Tampon Subscription Boxes May Be The Next Best Thing For Your Menstrual Cycle
"Tampons cost too much damn money."
As a former tampon user, I would cry about this all the time as I shopped for Costco sized boxes of tampons every so often. On top of being expensive, some people have found them to be death traps thanks to Toxic Shock Syndrome, and most periods arrive at the most inconvenient hour (which is any hour in the day). Therefore, shopping for tampons sometimes feels like shopping for your mom at Walmart on a crowded day - a necessary evil.
Luckily, tampon subscription services are standing by to provide sanitary products and a little extra support when you have your period. For a low monthly cost, these various tampon subscription services will provide you with a menstrual cycle's worth of tampons or sanitary napkins, extra undies, towelettes, sweets, and gifts.
Yes, tampon subscription services are a "thing," and the benefit is that they are great for young girls approaching their first moon, or gifts for the first time moms post-pregnancy. Here's a list of four that may peak your interest.
Hello Flo
This company started making waves in 2013 when they attempted to change the way adolescent young woman viewed periods with their hilarious viral YouTube video, "Camp Gyno." The video has more than 10 million views, and features a young girl with a drill sergeant attitude about her first period who labels herself the camp's "unofficial gyno" for girls starting their periods. Seriously, she hands them their first tampons, tells them to "suck it up" when they get menstrual cramps, and compares herself to Joan of Arc.
Hello Flo followed up with a second hilarious video "First Moon Party", shot Modern Family style, with lots of funny commentary about a young girl who faked her first period. According to The Daily Dot, Hello Flo teamed with Procter & Gamble, and Always for the "First Moon Party" video a year after launching their company.
What makes Hello Flo unique is that even though they advertise their period kits for young girls, they have products for college-bound ladies, first time-mothers, and women who grow weary with another last minute trip to the drug store. You can time your package to arrive around the time you start your moon, and the kits contain an assortment of survival gear for "Aunt Flo's" arrival - from Luna bars to tampons.
The Period Store
If you're not cool with receiving only Always products with your monthly subscription, check out The Period Store. You can choose an assortment of sanitary products from around the world, in addition to chocolates, gifts, herbal remedies for menstrual cramps, menstrual cups, and even freshening wipes.
What's cool about them is that you're not limited to one tampon brand, and they deliver both in the U.S. and Canada. What sucks is that the more items you add on, the more money you would have to pay in the one-time fee before you pay your regular subscription amount. Say for instance you decided to have Always tampons and cloth pads. The tampons come with the subscription, but the cloth pads start at $12.00, which means that you pay a little more for your "one-time fee" up front, and then your monthly subscription price goes back to $15 or $25 (depending on which subscription you choose).
The good news is that the more items you get, the more freebies they add to your box, like art work, tea, and other gifts.
Le Parcel
This subscription service is pretty straightforward, and consistently sends you exactly what you'll be needing to take care of your Aunt Flo's monthly visit.
You begin your Le Parcel order by selecting the size and amount of tampons (they only offer Playtex, Tampax, and Kotex), you choose a date for when you want your package to arrive, and then confirm your order. Subscriptions start at $15 (plus shipping and handling), and includes chocolates and a handcrafted gift.
LOLA
LOLA is changing the game with the way they make their tampons. According to Forbes,
The company manufactures its own 100% hypoallergenic cotton tampons...currently available with BPA-free plastic applicators. New design features include compact sizing, cotton expansion widthwise rather than lengthwise which the company claims insures superior protection, non-porous wrappers intended to keep cotton intact and unaffected by air particles, and a discreet, display-worthy box that clearly lists ingredients.A subscriber can choose her preferred assortment of 18 light, regular, and super absorbency tampons, how many boxes she wants, and shipment frequency. She can customize her order to include 3-light/10-regular/5-super one month and the next all regular, as an example. Prices are (18-ct/box) 1 box $10 or 2 boxes $18.
What's even more unique about LOLA is that they are completely transparent with what ingredients are used when making their tampons, so you won't have to worry about any "mystery fibers" in your lady plugs. The company is also not shy about sharing exactly how their tampons are manufactured.
Ladies, have you ever tried a tampon subsection service? What do you think about it?
Related Post: I Tried A Menstrual Cup ...And It Was Pretty Freaking Awesome
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Curate The Vibes With These Black-Owned Candles For Every Mood
Black women of the 90s and early 2000s had incense, and Black women of today are fully embracing our luxury candle era. Candles have become just as important as our perfume selections, and as a luxury candle connoisseur, I keep all of my favorites in stock in my storage closet.
Whether you’re moving out for the first time and want to try new scents or looking to set the mood for a self-care day or sexy evening, consider these Black-owned candle brands to curate the vibe you’re looking for.
If You’re Feeling Bad & Bougie
The Original Candle
If you’re the bougie friend of the group, this candle is for you. Hanifa has become a staple luxury brand; with celebs like Tracee Ellis Ross, Jennifer Hudson, Naomi Campbell, and Danielle Brooks seen in her designs, they have become everyone's favorite brand. They recently launched their first candle, The Original. The candle is infused with notes of mandarin, orange blossom, caramel, sandalwood, jasmine sambac, and vanilla.
When Wash Day Comes...
"Wash Day" Candle
Cavo
Need some inspiration to get up and section that hair so you can get to washing? Not to worry. This pineapple, mango coconut milk, and sugar candle will have your house smelling as good as your favorite conditioner.
Wellness Girl Necessity
Sunday in Brooklyn Candle
If you’re a girl who loves clean scents that clear the energy in your home and feel like the best Sunday you ever had, you need this candle. Infused with wild basil and lemongrass, it’s guaranteed to help you find your zen.
For Sunday Brunch If You’re Hosting
Champagne Showers
Champagne Showers is the perfect candle for a birthday celebration, Sunday brunch night in, or toast to your next big win! The candle includes a blend of bright bergamot, peach fizz, and creamy woods. It’s a bubbly fragrance that’s as sophisticated as our girl, Jackie Aina.
After You Listen To SZA
"After A Good Cry" Candle
Cavo
Let the tears flow, and let the healing begin. This rainwater, lavender, vanilla, and bean and bourbon candle is just what the doctor ordered if you’re getting over a breakup. But once you’re done crying, just remember you're worthy of much more, okay?
For The Lover Girl Era
"Love" Luxury Candle
If you’re done crying and have found the one you’ve been waiting for, let this candle burn as warm as your love for your new boo. Harlem Candle Co.'s "Love" fragrance represents a dramatic, romantic theme with both masculine and feminine accords melding beautifully together, infused with crisp apple and watery green notes.
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