i have mild acne and purpilish under eye circles. i looked for some concealers on the internet for acne and under eye circles, but when the shades show, it is hard for me to determine what shade to get. i am not pale, but my face isn't tan. what shade should i choose and what is the cheapest brand that works well?

I've become a Bare Minerals devotee -- the foundation doubles as a concealer depending how you put it on (id est, which brush you use), plus, when I first bought it, I got a special concealer made especially for undereye circles (though I don't have them very bad so I rarely use it -- but if I have been ill and need to coverup any darkness, it's great.)

You just guess your aproximate skin tone and they send over two colors in that range, generally one or the other will work. OR, if you can get to one of their shops, you can test them in person.

In addition, there is a knockoff by L'Oreal that is somewhat cheaper. I've not used it but am told it is almost the same. You can get it at Walmart or drugstores.

i use covergirl concealer, its around $10 and works well

i used to use concealer, but it doesnt cover up as well. now I switched to powder, and I get compliments on how smooth and flawless my skin looks. which is amazing!
i've been using maybelline mineral powder. it goes on really well, and it only cost like, $8. but it lasts awhile. they have lots of different shades, so i'm sure you can just see which matches you best. but it really does go on well, and you cant feel it during the day. its really light.