14 Best Tampons for Beginners (Normal to Heavy Flow) + Tips

No matter if you just got your first period ever or you’re in the period club for some time but are now deciding to try a tampon – I got you covered.

We’ll talk about which are actually the best tampons for beginners, what to look for in a good tampon, how to use them, and other useful tips (also from my personal experience).

However, if you’ve done your research already and just want to get right to the tampon part, here are my Top 3 tampons I’d actually buy for myself and advise for any of my friends (and even more tampons later on):

Product	Type	MY Rating	Review
Cora Organic Cotton Tampons Check Price on Amazon.com	Organic, Regular Flow		My Review
L. Organic Cotton Tampons Check Price on Amazon.com	Regular Flow		My Review
o.b. Original Tampons Check Price on Amazon.com	Regular to Heavy Flow (Kit)		My Review

With the variety of sanitary care products available on the market, how do you know which is actually a good tampon brand or type for you?

That’s why you’re here. Let’s talk about it!

Tell Me More About Tampons

What Tampon Size Should a Beginner Use?

Back to tampons!

Should you go for superabsorbent or light? Applicator or non-applicator? Plastic or cardboard applicator? Which is the best brand of tampons for beginners?

If you’re a little bit overwhelmed at the tampon choice department, I have two factors for you to keep in mind when looking for the best ones for newbies:

Even though I used pads for the first years of my period life, I bought my first tampon when I was in a hurry to go swimming with my friends. I didn’t think to pay attention to what type or size it is (big mistake). If the packaging is cute and colorful, I’m sold!

So there I was, in my tiny bathroom, bleeding and figuring out how to put the tampon inside. It didn’t help that my friends were on their way and ready to pick me up in 10 minutes.

Turns out I bought a non-applicator type of tampon (which I now know I don’t like) with maximum absorption! Too much pain and stress on my first day.

From the bright side, I was very excited to go swimming in cool water (Because of sweat. Sweat everywhere)!

With this experience, I can attest that comfort should be your top priority when looking for the best brand of tampons for beginners. The easier it is to insert, the better.

The best tampons for first-time users should be:

I’d say that the best tampons for tweens are those with built-in applicators as they play an important role in ensuring a comfortable and seamless insertion.

Plastic applicators are a crowd favorite (mine too). Whereas cardboard applicators are a popular choice among the budding environmentalists (as it is biodegradable).

While both are smooth enough to be inserted, plastic applicators seem more durable. A dent or moisture in cardboard applicators can easily affect its quality (read: insertion will not be a breeze).

For some brands, tampon size depends on the absorbency level. When choosing the best tampons for first-time users, consider the pattern of your flow.

Take note of the absorbency level in each box of tampons.

If it has the words: Light, Lite and Regular – then these are best for light to moderate flow.

On the other hand, boxes that say: Super, Plus, Super Plus, Overnights – are great for heavy to super heavy flow.

Make it a habit to compare size and absorbency levels because not all highly absorbent tampons are big. As for younger girls, the very best tampons for tweens are the ones that are sleek regardless of its absorbency level.

Inserting a Tampon (With & Without Applicator)

Before you insert a tampon there are two important things that you need to know.

First, you should be able to locate your vaginal hole and second, find out which type of tampon you have as the procedure slightly differs depending on whether your tampon comes with an applicator or if it’s the non-applicator type.

Where is my vaginal hole? I know we all tackled this in class (Science and Sex Ed, duh!) and while it seems easy to identify our lady parts in the books, it’s just so different in real life that you become clueless when it comes to your own body.

I remember a good friend from my 10^th grade who shared how she nearly inserted a suppository (laxative) in her vaginal hole instead of her anus. We surely had a good laugh at her story and I was telling her how crazy she was for not being able to tell the two apart.

But come to think of it, it’s indeed confusing for teens (beginners to tampons) to know which is which when it comes to the southern region, so allow me to show you where the tampon should go in through this simple (and very amateur!) illustration that I created.

The clitoris is not a hole but a fleshy knob located at the topmost part of a woman’s genitalia.

Right underneath this fleshy button is the urethra, also known as the pee hole. The urethra is too small that people don’t mistakenly insert the tampon here (which is good, I can imagine that would hurt like hell!).

