All About Your Period/Puberty

Hey, blogettes! It was requested that a period advice page with everything you could ever need or want to know about what is going on down there during that strange time of the month was posted on this blog. Music Marvel and I agreed, and we know just how hard it is to understand everything there is to know about your periods, and we hope this page helps you out. If you have questions or if there is something that we left out please feel free to leave a comment below, and we will give you the best answer that we have or add what we have left out. This page and the whole blog is just for girls only so don’t be shy.

We want to make it so that you feel comfortable enough even though your body may feel weird.

Q: When will I get my period? Why hasn’t it happened yet?

A: Don’t worry, it will happen. I was worried about this too when I got mine. All of my friends had got theirs and I started to worry that something was wrong with my body and I wasn’t getting my period. Thus, I spent all my tween life not enjoying the period-less life and worrying about it. You can never  be sure when exactly it will happen, but my doctor told me that it will happen sometime close to your mother’s, in my case it didn’t which also worried me. I know how you feel with everyone telling you you have it easy, but you actually don’t. Stay calm and just know that it will happen. Be ready and prepared because it may just pop up one day! -- Music Marvel

Q: How do I tell my parents? Will it be awkward between my dad and I?

A: I joked about mine when I got it. I just told them that I was accepted into woman hood, and that I became a lady on that day. It may sound weird yes telling your dad about something that he has never gone through, but men understand that we go through puberty and this is just one of those things that happen when we go through puberty. -- Smiles R. Epic

Q: Which one is better, tampons or pads?

A: They both give the same protection when you are on your period. However one is inside of your body, and the other one is on the outside of your body connected to your underwear. They both do a great job of helping the blood not soak through your clothes if changed often. I change mine at least twice while at school. Tampons however do have a health risk because if used for longer than eight hours the person wearing the tampon could develope TSS or Toxic Shock Syndrome, which is a serious and sometimes fatal disease. I personally do not use tampons because of that reason. I prefer the Always Infinity Heavy Flow pads instead. These pads are so light and flexible that I tend to forget that I am even wearing them. They are kind of pricey so I wear a generic brands when I am not going out in public or I am going to be sleeping. -- Smiles R. Epic

A: I haven’t had much experience with this yet, but I will try to answer this the best I can. I prefer pads, but I have only worn a tampon once. Pads can be a tad uncomfortable because they are outside and it may feel like you are peeing yourself, but tampons can be complicated too. I usually do a heavy weight pad when it starts and as it decreases I go to a lighter pad then a panty liner. -- Music Marvel

Q: Is it really as emotional as girls say or are they over exaggerating?

A: Yes and no. It can be emotional in some cases, you will feel happy one moment and then someone ate your cookie and you may go cry for an hour..(I’m not kidding). Other times, girls bring it upon themselves, blaming their period on all of their mistakes and thinking it’s okay to hurt people because you’re on your period. You will also feel many feelings like “flirty” if you’re picking up what I’m putting down, always being hungry (this is popular for me), tiredness (also popular), and other things that you may not be used to feeling. You will eventually figure out what friends and family are more and less emotional on their period and who you can joke with and who you can’t. Until then cut some slack, but still make sure they are being reasonable. -- Music Marvel

A: For me, it’s all about PMS or Premenstrual Syndrome. Sometimes it can make a person really moody or really emotional. Sometimes it can make a person super crampy. Other times PMS can make the flow of your period heavier. Like Music Marvel said, you will get a whole bunch of things going on with your body while on your period. For me it is food cravings, and always wanting to exercise, as well as sleep. While on your period try to rest more. It will help make you feel better, and I know some girls feel awful about themselves and their appearances while on their periods, but more rest, and some pretty cool outfits or something comfortable like wearing some cute sweats or your pjs to school will probably help you feel better too. I mean wearing sweats to school always helps me while on my period for some reason. -- Smiles R. Epic

Q: Why does period blood stink?

