Abstract: A compact tampon applicator is disclosed having a hollow first tube with a forward end and a rearward end. A tampon is slidably positioned within the first tube. The tampon has a longitudinally aligned central aperture formed therein which is open at both ends and has a withdrawal string attached thereto. The applicator also contains a radially expandable second tube having a forward end and a rearward end. The forward end is initially retained in the central aperture of the tampon and the rearward end initially extends out of the rearward end of the first tube. The second tube is capable of expanding radially once the forward end is removed from the tampon such that the second tube acquires a larger diameter and can be manually moved forward to eject the tampon from the first tube.