Tampon Issues.

So I've had my period for a while, and I want to use tampons. I have a few cardboard tampons, but I'm not sure if it will be comfortable to insert. I use pads, I've talked to my mom about this and she doesn't like tampons but but she will allow me to use them. I'm a virgin and I haven't put anything in my vagina, so I'm thinking it may be a bad idea. Do you guys recommend any tampons to try for first time users, and ones that have a comfortable applicator and are easy to use. And also are the plastic aplicators better then the cardbord ones or vise versa? Please comment, and thank you for your time 💕.