Re: the sponge applicators for eyeshadow, actually, my mom uses those and apparently she didn't even know eyeshadow brushes existed until recently! I was throwing away the applicators from a Wet N Wild palette, and she asked why. I said I use brushes to apply my eyeshadow, and she thought I meant like a big powder brush, she didn't even know that other kinds of makeup brush existed! And even when I showed her, she asked why because "there's no problem with the free applicators...." It made me cringe a little but I guess not everyone is a makeup junkie! She also says things like, "but you already have a pink lipstick, why do you need another?" Or, "why did you buy that eyeshadow for $15, you can get eyeshadow at the dollar store!"
Anyway, back on topic to the packaging...
Eyes: I definitely think mid-range and higher-end products shouldn't come with flimsy applicators because the people buying those surely have their own brushes (or should, anyway), but I guess I understand for drugstore products. As was mentioned above, I am not a big fan of palettes with cardboard packaging.
Face: All foundation bottles should come with a pump! Or in a squeeze tube for cheaper brands I guess. But no glass jars, it's so dirty and hard to get out the right amount of product. Also agree with the above posters about the Stay Matte powder packaging!
Lips: I dislike squeeze tube lipgloss, but I know that's just a personal preference. But no lip products in little pots, please, for the same reason as no foundation in glass jars - sanitation! Doe foot applicators for liquid lip products are my preference. Also, lipstick caps must be secure! I want to be able to throw a lipstick in my purse without worrying that the cap will come off! Finally, I have a few lipliners with little built in sharpeners, and I think that is genius. If I had my way, all automatic pencils (lip or eye) would come with these!