Best Mascara: "Prestige. My eyelashes looked incredible all day." —Monique

Best Eyeliner: "Nyx. This stuff didn't crease or move." —Augusta

Best Eyeshadow: "Nyx. Such good colors, such great application. I think I'm in love." —Lindsey

Best Blush: "Nyx. This blush is awesome. You only need the smallest amount to get some serious color on your cheeks." —Lindsey

Best Lipstick: "Milani. Daaaaayyyyuummmm! My lips look luscious!" — Monique

Best Primer: "E.l.f. I think the reason my foundation and blush stayed so well was this primer." —Augusta

Best Foundation: "Milani. A great option, especially for brown women." —Essence

Lindsey: With makeup, it should really be a mix and match — sometimes it's worth it to spend more money on a product like a brow pencil or a lipstick if it's long-lasting and matches your complexion wonderfully, but some products you definitely don't need to empty out your wallet for.

Monique: In some cases, if I was given the option of choosing a cheap item or a higher-end brand, I would for sure go with the more affordable option. The only thing that I would really put my money toward is the foundation. While I'm sure there are some great options for less expensive foundations *if they make your shade*, I feel like foundations at higher price points last longer and blend into the skin in a way that looks really natural.

Also as a girl who doesn't wear a full face every day, I found that wearing all this makeup really makes me step up my game in other aspects of my style. I felt ridiculous wearing bright lipstick and shimmery eyeshadows if I wasn't in an outfit I thought was cute. I also felt the sudden urge to get my brows done. 'Cause what kind of girl spends all that time on make up and doesn't even pay attention to her brows?

Augusta: I used only my fingers or the tools each kit came with, which in general were HORRIBLE. So many of the eyeshadows came in this cute little palette of colors, and then as soon as I went to dip a sponge into the powder to apply the shadow, one of two things happened: almost no shadow transferred onto the sponge, or the sponge completely cracked the powder in the palette. The blushes that didn't come with brushes were such jokes. It's impossible to properly apply blush with your fingers if it's a non-blendable powder.

I've gained such an appreciation for the right tools: eyelash curlers, blush brushes, eyeshadow sponges, and face powder brushes. But brushes and tools cost money, so even if you're buying cheap makeup, you wind up spending all of your money on brushes and sponges and blenders anyway. My main takeaway is that the tools you use are worth investing money in. Tools — and technique — make all the difference.

Essence: Overall, I'd definitely use drugstore brands for eyeliner and mascara, the basics. Foundation and lipstick, though, are definitely department-store buys for me. I don't wear blush every day, but when I do, I'd more than likely pick a department-store brand. If money was tight and I couldn't afford MAC or another department-store brand, I'd go with a drugstore brand that specifically caters to women of color, like Milani. If that weren't an option, I'd just go bare face with a cheap liner and mascara and some Chapstick, or makeup-less.