A: Period blood stinks because there is way more bacteria in it then normal blood does. It comes out from your private parts too, and to be quite honest no one’s privates ever smell like roses when they are on their periods. I always carry these wipes that I wipe with every time I change my pad, and they make me smell some what fresh again. Be sure to wash your hands after changing period materials because they may have some of that stinky blood on them too. -- Smiles R. Epic

A: As Smiles has stated it has more bacteria so it smells worse. Always make sure to change your pad or tampon often because the more you change it the less time the bacteria have to stink up your undies. Wipes are also useful when it comes to this stuff. Always wash your hands and if you absolutely can’t at least carry around a mini hand sanitizer with you and use that. -- Music Marvel

Q: Cramps? How do I deal with them?

A: Ah, the great pain of cramps, yes they are horrible. Cramps actually happen because your uterus is cutting of it’s blood supply (so pretty much trying to kill itself). Cramps are a pain in your abdomen (ha see what I did there!). Rest is always a natural way to help, but if you are going to school tylenol and other pain relievers are great. Taking a warm shower or better yet a hot bath will help sooth your cramps too. Having heat packs or warm water bottles on your back or abdomen also help. If you are having period pains, try your hardest to make it to school, because you don’t want to miss out. If it is truly terrible (which I would believe you) then go ahead and stay home but make sure that you catch up on school work. -- Music Marvel

A: This is something that I suffer from greatly so know that you are not alone. Cramps are caused from your uterus slightly contracting to get all the blood out in order to start a new cycle. That is why your period lasts a week, and it is usually worse in the middle of the week or end of the week. I use heating pads, and pain killers a lot of the time. Walks or runs also help with period pains, and it does feel good to get outside and get some fresh air and it takes off any stress that you may have whether it be from school or whatever else you may have going on in your life. Relaxing is a key thing to helping with cramp easing. Thanks to PMS being so unpredictable as to what it will be bringing for each period if anything your cramps could differ, so just hang in there, and remember you aren’t alone in this problem I suffer from it greatly at times, it’s just something that as women we have got to take with a straight face. -- Smiles R. Epic

Q: Does the nurse at school have any period supplies?

A: That differs from school to school, so I would bring my own supplies from home. Besides that is usually better off because it is better and stronger quality especially if you use tampons and your body is used to it. My school has supplies in the nurses office, but they aren’t the best thing in the world. They do the trick however if you suddenly get it or run out of supplies. --Smiles R. Epic

A: Nurses offices can usually be depended on for supplies but as Smiles said they aren’t the best quality. Also it is sometimes hard to find a time and class where the teacher will let you go down without a hassle. I suggest carrying your own supplies with you in your bag, if you carry your bag around like me, or have a secret stash in your locker. This way it will be easier to obtain and your preferred brand and size. -- Music Marvel

Q: I feel so weird like it is noticeable to other people that I am on my period. Can they tell?

A: Well, most times no, but if you are like me then it feels weird to walk. The first time I got my period it felt really weird and I kind of waddled thats how one friend figured out. I told the rest of my friends. If you tell other people chances are everyone, well at least every girl will probably know you have your period. Always make sure that you have supplies and clothes to change into incase you “leak”. Most times people will never know you’re on your period so just carry on with life like normal, (or not normal in my case). As for PMS, middle schoolers are normally pretty weird and emotional and most boys will probably assume you have had yours. -- Music Marvel

A: No one can really tell most of the time if you are on your period or not, unless you have severe PMS, which happens sometimes to some girls , walk funny due to cramps or the pad that you are wearing, but if walking funny is caused by the pad, I would suggest swapping for a thinner pad that still works for your flow, aren’t well bathed meaning that your private part really stinks, or if you tell them that you have it. Besides when you get to be in seventh and eighth grade most of the girls will already have it so they will understand what is going on and they won’t tell a soul. I mean come on who talks about periods outside of the talk or the girls bathroom or nurses office? Like Music Marvel said, you might want to have some back up things just in case things don’t go right with the protection and you have a little leak. Carry on with your life and don’t use your period as a crutch to get you out of things too often because then people might catch on and find out just what really is going on with you and then it might end up around the whole school after all, I’m not saying that it has happened here, but it is just best that you carry on with your life and act like nothing is wrong even though you might be hurting really badly. --Smiles R. Epic

Q: What do I do when I have to buy period supplies by myself?

