There is provided a tampon applicator having a plunger and a barrel with a tapered insertion, which provides enhanced insertion comfort to a user. The taper of the insertion tip is defined by a ratio of the length of the taper projection along a longitudinal axis of the barrel to the length of the tape r projection along a radius of the barrel at a base region of the insertion ti p. The insertion end of the barrel preferably has two or more petals for enhanc ed user comfort. Preferably, the petals have a substantially uniform thickness. The barrel may also have a fingergrip for ease of use of the applicator duri ng insertion, expulsion of the pledget, and removal from the vagina.
