The Rag is the first-ever one-time period toolkit from Teen Vogue featuring all sorts of period-management options and needs.
Back in the day, when someone said they were “on the rag,” it meant they were menstruating. Why? Because it literally described how people managed their periods when there were no options for period products.
Now, times have changed and you have way more options than you probably realize. And when I say options, I don’t just mean the latest technology in blood management, though there will be plenty of that, too. Think beyond the blood about what it means to fit your period needs. Imagine a life where menstruating means being extra-nice to yourself because surfing the crimson tide is an adventure for the mind, body, and soul, baby.
Teen Vogue sent us this package at no cost to review. (Check out our review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
About The Rag by Teen Vogue
The Subscription Box: The Rag
The Cost: $24.99
The Products: All the latest technology in blood-management, plus some self-care needs.
Ships to: US for free (except APO/FPO addresses)
The Rag by Teen Vogue Review
Everything included in the kit comes in this bright yellow bag.
Tucked inside is an info sheet you'll fold out to read all about the box and all of the items inside.
Baggu Nylon Pouch in Yellow
I love the idea that the pouch everything comes in is a useful item itself. I am a HUGE fan of Baggu and it's awesome to see how much they've grown over the years and their products are not only sturdy and well-designed but also super cute and functional. This pouch can be used as a travel bag for toiletries or makeup or to tote around some of your period items to your next sleepover. There isn't a value attached to this one on the info sheet so I'll include it as a bonus.
Rael Beauty Lab Fresh Forward Sheet Mask - Estimated Value $2.60 (Buy 5 for $12.99)
I used this mask last night and have to say I was pretty impressed. Sheet masks don't always deliver but this one had a nice tingle due to tea tree oil included. There is also chamomile to soothe my skin. The serum on the mask was nice and thick and it clung to my face rather well making it easy to use while I binged Love Island. Afterward, I massaged the extra serum in and let it sit and it left my skin feeling super hydrated so that I didn't even feel the need to put on a night serum. The best part is that this mask is free of alcohol, fragrance, parabens, and other nasty stuff.
HUM Nutrition Big Chill Luxury Sample, 7 capsules - Estimated Retail Value $3.50 (buy a bottle of 30 for $15.00)
I've seen these HUM vitamins all over sub boxes but don't think I've received them personally. Although it's going to be tough to tell if this week supply helps relieve stress, I like the idea of including something like this in a period box since it says that stress releases hormones that can lead to breakouts. That's something that none of us want. It's great to pay attention to our insides and outsides to have a healthy glow.
Rael 100% Organic Cotton Liners, 20 ct. - Retail Value $4.50
An avid menstrual cup user myself, I don't use tampons but I do use liners as added protection during my period. We've all ruined numerous pairs of undies due to leakage and these babies are here to help. The great part about this pack of 20 is that they're made with a 100% organic cotton cover so no synthetic fibers will be in close contact with your delicate area. These are free of any fragrance, chlorine, and toxins and are hypoallergenic so there's no irritation.
L Tampons (2 regular, 1 super), 3 ct. - Estimated Retail Value $1.49 (buy 10 for $4.95)
It's so cool that indie brands of tampons are a thing. They seem to care a lot more about what goes into feminine products than a lot of the major brands. These tampons are made with 100% cotton and are free of synthetics pesticides (WHY IS THAT A THING IN A TAMPON??), chlorine (HUH?), fragrance (again, WHY), and dyes (What in the). The really sweet pack I received came with two regular tamps and one super. These will come handy for me even though I'm not normally a tampon wearer for those times when my period sneaks up on me. This brand rules because for every item you buy from them, they donate a pad to a girl in need.
Knixteen "Oh No" Proof Bikini Period Underwear, size large - Retail Value $19.00
Okay- this is one of the best products in the box in my opinion. I've been obsessed with the idea of period underwear and had no clue this brand existed. Unfortunately, the bigger sizes I'd fit into are out of stock, but I can tell these are a really nice quality. Knix is the parent brand and Knixteen is the one for teens. It looks like these undies aren't explicitly here to replace a tampon or cup, but they have a built-in absorbent liner that can make sure no leakage accidents occur. They can also be used on light days or for those who have light periods in general. Not only do they absorb your blood, but can also help wick away sweat and odor. It's scary at first to trust in something like this, but my experience with other period underwear has been super positive. Sometimes you just don't want anything taking up that space inside you and you need to let your parts feel free. In addition, these undies are super thin so they don't look or feel bulky. They also come in a plastic reusable pouch that can double as a makeup bag or heating pad (there are directions on the card inside). I will most likely look into purchasing more of these...