A: This may sound cheesy, but I was kind of nervous about this too. I just had my parents pick them out for me the first couple of times since I had no clue where they were or what type of pad I was looking for with my flow just starting and what not. Besides when I walked into the store, all I could see were male cashiers and I didn’t want it to be too awkward. Then I went and I grabbed the box of pads myself and carried them to where my parents were located across the store for check out. Each time there was a male cashier including the time when I bought them myself. Hey, what can I say, it wasn’t that awkward because they should know that it was going to happen sometime to me since I was a girl and all. Guys do know some things about periods you know, we just have to be brave enough to interact with them when it comes to buying supplies. If it makes you feel really uncomfortable and you are at a store like Wal-Mart go to a self check out. --Smiles R. Epic

Q: My period always seems to be getting in the way of things, and I have to cancel because they hurt so bad, how can I stop this?

A: You cannot control the date of your period, but you can control what you do. Canceling your plans is usually never the option. Unless you are vomiting or can not move I suggest you go. Use some of the tips above to relieve pain, and make sure to bring supplies. I know it may be uncomfortable but you should be able to get past that after a while and carry on. Act normal and don’t waddle and people won’t notice a thing. -- Music Marvel

A: Like Music Marvel said, you can’t control when your period comes for their visits when you first get them. Most of the time however as time goes on they will start to get more normal and on a pattern so that you can track them. Until then I suggest that you pack some back up underwear, period protection and pain killers or ask for them often to help you through. You should not be canceling fun times just because Mother nature or aunt flow or whatever you call her get you down.  Don’t do anything that makes it obvious that there is something painful going on inside your body like Music Marvel said. Most of the time periods are over in a week, so you can tough it out. -- Smiles R. Epic

Q: What does normal discharge look like? What should I do if I think my discharge in irregular?

A: Discharge is a yellowish white color when dry, and is a moist and flexible conforming fluid like substance that comes out usually a year to six months before your first period, and any time after that it can happen. I like wearing a pantiliner to feel fresh. If your discharge smells or is a brown or green color, or comes in heavy amounts you should talk to your doctor as there might be something else going on besides just discharge, there might be an infection going on, or it just may be that you are one of the few women with heavier discharge than that is normal as it is normal for some girls. It commonly happens within the first two years of your period the heaviness issue. I know because I have had it sometimes but it comes and goes and that is something that the doc said was also normal. --Smiles R. Epic

A: As Smiles said it is a yellowish white color and comes out before your period. Discharge can be uncomfortable when in your plain underwear so it would be best to wear a pantyliner when you have discharge. If you have any of the symptoms the Smiles has listed tell your adult and they can schedule  an appointment for you to talk with your doctor. Most times it will be an infection and you will get medicine to heal it. -- Music Marvel

Q: Acne? How do I deal with it? What products do you recommend?

A: I suffered from acne greatly at the start of my time with periods. It stunk, and made me feel self conscious. I started using some products to help clear it up like Clean and Clear facial cleansers, and bath scrubs found from bath and body works that you apply in the shower. The Clean and Clear I washed my face with either in the morning if I took my shower the night before or the night if I am showering in the morning. It helps get all that oil and gunk out of your pores. I mean I even used it on the nights when I took a shower because that bath scrub is kind of harsh too on your skin especially if you don’t know how to apply it. Acne can also be covered up with some makeup, although that might make it worse later on. Drinking a lot of water also helps it to ease or at least be less noticeable.  I dealt with it too because it happens sometimes when girls go through puberty and people need to understand that we may not look the best while we are on our periods. I mean I know I don’t because I feel so bloated and like crap that it isn’t even funny sometimes. I also tried to keep my head held high and make jokes about it because if you still feel good enough to be in public then we are okay to talk about this aren’t we. --Smiles R. Epic