The next hole is the vagina, this is where period blood and other secretions come out thus, this is where the tampon should go.

The last hole is the anus, this is where bodily waste (feces) comes out. As the anus is quite as stretchy as the vaginal hole, beginners may get confused between the two.

To avoid inserting the tampon in the wrong place, familiarize yourself with your own body by carefully examining yourself in front of a mirror.

It’s your body, you shouldn’t be ashamed. That’s the longest relationship you’ll ever have in life, so, my suggestion is – become best friends.

How to Insert a Tampon: With Applicator

1. Always Start Off With Clean Hands

Make it a habit to wash your hands before and after handling a tampon just as you would when using the toilet.

2. Inspect Your Tampon

Unwrap the tampon with your clean hands (save the wrapper for step 5), if the wrapper seems tampered or if the applicator shows dents or any other flaws, throw it out and open a new one.

Give the string an oh-so light tug to make sure it’s firmly attached to the tampon (we want to be able to pull it out in one piece and not lose it inside).

3. Get Into a Comfortable Position

You can either choose to sit on the toilet with your knees apart or stand up with one foot stepping on the toilet seat.

Try to relax as much as you can in preparation for the next step which is the insertion.

The tenser you are the more your vaginal walls will constrict and make it harder for you to insert the tampon, so just relax and take a deep breath.

4. Slowly Insert The Tampon Using The Applicator

Hold the end part of the tampon applicator (near the plunger) with your thumb and middle finger.

Slowly insert the tampon applicator in the vaginal hole at a 45° angle until your fingers touch your body.

Using your pointer finger, push the plunger all the way through to release the tampon. The tampon should now be comfortably placed inside your body.

5. Gently Pull Out The Applicator

Leave the string dangling outside for easy removal afterward.

Discard the used plastic applicator by wrapping it in its original wrapper or tissue paper and throwing it in the trash can. Never flush this, as it may clog pipes.

6. Wash Your Hands

And you’re done! Enjoy the day… well, the next 4 to 8 hours (max)!

How To Insert a Tampon: Non-Applicator

1. Always Start Off With Clean Hands

Cleanliness is key, especially when dealing with non-applicator tampons.

You’re touching the actual tampon that goes directly inside your body so better make sure those hands are clean and sanitized.

2. Inspect Your Tampon

Unwrap the tampon with your clean hands. Depending on the brand tampon wrappers can either be twisted in opposite directions or have a colored tear strip that needs to be pulled to open.

If the wrapper seems tampered (or it has already accidentally opened in your purse and rolled in your purse for who knows how long) or if the tampon itself shows dents or any unusual discoloration, throw it out and open a new one.

3. Tug The String

Some brands (like ob Tampons) require that you tug the string left and right to slightly expand the bottom part of the tampon to create a protective pocket for your finger during insertion.

If the brand you’re using doesn’t require this step, it’s fine. Just gently pull the string to check if it’s strongly attached to the tampon.

4. Get Into a Comfortable Position

This doesn’t really change for the type of tampon you use. The same scenario – you can either choose to sit on the toilet with your knees apart or stand up with one foot stepping on the toilet seat.

However, relaxing is even more important for a tampon without an applicator, since there is no plastic that will slide in easily from the fluid. Without an applicator, the cotton won’t slide in as easily, since it will start doing its job (absorbing) right from the start you try putting it in.

Just relax and take deep breaths in and out, this will greatly help in relaxing the vaginal muscles.

5. Slowly Insert The Tampon

Hold the tampon using your thumb and middle finger while keeping your index right at the bottom of the tampon (where the string is).

Insert the tampon gently at a 45° angle, slowly pushing it with your index finger until the base of your index touches your body. Leave the string hanging on the outside.

6. Wash Your Hands

Done! And again… enjoy the next 4 to 8 (max) hours of your day!

Removing a Tampon

Removing the tampon is a no-brainer compared to putting it in. Always remember to change your tampons every 4 to 8 (max) hours or depending on your chosen absorbency level (always read the packaging).

