this shampoo. So for that matter, you can use any shampoo from their wide range and they all will give you beautiful hair.

Since I now use Henna, I have used it with Henna too and it works awesome on Henna treated hair.

I rarely use any conditioner now still my hair are soft. I was suffering from excessive hair loss and continuous use of this shampoo has stopped my hair loss despite stress and poor sleep/diet patterns.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

When you switch from an ordinary or SLS based shampoo to a non-SLS shampoo, it takes some time for your hair to adapt and adjust. Initially the shampoo won’t lather much and you may not feel any shine or special difference in your hair. But after a month or so, your will notice great difference when your hair have adjusted to it. The shampoo will then lather much more than before and will make your hair softer. My hair just thank me for giving them this fruity treat.

A Strand of my hair washed with Organic Surge color protect shampoo, coated with Vidal Sasoon Color care treatment after 44 hrs of shampooing.

HOW DOES THIS SHAMPOO LATHER?

It contains Sucrose Laurate and Lauryl Glucosyde (derived from coconut oil and sugar) as surfactants.

People who love excessive foam during shampooing may not like it as it does not foam like SLS based shampoos.

TIPS:

1. This shampoo is a little runny like thick fruit juice, so you need to be careful while pouring it out. As the level of shampoo goes down with usage, it becomes easier to handle.
2. Works best when diluted with a little water.
3. It won't lather on rubbing into the scalp. Pat the diluted shampoo into the scalp and it will spread like a dream.

You can use any conditioner of your choice (even chemical based) every 2-3 weeks while using this shampoo and your hair will shine with health. People with hair problems or chemically-treated hair better avoid conditioner and use hair serum instead.

I had suggested Organic Surge Moisture Boost Shampoo to some readers who did not have color treated hair and were looking for an SLS free shampoo. Some of them are using it and are very happy with the results. I will also try Moisture Boost in the near future.

Repurchase: Yes

Recommend?: Highly

UPDATE Aug 27, 2013: This particular shampoo has been discontinued. Organic Surge has reformulated its Moisture Boost shampoo into a Color protect shampoo now. It will soon be restocked on most online stores and you can try that. It is NO LONGER sulphates free, though it may be mild. I won't be repurchasing it as I am wary of the new ingredient list.

Enhance your Google Account (GMail Security): PART 2

Enhance your Google Account (GMail Security): PART 2

This part of the post will help you decide if you would like to enable SMS auth on your Google Account. Added security comes with a few additional steps. So you first need to know how this will affect your access to other Google Applications like GTalk, accessing Gmail on your phone device etc. Most screenshots are self-explanatory, so I will let the pictures do the talking. Click on each picture to see enlarged view.

Disclaimer: The use of Google logos is just for educational purposes and in no way intends any copyright violation

Once you click the 'Confirm' button and complete the set-up for 2-step verification, you will be asked to re-login. Enter your password and you will see this screen:

First Screen you see after setting up 2-Step verification

GENERATING BACKUP CODES:

You will be prompted to save backup codes when you come to the above screen. You can do that immediately, or choose to do that later by going to your Google Account settings >> Security settings and editing your 2-step verification settings (explained later).

IMPORTANT: As mentioned in the above picture, under 'Application-specific passwords', your normal account password will no longer work when you access applications like GTalk or Gmail application etc on your mobile phone. When you will access Gmail using an internet browser, you will use your normal password and the SMS code. But when you will access the GMail application on your smart phone, you will need an Application-specific password.

Gmail application for Android phone. Needs application specific password.
Note: As a security ettiquette, I have archived all fan emails before taking this screenshot.

HOW TO CREATE APPLICATION SPECIFIC PASSWORDS?

To generate application specific passwords, click on 'Manage application specific passwords as highlighted in the above pic. This is what you will see:

Generate Application-specific passwords

This is how the password looks. Create as many as you need for each application. If you clear cache and cookies and forget that you need application specific password to re-login, how will you know? Well, the application will not let you sign in with your regular password and you will get an error. This should remind you that you need to generate a new application-specific password in Google Account settings.

You DO NOT need to remember any of these names or application passwords. These passwords are NOT reusable. So every time you clear your computer's or cellphone's/ device's cache and cookies, you will need to use an easy name and generate a password to get into the application. Easy peasy, isn't it?