A: I do suffer from acne from time to time, not only on my period, but also just during my life. I suggest to prevent acne from washing your face regularly. You can use a gentle cleanser for everyday cleaning or you can you one that may be harsher on your skin 3 or 4 times a week. I suggest using, Cetaphil, it is a gentle face wash (there is a moisturizer too) for sensitive skin. (I have sensitive skin which means some products make me break out or turn red) Cetaphil is gentle so it can be used for daily use. Aside from preventing acne, I learned a good method to curing acne from my sister. (It doesn’t work as well with a lot of acne, because it could dry out your face) What you do, is the night before pop the zit. Then put on a dab of toothpaste and cover it with a bandage. In the morning take off the bandage and the toothpaste will have dried out the zit. You will want to make sure to moisturize because it can really dry out your skin badly. -- Music Marvel

Q: What type of pads do you recommend?

A: I recommend the Always Infinity brand line of pads, because they are so thin, yet they have amazing protection, and they shape to your body and it’s nice for being active and whenever you have to wear spandex or whatever because they aren’t mattresses. I however like wearing the Equatte or other generic brand to wear to bed or when I am just hanging out around the house. Like Music Marvel, as my flow changes, I change the strength of pad to something that is much more realistic. --Smiles R. Epic

A: I recommend always Always Infinity or Always Ultra Thin. I usually use Ultra Thin because they still have different absorbances but are still very thin. I usually use Ultra Thin Regular at the beginning of the cycle and as it gets lighter the Ultra Thin Slim. It is hardly noticeable depending on the way you fold the wings under. -- Music Marvel

Q: What type of tampons do you recommend?

A: I recommend Tampax Compax tampons because they are tiny and they click to let you know when you have it far enough out and then far enough pushed in. The directions from Tampax also are super clear compared to the other tampons I have tried, and I have only used their tampons three times but all three times it was easy insertion and take out with no issues while I was wearing the tampon. I mean I felt great, and the string also stayed in good shape which was great because all the other tampons I tried before this one the the strings frayed, and that made me nervous when it came time to take out the tampon. --Smiles R. Epic

Q: What if I get my period at school? What do I do if I have supplies? Don’t have supplies?

A: If you have your period at school, you should get to the bathroom fast. If you have supplies (and a way to not make it suspicious) take them to the bathroom. Having them just in your backpack or making a pit stop at your locker is good, and I like to keep one in my shoe just in case I can’t not make it obvious. If you don’t have supplies, going down to the nurse is an option, although most teachers won’t let you do that unless it’s an emergency, so you can just wad up toilet paper until later. Later like after lunch, ask a close friend if they have supplies or go down to the nurse. -- Music Marvel

A: Like Music Marvel said, you should probably take care of it as soon as possible. Most of the time you would already be in the bathroom when you see it. If you have supplies go and get them. I always keep some in my locker tucked under some decorations and in a bag. Slipping the supplies in a shoe like music marvel said or a long sleeve shirt is another way to get the job done without letting people know what might be going on. If you don’t have supplies, and you feel comfortable telling your teacher what is going on or demanding that you need to go to the nurse and see if the teacher lets you do that, then do it. In case it doesn’t work you might want to use toilet paper before using the restroom to protect the blood from leaking more through your clothes. Then like she said whenever you have enough time to get supplies or ask a trusted friend if they have any and put them on you might want to do so. The toilet paper can only last for so long before it will break apart itself. School toilet paper will also wear down faster because it is cheaper. I’ve learned that thanks to having so many bloody noses at school during passing times and the only thing there is to work until you can get to a classroom and tell the teacher what is going on. Anyways, yeah get supplies as soon as possible and put them on and then when you get home stock a bag for school and tell your parents what is going on if they didn’t know already from the nurse or if you had your own supplies. --Smiles R. Epic

Q: Can I go swimming while on my period?