Once you’re ready to change your tampon, simply follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands.
2. Relax and take a deep breath.
3. Slowly pull the string downwards, without an angle (gently but firm enough to pull the soaked tampon out). Holding the string by the highest part (closer to the tampon) gives a smoother removal. Don’t pull the tampon out with the very end of the string.
4. Wrap the tampon before throwing it away in the trash can (spare others from seeing a murder scene!).
5. Wash your hands as usual.

Congratulations, you’re now a tampon pro! You are now ready to look at good first-time-tampon-buyer options.

Top 14 Best Tampons for Beginners 2019

After going through boxes and boxes of different brands and tampon types, I came up with a list of what I considered to be the best tampons for beginners and without further ado (drumroll please!) here are the top products that made my list:

Cora Organic Cotton Tampons with Compact Applicator

Click Here for Pricing, Pictures and Reviews on Amazon.com

(I truly recommend these to any newbie, even my little sister!)

Want to go all-natural in terms of personal care products? Cora Organic is a good choice!

Made with 100% certified organic cotton that is processed with no harmful chemicals such as bleach, pesticides, dyes, and perfumes added, this tampon is super safe to use down there.

It comes with a handy, BPA-free applicator that makes insertion a breeze. Cora Organic tampons feature an octagonal shaped design that conforms to fit your unique curves to protect you from leaks and stains.

With each purchase, Cora Organic will offer a month’s worth of period products and free education to women in need. This is a purchase you’ll surely feel good about!

Pros

• Affordable.
• 100% Certified organic, highly absorbent cotton.
• Not chemically bleached, no rayon, pesticides, fragrance, and dyes.
• Compact and octagonal shaped that expands and absorbs evenly.
• Sleek BPA-free applicator.
• A box purchased is a month’s worth of period products and education provided to women in need.

Cons

• Applicator design needs improvement as it often fails to fully release the tampon.

Editor’s Pick: Best Tampons for First-Time Users Overall. Period.

Amazon Brand - Solimo Plastic Applicator Tampons

Click Here for Pricing, Pictures and Reviews on Amazon.com

A good alternative to your fave brand but for a really good price. This pack is enough to last you four months’ worth of period.

Individually wrapped for your convenience and protection, Solimo tampons feature a smooth applicator tip for easy and comfortable insertion and an anti-slip grip for better control.

These tampons can protect you for as long as 8 hours so you can go through your day without your period holding you back.

Pros

• Affordable.
• Individually wrapped.
• Protects you for up to 8 hours.
• Smooth applicator tip and slim design.
• Expands evenly to protect you from leaks.
• Each box contains 8 Light, 20 Regular and 8 Super Absorbency tampons.

Cons

• The wrapper is quite flimsy especially if you store it in your purse. Chances are it’ll leave your tampons exposed after a day of being in your bag.
• Made with blended cotton and rayon.
• Plastic applicator is not good for the environment.

Editor’s Pick: Ultimate Starter Kit of Tampons for the New Gal in the Tampon World

Tampax Pearl Lites (Light)

Click Here for Pricing, Pictures and Reviews on Amazon.com

Tampax offers a wide range of tampons that meet our different needs. Tampax Pearl Lites is the right size for tampon newbies as it offers easy and wince-free insertion thanks to its smooth Pearl applicator and an 8 hours’ worth of protection and comfort.

This is one of the best tampons to use for beginners!

Pros

• Slim design and size is suitable for tweens.
• Plastic applicator glides in easily for easy insertion.
• Feels comfortable once inserted.
• Offers 8 hours of protection for light to moderate flow.

Cons

• Plastic applicator is non-biodegradable (I feel guilty knowing it’ll end up in the landfill and stay there for years).

Editor’s Pick: A Great Choice For a Beginner with Light to Moderate Flow

Playtex Gentle Glide 360° (Regular)

Click Here for Pricing, Pictures and Reviews on Amazon.com

Playtex makes it plain and simple. Their Gentle Glide 360° conforms to the body and offers leak-free protection making it one of the best tampons for beginners with light to medium flow.

With its smooth, rounded, pearlescent applicator, insertion is a breeze. They are comfortable to use and keeps you dry longer thanks to its super-absorbent core.