The screen you see above is shown to you right after you enable 2-step verification. To come back to these options later, simply log in to your Google Account Settings at:

accounts.google.com

and click on 'Security' from the options in the left:

This is what you see after you click on 'Edit':

If you need more help in understanding application specific passwords, you can watch THIS VIDEO

I hope this is really helpful to people who constantly worry about their account security or who have been victims of account hijacking in the past (like me). If you are ready to set up 2-step verification, click HERE.

To go to the first part of this post, click HERE.

Please leave your feedback comments to let me know if this was something great to know about. Stay SAFE, stay HAPPY!

Enhance your Google Account (GMail Security): PART 1

Enhance your Google Account (GMail Security): PART 1

Even though Gmail is the most secure of all email platforms I have used so far, your security is always at risk if you use a different email service as your alternative email. 

Image Courtesy web

I have learnt the harder way, to protect my account and would now love to share with my readers, how you can have a super secure GMail account. So today I am going to talk about setting up SMS auth for your Google account.

Your Google Account includes all Google services you use with the same Email ID and password:  GMail, Google Maps, Blogger, Orkut, Google+, iGoogle, GTalk etc. As the name says, SMS auth means authorizing access to your Google Account with the help of an SMS. It is also called 2 step verification. So in order to access your account, you will need to verify: 1. your User ID and password 2. An SMS code.

Once you enable SMS auth security on your Google Account, there will be an extra layer of security before you can access our account. After you will enter your User ID and password, a code will sent to your registered phone number through SMS. You will need to enter this code on the screen to be able to access your account. If you do not receive the SMS, you can click on the link there to instantly receive a phone call with the code.

HOW WILL THIS PROTECT YOU?

Though this is an additional step, it makes your Google Account (including GMail) super secure. So even if someone gets your password, they cannot hack your account till you have your phone with you. The hacker won’t be able to log in till the time they enter the SMS auth code (which will come to your phone). Also, if you receive an SMS auth code and you did not try to log in, you will automatically get to know that someone else is trying to access your account without your authority.

ENABLE SMS AUTH / 2-STEP VERIFICATION IN 4 EASY STEPS:

Just 4 steps and you are done. You can do this even if you just check the pictures below. To enable SMS auth or 2-step verification for your Google Account go to this link:

https://accounts.google.com/b/0/SmsAuthConfig

Now before you do that, read on for the complete tutorial and also to find out if you would like to enable it. When you click on the above link, you will be asked to sign into your Google Account. After entering user ID and password, you will see this page:

STEP 1: Set up your phone.

STEP 2: Verify your phone

STEP 3: Choose to add your present computer as 'Trusted'. On a trusted computer/device, Google won't ask you for an SMS code each you log in, till you clear cache and cookies.

STEP 4: Confirm and YOU ARE DONE!

IS THIS FOOLPROOF?

This is foolproof till the time you have your phone with you. But if the hacker is a friend/family member who has physical access to your phone, then this protection may fail as they can see/check the code from your phone. Still this is great especially if you use public computers/cybercafés to access your account.

WHEN WILL THIS NOT WORK?

You cannot receive a code when you are out of coverage area or when you are travelling. 

When you are travelling abroad, you may want to avoid charges for incoming SMS. Or you may have not international roaming activated on your cellphone.

Very rarely, there can be times when the SMS is received late or not received at all due to network problems.

In such scenarios, you can print and keep 20 backup codes with you. Instead of printing you can also transfer the text file containing the codes to your cellphone (if you have a smart phone). Also, you can easily turn off SMS auth any time you want and turn it back on at your convenience. 

You can also download an application called Google Authenticator (only for Android, iPhone and Blackberry) to generate codes when you have no network coverage on your phone.

DO YOU NEED THE CODE EVERY TIME YOU LOG IN?

If you had chosen ‘Trust this Computer’ option while setting up SMS authorization on your Google Account, you will be asked for the code only the first time and not every time you log in using that ‘Trusted’ computer. Every time you clear your computer/phone’s cache and cookies, you will need to enter a new code to log in.

Sounds great? Well before you set this up, I recommend you read the PART 2 of this post which will cover how to turn off SMS auth, how to generate backup codes and application specific passwords. (coming soon)

If you have any questions on the steps above, feel free to ask in the comments below.