A: Yes, you can go swimming on your period. You just have to wear a tampon because pads swell up in the water, and make you look like you are wearing a diaper, and the blood may leak into the water, and make it obvious that you have become a woman. I also have learned that tampons are better most of the time when being active in sports especially those involving water. --Smiles R. Epic

Q: How do I dispose of a pad/tampon?
A: After you have changed your tampon or pad, I learned to put it in the wrapper of the pad/tampon you just put in. Some people save their wrappers but I find this way more convenient. After that DO NOT FLUSH IT DOWN THE TOILET! Put it in the side bin in your stall or trash can in other situations. After that wash your hands to take the germs away. If you are ever in a situation where there is not a side bin in your stall, wrap it up in some toilet paper (you might want a lot) and put it in your pocket. When you get out of the stall, if there are other people there wash your hands and then when you throw away the towels slip the pad or tampon in with it. If you are alone in the public restroom (which rarely happens) then come out of your stall and throw it away and then wash. -- Music Marvel

Q: How do I help a friend who is on her period?

A: Helping a friend on her period is very easy. Simply hugging them and being there for them when they are in pain or need to take out their emotions can help. Having extra supplies can also help them. If you are feeling really generous bringing them some cookies or brownies will satisfy their cravings and will put them in a better mood. As being a friend, probably the most important things is being able to understand what shes going through. -- Music Marvel

A: Helping out a friend as Music Marvel has said, is pretty easy. You just need to be there for them and let them know that you care, and are there to help them. You can make them the foods that they are craving or take them to what they are craving if it is just like random genres of movies. You can also give them hugs and be there for them when they are being really emotional even if you think that they are going to be dramatic they aren’t because PMS might be like that. --Smiles R. Epic

Q: I’ve noticed that most of my underwear have a pocket inside them. What is that pocket for, and what do I do if my underwear don’t have that pocket?

A: That strange pocket in your underwear that you may notice are more common as you grow older is for the tampon string. You can tuck your string in that pocket if you are wearing short shorts and/or are just worried about the string showing. It’s not something that is vital for you to use, and it really isn’t an important part of your underwear either. It is just something nice that the underwear company did for the girls on their periods to be able to wear what they want with a tampon and not have to worry about it showing. If your underwear doesn’t have a pocket, do not, and I repeat do not cut open the piece of cloth where the pocket was in your other underwear because you will ruin them. Just be careful with what you wear in that case or try and save your pocketed underwear for the days where the outfits might show them or you want to rest assured that they aren’t showing, or use pads. Either that or you can tape the string to your underwear, but I must warn you. I tried this and the tape is very uncomfortable, and it looked so weird carrying tape into the bathroom at school because hello most of the time and in all the bathrooms that I have been in tape is not a handy thing. -- Smiles R. Epic

Q: Shaving?

A: I started shaving my legs and armpits the month before I got my period. I know periods are unpredictable on when they are coming, and that is why I shaved before. Now I use my periods if they come like every month or every six weeks I use them as guidelines to shave then. This way I am not over shaving as then you can cut yourself really easily, and your hair has time to grow back to make shaving easier and cutting less likely. You can shave your pubic hair too, especially in the summer time as it could show and that bothers some girls when it comes to having confidence. -- Smiles R. Epic

A: I started shaving when I was able to tell that I had hair in my armpits and legs. I now shave my legs usually twice a week. I know that seems like too much for some people and not enough to other people, but this is what I figure out works the best for me. It all depends on what you feel comfortable with. I usually shave my armpits more often because it grows back faster. It also depends on seasons, in the summer I shave more because I wear shorts all the time. In the winter I don’t shave as much because I wear pants and my skin will dry out. After shaving make sure to put on lotion because it really dries out your skin. Also make sure you are using shaving cream or body wash when you shave because you are risking cutting yourself without it. -- Music Marvel

Q: I’m making a period kit, what do you recommend to have in it?