Pros

• Has the right size and sleekness for beginners.
• Very comfortable and affordable.
• Highly absorbent.
• Can easily be inserted.

Cons

• If you’re starting with these, it’s best to back it up with a pad until you feel comfortable wearing bigger tampon sizes (with higher absorbency).
• It’s one of the best tampons for beginners due to its size but it can only take light to medium flow. You might need to change tampons every 2 hours or so.
• Plastic applicator is non-biodegradable.

Editor’s Pick: Good for a Beginner That is Worried Aout Difficult Insertion

U by Kotex Sleek Tampons (Super Absorbency/Super Plus)

Click Here for Pricing, Pictures and Reviews on Amazon.com

Big things come in small packages. Do not be deceived by its sleek size, this keeper offers maximum absorbency for your heavy days.

With its smooth tip and slim size applicator, insertion is easy as pie. These babies are super comfortable and absorbent for up to 8 hours. Plus, with its colorful designs and patterns, what’s not to like?

Pros

• Sleek but highly absorbent (10x slimmer than other brands).
• Very comfortable to use.
• Offers 8 hours of protection.
• Smooth tip and exclusive anti-slip rubbery grip ensure easy and perfect placement.
• Colorful designs and patterns.

Cons

• I’m really in love with this product. I think the only downside I can think of is the fact that the applicator is plastic and is non-biodegradable.

Editor’s Pick: THE Best Tampons for Beginners with Heavy Flow

Tampax Radiant Super Plus

Click Here for Pricing, Pictures and Reviews on Amazon.com

Tampax Radiant is 100% leak and odor proof, giving you the confidence you need even on your heaviest days.

These tampons have the quietest wrappers that come in fun patterns and are resealable! Clean Grip applicator allows easy and accurate placement while the Leak Guard Braid helps control leaks before they happen.

With these tampons in your bag, you’re unstoppable!

Pros

• Sleek design that comes with a Clean Grip for easy application.
• Leak Guard Braid protects you from leaks.
• Quiet and resealable wrappers.
• Fun and colorful patterns.

Cons

• Tends to expand to the point that it feels uncomfortable. This can easily be solved by changing your tampons at least every 3-4 hours depending on your flow.
• It’s quite a challenge to put the used applicator back to its resealable wrapper.

Editor’s Pick: Good Tampons For a Student (Due to Quiet Wrappers)

Playtex Stella Tampons, Super Absorbency

Click Here for Pricing, Pictures and Reviews on Amazon.com

This tampon comes in a lipstick-like tube packaging. Awesome, right?

This applicator type tampon is easy to use, simply flip, click and pull the applicator from the tube packaging and you’re ready to experience it’s 360° protection and amazing comfort that Playtex is known for.

Perfect for beginners who don’t want the world to know they’re on their period! No more hiding, no more fumbling trying to remove the loud wrapper and mortifying moments during tampon disposal.

Who knew that being discreet during your period can be this liberating?

Pros

• Mid-priced.
• Super discreet in the way it looks down to the way it sounds when you’re using it.
• Unscented, for those sensitive to fragrance.
• Offers 360° protection to eliminate leaks.
• Comes with a round-tip, plastic applicator for easy insertion.

Cons

• There’s too much plastic used in this product. The concept is amazing, but perhaps they can use a biodegradable or compostable kind of material.

Editor’s Pick: The Ultimate Discreet Tampon, It Looks Like Lipstick

U by Kotex Fitness Click Compact Tampons (Regular)

Click Here for Pricing, Pictures and Reviews on Amazon.com

Sports enthusiasts, rejoice! You can start getting your sporty life back with these lifesavers from Kotex.

One click is all it takes to go from compact to full-sized protection. The new Comfort-Flex Grooves moves with your body to ensure you got your game face on no matter how heavy your period is.

Pros

• Comes with a FITPAK that can hold up to 3 tampons (perfect to go in your gym bag).
• A slim size that can easily be adjusted in a click, based on your needs.
• The applicator slides down for easy insertion.
• Feels comfortable to move in and stays in place.

Cons

• The Click design and functionality can sometimes pinch your ladybits (ouch!).

