It can be hard to feel fresh while on your period [1] in Summer, but there are a few basic products that can make that a little bit easier.

We love Summer. We love the balmy — if not downright hot — days spent outdoors with our friends soaking up the sunshine, and we especially love taking weekend jaunts to Europe [2]. But, we've also all had those days when we're on our periods and just feel a bit, well, not cute. Add to that, a midweek heatwave and a packed tube carriage, and by the time you've reached the office, you've given the term "sweaty mess" a whole new meaning, which is made all the worse by it being that time of the month.

That's where this list comes in. We've compiled five of the best products that will help keep you feeling fresh while on your period this Summer. This list won't suggest that you spend your hard-earned cash on unnecessary procedures that promise to cleanse, buff, or moisturise your vagina (sadly, those things do exist), but rather, it recommends products that don't stray too far from your usual menstrual routine.

1. Swap Your Tampons For a Menstrual Cup

Aside from the environmental impact of using disposable sanitary items [3], the beauty of a menstrual cup [4] is they don't need changing as frequently as tampons do and can be left inserted for up to 12 hours. So, on a hot day when you're busy going about your life, you won't need to worry about where the nearest public bathroom is. When I was wading into the world of menstrual cups for the first time, there was one cup that was recommended to me multiple times when I asked my girlfriends which cup was their favourite — the Intimina Lily Cup [5] (£25). According to the company, its slanted shape has been designed to fit your body's natural curves, so it's more comfortable than some other cups.

2. Choose a Menstrual Cup With a Social Conscience

If you've decided to swap tampons for a menstrual cup but feel overwhelmed by all of the options, the Ruby Cup [6] (£29) might be the right — and simple — choice for you. The cup itself has a similar design to well-known brands like Mooncup and DivaCup, but as an added bonus, for every Ruby Cup sold, they'll donate a menstrual cup to a woman or girl who doesn't have access to menstrual care products.

Stash Fragrance-Free Wipes In Your Handbag

These Organic Cotton Feminine Wipes by Rael [7] (£5) are made with 100 percent purified water — no fragrances, chlorine, or chemicals are present in these. You might be wondering why you would even need these in your period arsenal. Sometimes — particularly on hot Summer days — being on your period can leave you feeling less than fresh, but one way to fix that is by giving yourself a wipe down while in the bathroom. These wipes are fully biodegradable and individually wrapped, so you can discreetly keep a few in your handbag at all times. Plus, if you use a menstrual cup, these water wipes will come in handy when you need to clean your cup in a public bathroom.

4. Opt For Plastic-Free Pads

Whatever your stance on single-use plastic, one thing I hate most about big name, branded pads is the sweat-inducing plastic used in the manufacturing process. Switching to 100 percent cotton pads like these from TOTM [8] (£3.50) on sweltering hot days could help you avoid the uncomfortable sweat that makes you feel urghh.

5. Invest In Cute, But Crucially Breathable, Cotton Underwear

The last thing you need when you're on your period is to be hot and bothered, but that doesn't mean you should have to wear frumpy undies either. Invest in a couple of pairs of breathable and chic knickers — like these from Calvin Klein [9] (£20) — for those days when you want to feel cute but need a little help in doing so.