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Hey mamas, it’s that time of the month again, when Mother Nature decides to throw us a curveball while we’re already juggling a gazillion other things!

Yep, I’m talking about periods.

Recently I found myself on a road trip with my girlfriends and coincidentally we were all synced up like a well-choreographed dance routine. As we’re cruising along, our conversation naturally led to the topic of alternative, safe and healthy menstrual products, because, you know, what else would a group of ladies talk about during a road trip?

I wound up asking the question, why do women use alternative period hygiene products anyway?

As it turns out, there are more reasons than I initially imagined why women choose to use alternative menstrual products like menstrual cups:

1. Eco-Friendly: Menstrual cups are reusable and thus reduce waste compared to disposable menstrual products like pads and tampons. Many women opt for menstrual cups to minimize their environmental impact.
2. Cost-Effective: Although the initial investment might be higher, menstrual cups are cost-effective in the long run as they can last for several years with proper care. This is especially appealing for women looking to save money on monthly menstrual products.
3. Convenience: Menstrual cups can typically be worn for longer periods (up to 12 hours) compared to pads and tampons, making them more convenient, especially for women with busy lifestyles or limited access to restroom facilities during the day.
4. Health Considerations: Some women are concerned about the chemicals and synthetic materials present in disposable menstrual products. Menstrual cups are often made of medical-grade silicone or latex, which may be perceived as safer and more comfortable for some women.

The list goes on.

Our conversation opened my eyes to a whole new world of period hacks, which ultimately led me to the wonderous world of period underwear!

It all started when my bestie (yes, you guessed it, the esthetician skincare guru extraordinaire I referenced in both my Skin Care & Make-up blog posts) mentioned menstrual cups. She and her niece swear by them, claiming they’re more comfortable than a tampon and can hold more liquid than a thirsty camel in the desert. (Much more than a regular tampon anyway).

I admit, I was a little hesitant and skeptical to try them, but, intrigued enough to take the plunge, so I decided to give them a shot.

Upon returning home from the girls’ trip, I promptly ordered the recommended menstrual cups online. Excited to test them out, I eagerly awaited the arrival of my next period. However, spoiler alert — my initial experience turned out to be a bit of a disaster! I sanitize the cup, read the instructions meticulously, and mentally prepare myself for the ultimate period-hack experiment. Inserting it was a breeze, but removing it? Oh boy, that’s where it became a challenging ordeal! Panic ensued as I struggled to extract it…

I’m in the bathroom, contorting myself into positions that would make a yoga master proud, trying to locate the elusive tail of the cup. It’s like searching for a needle in a haystack, only the needle is slippery and hiding in the most awkward crevices imaginable. At one point, I’m practically doing acrobatics on the bathroom floor, contemplating whether I should just call it quits. But wait, it gets better. As I’m wrestling with the darn thing, my mind starts spiraling into a vortex of worst-case scenarios. Will I have to call my husband for backup? Do I risk a trip to the ER and endure the embarrassment of explaining why I have a cup stuck where cups should never be stuck? And let’s not even get started on the horror stories of Toxic Shock Syndrome lurking in the back of my mind.

After what feels like an eternity of tug-of-war with my nether regions, I finally emerge victorious, cup in hand (literally). It’s a moment of triumph mixed with a healthy dose of relief and a touch of shame for ever doubting my ability to conquer a silicone contraption.

Suffice it to say, it was a one-time experiment for me. What a nightmare! Never again! Turns out, menstrual cups may not be for everyone. So, I washed and sterilized the damn thing, called up my bestie and told her the whole story. She laughed hysterically.

To this day, she is still a fan of menstrual cups, so I “gifted” her mine as I will never go through that unsettling hassle ever again!

Reflecting on my ordeal, I realized that the user experience with menstrual cups might vary depending on individual anatomy. While they work wonders for some, they simply weren’t the right fit for me. Determined to explore non-toxic alternatives further, I turned my attention to period panties.

I still wasn’t ready to give up on non-toxic alternatives to using tampons and remembered that my other friend said that her sister-in-law loves the Victoria Secret period undies and raves about them! I never even knew they had such a thing! She mentioned that she loves them for incontinence or leakage reasons as well, which is a total plus for women who have had babies.

So naturally, I tried the period panties next. Because let’s face it, sometimes we need a backup plan that doesn’t involve spelunking in the depths of our lady parts.

I’ve taken it upon myself to test-drive four different brands of period panties, so you lovely ladies don’t have to endure the same trial-and-error journey I did.