Editor’s Pick: Great for Regular Flow Athletes

Playtex Sports Tampons with Flex-Fit Technology (Regular)

Click Here for Pricing, Pictures and Reviews on Amazon.com

Playtex Sports Tampons offer a 360° protection for bodies in motion. Whatever activity you may do, these tampons move with you thanks to its interlocking fibers called Flexfit.

It’s packed with 360° Triple Layer Protection to guard you against leaks and traps it in so you feel dryer and fresher.

With Playtex Sports, you won’t be afraid to move it, move it!

Pros

• Contoured applicator with a no-slip grip.
• Keeps you feeling comfortable and fresh.
• Moves with you (I tried running and biking with these on and look ma, no leaks!).
• Cute packaging.

Cons

• May not float your boat during heavy periods.
• A little bit pricey but worth it.

Editor’s Pick: Great for a Leak-Free Workout (Due to 360°)

L. Organic Cotton Tampons with BPA-Free Applicators

Click Here for Pricing, Pictures and Reviews on Amazon.com

Sensitive skinned Bellas, rejoice! L. Organic is the best hypoallergenic tampon for you.

Made with 100% organic and absorbent cotton to keep you safe during your period.

These tampons are made without rayon, bleach, pesticides, fragrances, and dyes which may cause irritation. Even the plastic applicator is BPA-free for your health and safety!

Not only that, with each purchase of L. Organic products, they will make the same product (whether pad or tampons) accessible for another woman or girl in need.

Help change a woman’s life a purchase a time!

Pros

• Well-priced.
• Made with 100% organic and absorbent cotton.
• Not chemically bleached, no rayon, pesticides, fragrance, and dyes.
• Sleek BPA-free applicator.
• You help provide the same sanitary product to a girl in need with every purchase.

Cons

• Yes it’s BPA-Free but the applicator is still made out of plastic.

Editor’s Pick: THE Best Organic Tampons for Beginners with Regular Flows

Seventh Generation Organic Cotton Tampons

Click Here for Pricing, Pictures and Reviews on Amazon.com

Their applicators are BPA-Free and made with 95% plant-based materials. As for the tampons, they are made with hypoallergenic and organic cotton, perfect for sensitive areas.

Pros

• Organic cotton
• No added fragrances
• Good for beginners with regular to heavy flow

Cons

• Pricier than other tampons, but c’mon they’re organic cotton!

Editor’s Pick: Good Organic Tampons for Regular Flow (NOT Heavy Flow)

Tampax Cardboard Applicator Tampons (Regular)

Click Here for Pricing, Pictures and Reviews on Amazon.com

The tampon’s applicator is biodegradable and flushable! It has an anti-slip grip that ensures easy insertion. It molds according to your body and the LeakGuard skirt helps stop leaks before they even happen.

This is also one of the most comfortable tampons I’ve ever tried, also the fact that they’re safe(r) for mother earth is a huge plus!

Pros

• Has FormFit to expand and fit your unique shape
• A LOT of tampons for a good price
• Unscented
• Both applicator and wrapper are bio-degradable paper

Cons

• Not everyone likes cardboard applicators, some prefer plastic applicators for easier insertion. I guess you just have to try both.

Editor’s Pick: Super Affordable Quality Tampons for Regular Flow Gals

o.b. Original Non-Applicator Tampons

Click Here for Pricing, Pictures and Reviews on Amazon.com

If you love Mother Earth as much as you love your body, then these ob Tampons are for you. It’s made with pure cotton so you’ll know it’s safe for such a sensitive area.

O.b. tampons are individually wrapped in clear packaging with color-coded strips to easily identify if you’re getting a Regular, Super or Super Plus. All these variants feature ob’s unique Fluid-Lock grooves that expand and conforms to your body’s unique curves for maximum leakage protection.

No-applicator means no plastic that ends up in landfills, a win for Mother Earth and for you too!

Pros

• Pure cotton.
• Individually wrapped.
• Fluid-Lock grooves for superb protection.
• Non-applicator design but with a “finger pocket” to keep your finger clean.

Cons

• The wrapper is a bit hard to remove.

Editor’s Pick: Great Option if You Want a Small Tampon Without an Applicator

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Tampons Made Of?

