Tampon applicator with improved insertion tip

A tampon assembly, comprising:

• a tampon applicator having an insertion end adjacent a barrel region, the insertion end having between three and eight petals that are separated by slits, the petals having a free end defining a forward most end of the insertion end, the insertion end having a rearward most end defined by termination of the slits, the insertion end having a radius of curvature generally defining an exterior geometry of the insertion end between the forward most end and the rearward most end exceeding about 0.400 inches, wherein the slits are arcuately shaped, wherein the termination of the slits form a tear-drop shape having a radius of curvature between about 0.028 inches and about 0.030 inches, wherein each of the petals has a formed petal length of between about 0.40 inches and about 0.48 inches, wherein a total slit length between each of the petals is between about 0.50 inches and about 0.58 inches;
• and
• a tampon pledget contained within the barrel region of the tampon applicator;
• wherein an ejection force that is required to eject the tampon pledget out of the barrel region through the insertion end is between 9.8 ounces and about 13.8 ounces.