A: I would recommend items like tampons and pads of course, hand sanitizer, sanitary wipes, an extra pair of underwear and tylenol. It is always a good idea to keep a period kit with you because you never know when it’s going to happen. Also your friend might need to borrow something (hopefully not the underwear) at some point. -- Music Marvel

A: I would recommend tampons and pads, and put more of the protection in that you use, so like if you wear more pads put more pads in and try switching up the levels of protection because you don’t want to be wearing a heavy on a light day. I would also bring a pair of underwear, and maybe even another pair of bottoms like jeans or shorts in case you bled through your bottoms too. It does happen sometimes so having a complete back up pair of bottom wear is a good thing, if you have room for it. You can always wear your gym clothes if you soaked through and they don’t smell that badly. If they smell, I would recommend tying something around your waist to hide the blood stains and most of the time they aren’t noticeable anyways. I mean come on, who looks down there when you sit down. -- Smiles R. Epic

Q: I am need of good hiding places for pads and tampons because it is way too obvious that I am on it the way that I am storing them right now and then the way I act when I am on my way to the bathroom to change them.

A: I like to keep them in my shoe (when I wear boots) so that I can ask to use the bathroom and go, but you can also store them in your bra (that might be a bit uncomfortable) or in a zipped pocket. A lot of jackets have little spaces you can use as storage pockets. If you are afraid of them falling out or something I suggest putting them in your locker and sliding them in your pocket on your way to the bathroom. I also have a little cosmetic case I carry in my bag so I can slip it in my lunch box if I have to change it before or after lunch. -- Music Marvel

A: I would do like Music Marvel says and stash period supplies in a small bag in my locker so that I can just grab them when I am on my way to the bathroom. I like to get out of class quickly though so that I can grab supplies that are loose and tuck them in my shoe or swestshirt or bra or something like that before anyone else is out there to see what I am doing. Act normally, and act calmly. If you are afraid to open your pad or period supplies because there are other people in the bathroom, you can just wait either that or open it because at this age, and depending on if you know the people in the bathroom or not, we all have it, and we all know that it happens to every girl, and since it is a girls bathroom it shouldn’t be that awkward. I mean we are all girls in there and most of the time since there are different switching times for everyone it will be people in the same age group using the restroom at the time. Oh, and if you are worried about people gossipping don’t because who really talks about what goes on inside a bathroom. Most girls feel weird when they talk about their periods. Oh, yeah, don’t keep period supplies in your bra too long because it looks really weird then and people may notice after a bit, even though they shouldn’t be looking there either. -- Smiles R. Epic

Q: How much blood do I lose while on my period?

A: Even though it may look like a lot, you are only losing a quarter to a half cup of blood during your period, and your body quickly makes up for it too, so there is no need to worry about intense blood loss due to your period. Periods aren’t deadly things. -- Smiles R. Epic

A: Like Smiles said it seems like a lot of blood because of the patterns it comes out in, but it is only a half of a cup of blood. Your blood is made up quickly in time so don’t worry. -- Music Marvel

Q: Are irregular periods normal?

A: Yes, irregular periods are totally normal especially when you are first starting out. If you are only having like one per year, or they last longer than a week and a half(this one may require some tracking because if it happens only once or every now and then you should be fine, but if it happens you should do what you do if you are only having one period per year and pay a visit to your doctor), you should start talking with a doctor because that could be a sign of a problem that may be serious but most of the time will probably be something that is helped with medicine and makes you special. -- Smiles R. Epic

A: Yes, for the first three years of your period you will have odd dates, durations, ect. But after three years your period will become more regular. However if you feel that it is very irregular you might want to visit a doctor just to be sure. -- Music Marvel

Q: What do pantiliners do?