Most tampons sold on the market are made from a combination of cotton and rayon. Organic tampons, on the other hand, are made with 100% cotton (some are even organic, non-GMO) that are unbleached and unscented, unlike ordinary tampons.

Applicators also come in two variants, there’s one made out of cardboard and another one made of plastic.

While plastic may seem to glide really well during tampon insertion, cardboard applicators are more environmentally friendly as they are considered biodegradable, unlike plastics which may take hundreds of years to break down.

How Long Can One Tampon Be Used? Can You Sleep With A Tampon In?

Yes, you can sleep with a tampon in.

For safety measures, it is advised that you change your tampon every 4-8 hours to lessen your chances of getting irritation, infections and TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome) which are all associated with prolonged tampon wearing.

Is Using Tampons Safe?

Provided you followed the instructions and observed proper hygiene (washed and sanitized your hands, etc.), using tampons should be 100% safe.

On rare occurrences, Toxic Shock Syndrome (or TSS) happens to some tampon wearers due to a sudden overgrowth of the Staphylococcus bacteria that may have come from poor hygiene.

As a rule, always make sure that you wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling a tampon and make sure that you don’t go over the 8 hours maximum absorbency period.

What Kind of Tampons is Best for Beginners?

Tampons that come in with a built-in applicator (whether plastic or cardboard) are the best for beginners, in my personal opinion.

Inserting a tampon has always been a daunting task for newbies, these applicators ensure a hassle and pain-free insertion which is one of the keys to having a comfortable tampon experience.

When you get the hang of it, then you can move on to ones with a cardboard applicator or just without an applicator.

What Size of Tampon Should a Beginner Use?

It is best to start with the sleekest tampons. I highly recommend starting with Tampax Pearl Lites as it has the sleekest size (that is also perfect for tweens).

As your body gets accustomed to tampons, you can try the other brands with higher absorbency depending on your needs.

What is The Best Tampon to Use for Your First Time?

For first time users, the more compact the better.

Tampax Pearl Lites is the perfect size for beginners, in my opinion. It’s not too thick so it’s a breeze to insert and very comfortable to wear!

I’d suggest starting off with this and as you get used to it, you can switch to organic brands, even those that don’t require applicators.

Just imagine the number of plastic applicators you’d use in your entire lifetime – make Mother Earth happy and switch to non-applicator tampons once you’re a tampon pro).

I’m Sensitive to Bleach and Scents, Can I Still Use Tampons?

There are brands that use 100% organic cotton and veers away from using chemical bleaches and strong scents.

You may want to try Seventh Generation Free and Clear tampons, reviewed above. They may be a bit more expensive but I’d recommend them any day!

What is the best brand of cardboard-based applicator tampons for beginners?

I highly recommend Tampax Cardboard Applicator Tampons as the best tampons to buy for beginners, as reviewed above.

Is it Normal to Feel Pain When Using a Tampon?

Pain during usage can be caused by different factors.

First, it could be that the tampon was not inserted correctly; if so you can try to adjust its placement until it feels much more comfortable.

Second, you bought the wrong size.

For tampon newbies, it is suggested to get the smallest and sleekest tampons (see suggestions above) to get their body to adjust before trying bigger-sized tampons.

And, of course, there may be medical reasons. Since I’m not a doctor, please consult your OB-GYN to check if there’s a reason why you feel uncomfortable with a tampon or if you can’t wear a tampon, and if so, chose a different period method, such as pads.

And since we talked a bit about Mother Nature, why not try buying some of the best reusable pads?

To Sum It All Up

Having your period for the first time can be both exciting and stressful. With all the different products and brands available, choosing the best tampon for young beginners can be quite a daunting task.

Beginners should take the time to read the labels closely and choose the brand and type that is comfortable to insert and use. Start with the slim/sleek ones first (even if they are for light to medium flow) just to get accustomed to the application and the feeling of having a tampon inside.

As you ease your way in, you may slowly introduce yourself to the Super/Plus varieties. From here, you can alternate the usage between light and super depending on your flow.

The products listed above are the best tampons for beginners to buy, you may try them one at a time and come up with a decision based on what works well for your body. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions, I’m here to help!

Till the next cycle, ciao!