Cardboard applicator tampons?

I'm on my 3rd period, and last period I tried tampons and really liked them, they're more comfortable than pads. I used plastic applicators and it was fine, and there was no id dues. However, I used all the ones I had, and now my mum is refusing to buy me more plastic ones because she says the cardboard ones are cheaper. I tried the cardboard ones this morning, and I can't use them, I couldn't push it properly, and I didn't like it. Am I doing something wrong? Should I try again or just get myself some plastic ones?