A: Pantiliners protect your underwear from discharge. They aren’t required protection, but some girls like them because it makes them feel good and fresh and better about things. I mean sometimes discharge can be heavy and make things feel a little bit odd. Pantiliners help with that issue, but again they aren’t required protection like tampons and pads are. They are totally up to the girl and what she wants to do. I wear them when my discharge is heavier, and when I have a tampon in because sometimes things go wrong with the tampon and some blood leaks out. They protect my underwear from harm in that case when checked and changed accordingly or more often as they have to be changed often since they are so thin. -- Smiles R. Epic

A: Pantiliners as Smiles said, protect your underwear from discharge. I also use them for a few days after my period to catch any of the leftover blood. They aren’t required, but I like them so it is not uncomfortable. They can also be worn with a tampon if you feel it is really heavy or just want more protection. -- Music Marvel

Q: What is deodorant for and what does it do?

A: Deodorant is for armpit sweat. It helps girls feel better and prevent sweat stains, although some might happen, it isn’t all the way preventable. It also helps control the odor because sweat usually stinks. Deodorant blocks the sweat pores in our skin which helps keep the sweat in for periods of time. At times where there will be excessive sweat like sports, it helps make the sweat come out less, and smell better than it would. -- Smiles R. Epic

A: Deodorant helps prevent armpit perspiration. It helps clog the pores in your pits so the sweat doesn’t leak out and make sweat stains. It also makes it smell better so you aren;t self conscious.  -- Music Marvel

Q: How many times should I reapply my deodorant?

A: I don’t reapply my deodorent, except for days where I am sweating or have sports, and then I put it on in the morning as I always do, right before my sport, and then right after my sport, or whenever I start sweating and have the chance to go into some place private and put some on. I also shower daily which most of the time makes putting deodorent on again unnecessary. Again this is something totally up to the girl. It’s up to you because everyone’s body is different and everyone’s activity level and amount of sweat that they produce is different too. Sweat may also be produced because you are nervous or worried about something, so reapply more deodorent in those cases and try to calm down because the thing that may be happening is something that you have probably practiced for and will do great on. -- Smiles R. Epic

A:: Like Smiles I don’t reapply deodorant. Unless I am being active, I put it on once in the morning and then I leave it on and it lasts all day. When I’m being active, I usually apply it before and after, if I don’t shower. If I shower I usually go right to bed so I don’t put on deodorant -- Music Marvel

Q: I was shopping for deodorant, and I saw that not only are there longer time spans that they last for, but different types too. Like what I mean is roll on, spray on or swipe on, and then they have gel. What do you use or like more? What are the pros and cons to all of them? What do you use?

A: I know, shopping for deodorent is overwhelming since there are a lot of options out there to buy today. However, they all go on your armpits to help with pit stains due to sweat. I use a lot of swipe and spray on deodorents myself because I feel like I am more and better protected from sweat problems thanks to them. The best thing about spray on is that you can share it with your best bud, and it isn’t gross at all. All the other deodorents require skin to skin contact and that makes me a little uncomfortable. The stick deodorent if left in your gym bag for a long time can break and dry out and stink to use after a bit because it is falling apart and not moist at all. I recommend either roll on or spray for your gym bag. They last longer, and give better protection for gym and other things too. I have used the gel type of deodorent and it is very messy. They also have had some issues with it including some recalls because their product was actually dangerous and caused rashes in some girls. It’s hard to find gel deodorent on the market anymore, and that you do find I am sure has been checked to make sure that it is really safe to use. I use the stick deodorent at home and sometimes at school when it is in a safe place away from the things that cause it to crack and dry out and become a mess. Roll on and swipe on lasts for a long time. I have bought my deodorent four months ago and I still have some left. It’s not much and I am going to have to go shopping soon but my point is that you only have to go shopping and pick it out like every four months. I can’t wait to get out there and try something new that is on the market whether it be scent or type. I may even choose to go back to some of my old things again. -- Smiles R. Epic

A: I’m not a deodorant expert but I like gel even though I use stick more often. I my favorite is Mitchem’s Clear Shower Fresh Gel Deodorant. I am not a fan of spray deodorant, because I don’t feel like I’m getting full protection, but that is a personal choice. It is really what you prefer and what you are comfortable with. You really have to experiment and find what works for you. -- Music Marvel

Q: When should I start wearing deodorant?