Lunette Menstrual Cup in Yellow, Model 1 (light flow) - Retail Value $39.99
My other favorite item and the one that got me immediately excited is this MENSTRUAL CUP! Yep, I'm going to shout about it to anyone who will listen because it is a game changer. I've yammered on about them in other period box reviews, but this is the first one I've received with one included! This isn't something you'll need every month which is one of the reasons it's so great. Since it's reusable, you only have to rinse/lightly wash it while "dumping" it and give it a good boil in water in between your monthly uses. I replace my own about once every year or two which saves the environment from a whole lot of tampon trash. I've tried two other brands before and am excited to give Lunette a whirl the next time my period comes a-knockin'. Most menstrual cups come in two sizes but the ones I'm familiar with have to do with age/if you've had a child while this one seems to have sizes correlate with flow. I received the "model 1" size which is for lighter periods/days. Kind of a cool idea to have a smaller one that doesn't need to hold as much volume for the beginning or end of my period (when it's the lightest for me). These also come in a slew of colors and I got a bright yellow one which is quite cheery. It comes with a matching pouch that is perfect for storage when not in use or while traveling. Understandably, trying something new like this can be scary but the cup comes with instructions, as well as having a lot of great info on their site. I won't go into detail about how to use one here, but feel free to read up and hit me up with questions in the comments! My main tip is just to be patient and know that there is a learning curve. My first cup and I had a rocky beginning but years in I wouldn't trade her for the world.
Amareta Pure Peace Clarifying Serum, 0.5 oz. - Estimated Retail Value $17.33 (buy a 1.7 oz bottle for $52.00)
Another wonderful idea to put in a period box: a clarifying serum. Some of us tend to break out at different times in our cycle and this Pure Peace serum is supposed to help with that. Like the other products contained in this toolkit, this only uses "the natural antiseptic properties of plants like tea tree and witch hazel to detoxify, clear and heal breakouts. No salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, retinol, and other harsh ingredients". The serum is a milky white liquid that has a medium thinness and absorbs well into the skin. The bonus is that the tea tree included also smells heavenly (not unlike the sheet mask). Excited to see if this will help clear up a patch on my chin that has been really bothersome lately. This isn't even a full-size bottle but should last a good bit.
Button Set
Ahhh! I am such a button hoarder and while most pins I get in sub boxes get tossed by the wayside, I'd 100% rock both of these, and WILL! The first one is bright yellow with the word "FEELINGS" in drippy red letters. Sigh. I love it. The other is black with a yellow smiley face with the amazing phrase "Anything you can do I can do bleeding". I've seen that on shirts before and have to restrain myself from buying one all the time. No value listed for these either, so I'll take them as a bonus.
Fur Oil, 14 ml? - Retail Value $28.00
Lastly is this Fur Oil. I'm so glad I read directions because I assumed this was a face oil with a funny name. It's actually meant for that furry part down below and contains grape seed, jojoba, tea tree, and clary sage seed oils to "nourish skin and prevent ingrown hairs". This can really be used all over your body ("For everywhere hair meets skin, including pubic area, underarms, chest, legs, and face") to deliver the same benefits. Again, such a great item for a period box. I love the round bottle and the tiny dropper allows easy dispensing of the right amount. This one also follows suit and smells just as great as the other products.
The Verdict: Teen Vogue knocked it out of the darn park with The Rag! I've always dreamed of a period box that went beyond tampons and chocolate and this one gives you so many more options all at once, plus some great self-care to help you through that time of the month. My favorite part (besides everything being supes cute) is that there was not a drop of chocolate to be found! Yes, I hear you that us women tend to crave it and it has some benefits but it's such a played out filler to me at this point and I'd rather get other stuff instead. I'm far from being a teenager, but I love love love this box and wish there was something this cool back in the 90s when I was one to help me understand all the options that are available. I think menstrual health is really important, especially for young women, and Teen Vogue has done an awesome job doing it right. Moms: if you're reading this and have a teen with a period I think they'd thank you for this one. I know I would.
As far as value is concerned, the website says it's worth $130 and I totaled everything with a value I was able to find to $116.41, so it's pretty close. If you consider the Baggu pouch and button set that did not have listed values and seemed exclusive to the box, you're even closer. Even at the $116.41 value, I'd say this is well worth it for a $24.99 cost, which includes free shipping!
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Yes, this is still available in certain sizes!
Value Breakdown: At $24.99 with free shipping, here's what you end up paying for each item:
- Sheet Mask: $0.56
- Vitamins: $0.75
- Liners: $0.97
- Tampons: $0.32
- Undies: $4.08
- Lunette Cup: $8.58
- Serum: $3.72
- Fur Oil: $6.01
Check out all of our period subscription boxes in the Women's Subscription Box Directory!
What are your thoughts on The Rag?
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