In this blog post, I will compare the 4 brands of period panties that I tried:

1. Victoria’s Secret
2. Thinx
3. The Period Company
4. Knix

• First up, we have Victoria’s Secret. Ah, the holy grail of lingerie. While their period panties come in a variety of styles and prints that could make even the most discerning fashionista swoon, they fall short in the absorbency department. Think of them as the cute but flimsy sidekick who looks good but crumbles under pressure. While their period panties are stylish and comfortable, their absorbency capacity is limited to about two tampons’ worth of flow, which may not suffice for heavier days. Starting price $22.50
• Next, we have Thinx. With their range of absorbency levels from light to super (seriously, with a 5 tampon absorbency, they could give Superman a run for his money), With a variety of styles such as, briefs, bikini, hi- waist, boy short and sleep shorts, and prices starting at $17, Thinx seemed like a promising contender. But alas, the thick fabric and lack of breathability left me feeling like I was wearing a pair of medieval chainmail undies. Not exactly the stuff dreams are made of.
• Then there’s The Period Company. Initially attracted by the affordable starting price, of a wallet-friendly $9, I was ready to be wowed. I liked the fact that they offered high-waisted options with extra coverage in the front, as well as overnight panties.  Unfortunately, I was disappointed by the thick fabric and apparent trapping of odors left much to be desired. They boast that their heavy flow underwear can hold up to 9 tampons/5 pads of absorbency, wow! Despite claims of high absorbency, the overall experience felt uncomfortable and reminiscent of wearing a diaper. I mean, who wants to feel like they’re wearing a diaper, am I right?
  Ultimately, I just couldn’t get past the odor trapper and also the feeling that I was wearing a diaper or granny depends. Sorry guys!
• Enter Knix, the period underwear of my dreams. My personal favorite and a game-changer in the world of period management. With their thin, breathable fabric and leak-proof design, Knix panties are like a warm hug for your lady bits. They feel so silky smooth and comfortable against your skin. They fit perfectly under clothes and do not feel bulky or like a diaper at all! Plus, they come in a variety of styles and absorbency levels, so you can find your perfect match. From light to ultra absorbency, Knix has got you covered, quite literally.
  The seamless fit and leak-proof design make Knix period panties a must-have for any woman looking for reliable menstrual protection. The thin, leakproof underwear are great for light days or leakage and can hold about 1-3 tampons of absorbency. The heavy or super leakproof underwear holds an absorbency of 3-5 super tampons. The ultra absorbency can hold 5-8 super tampons!
  With prices ranging from $18 for teen sizes to $28 for adult sizes, Knix offers quality and affordability in one package. Additionally, they offer sets for bulk purchase, making it even easier to stock up on your favorite styles. Knix is truly the leader of leakproof underwear and produces cutting edge products! Hands down, the best thing to happen to periods, ever and has completely transformed the way I approach my period!

But Knix isn’t just about period panties; let’s not forget about their incredible wireless bras, because who says comfort should be confined to the lower half of our bodies? Their wireless bras are equally impressive and are the most comfortable bra I’ve worn in a long time! Offering unparalleled comfort and support, they’ve become a staple in my wardrobe.

While I’m talking about how fantastic and life-changing Knix is, I might as well tell you about their exceptional return policy as well!

I ended up purchasing a bra in the wrong size and easily submitted a return form online. I almost fell out of my chair when I received an email back stating ‘you don’t need to return your item to get your exchange/refund. We encourage you to donate your lightly used product or five it to a person in need.’

This is unheard of! Bless them! I am in total alignment with a company who promotes selflessly donating clothing items! Plus, it was a huge bonus for me as a busy mom not to have to deal with the headache of repackaging the bra and shipping it back. All I had to do was drop it off at the local Goodwill on my way to work! Easy-peasy and sooo kind! (Our world needs so much more of this!)

When I finally discovered Knix, it felt like I stumbled upon a hidden gem, and I knew I had to write a blog post about it! I couldn’t wait to share my newfound enthusiasm with other women. Whether it’s through a blog post or a casual conversation, spreading the word about lifechanging products that genuinely improve my life brings me immense satisfaction, knowing is may possibly help or positively impact another mom.

As a busy mom, finding effective period hacks and reliable products has become essential to maintaining my daily routine. By sharing my experiences and discoveries, I hope to empower other women to navigate their menstrual cycles with confidence and ease. Armed with the right tips and hacks we can tackle anything that Aunt Flo throws our way!

After all, we’re all in this together, and supporting one another is what truly makes a difference.

Until next time ladies and mamas, stay fabulous! Period.

Have you tried any alternative period products? (Panties, cups, etc.) Which ones did you LOVE? Which ones were a fail? Share in the comments below!