A: You should start wearing deodorant when they start making you dress out for gym at your school, or whenever you notice that you are sweating more and that the sweat really stinks, or you hair hair in your armpits, which you should be shaving. It’s completely up to the girl when she starts wearing it because it is their thing to be in charge of since it is their body and they are at that age able to make wise choices that will help and not harm them. -- Smiles R. Epic

A: I say that whenever you feel like you need it. I started it in fifth grade. I say if you start being more active and sweating more is when you feel you are sweating a lot. -- Music Marvel

Q: Perfume or deodorant? Which one is better? What’s the difference between the two? What lasts longer? Has more? Costs

A: I use perfume on special occasions. Perfume has a stronger smell however it is made for the neck and wrists and not your armpits like deodorent. I always test my perfume smell before I buy it to see how strong the scent is. I don’t want an overpowering scent because it would give me or the people around me a headache and they would want to avoid me, and having people avoid you because of something especially at this age where we want to fit in and be cool is never a good thing. I use deodorent everyday, deodorent is applied to your armpits and has scents but in a lesser amount. Deodorent has more places where it can be gotten and usually costs less than perfume does. They last about the same amount of time if you use the perfume for special occasions. Perfume can be gotten at select mall stores, and usually costs around 6-20 dollars a bottle. It’s quality stuff that smells nice, but you need to use it wisely, and sparingly, as it may be expensive depending on the size of the bottle that the perfume comes in. I usually get my deodorent at Dollar General, and my perfume at Bath and Body Works. My favorite scent of perfume right now is Beautiful Day, and my favorite scent and brand of deodorent is Degree Just Dance. Degree has really good protection for me and it lasts longer as well. It also has better swipe on things and it is a no show thing which is good in the summertime. The bin that it comes in is easy to tuck in places for a getaway tote to a private place to reapply when you are on the go and out in public. Even though it may appear to be smaller than the other things on the market, it lasts for a long time and you get a lot and it only costed me two dollars the last time that I bought it and again I have had the same stick of deodorent for four months, so no matter what it costs they last for a long time, and it also depends on how many times you reapply it but still the deodorent lasts for a while, and that is what I look for when I go shopping is deodorent that will last for a while and that I really like more than anything. If it is going to last me this long I want it to be something that I really like a lot so keep that in mind when you are out there shopping. Oh yeah, good luck, because shopping for deodorent is a little confusing and overwhelming the first time around because you have no clue what is right for you, and the type that you want. I recommend starting out with the plan of buying one and then when that one runs out and it’s a set which means it’s the same scent but available in the different types like roll on spray on and swipe on that you buy the next one that you want to use, so that you give all the types a try and then you can think the next time you go shopping of the one that you liked the most and possibly get it in a different scent. -- Smiles R. Epic

A:: I use both. I use deodorant daily and perfume on special occasions. Then both eliminate smells, but perfume covers it up and deodorant prevents it. I feel that neither is better or worse, it depends on what you need to get out of it. When I wear perfume I still usually wear deodorant. Deodorant usually costs less. Perfume is can be expensive and inexpensive depending on where you buy it. If you buy Bath and Body Works, which is usually what I buy, is on the lower end of the price spectrum and more expensive perfumes and colognes that are from celebrities are usually on the higher on the spectrum. For lasting longer, it depends on how much you use and how often you use it. If you use perfume every day and douse yourself in it you probably won’t have it for as long as your deodorant. -- Music Marvel