I use Covergirl makeup. I was wondering do you prefer using a liquid foundation or pressed powder or powder foundation as your foundation? I am african-american also.
I'll tell you about me,
I have:
*Oily/ Combo Skin
*My face is lighter than my neck
*I go to school and I have 4 classes 90 min each, so I need something that can stay on during the day
*And I have smooth skin and I just sort of want something that can just even out my skin, not just a cake on
Anything can help and no dumb comments. Thanks for all your help! And best answer will be chosen!
You can reccomend more. Anything besides, IMAN, MAC, or Clinique, and Bare Essentials.

powder would be best, and if it does come off a bit its small to carry and quick to reapply

WHY not Bare Essentials? Somethings are worth paying for. I know it's a bit pricy, but the foundation is TOTALLY worth it! I can be broke out and this stuff will cover it up AND will stay on. You don't have to buy all the fun stuff, the eye shadows and stuff like that...but I would consider the foundation alone. You dont' break out, cause it's not heavy like foundation. It'll last cause it's more than just a powder. I've been using this for about the past 4 yrs and have bought it for my mother and a friend as well.
Otherwise...without spending, too much...I would recommend a good concealer. Physician's formula (drugstores) has great concealers and then just get a mild powdery foundation and use that when you need to. But unless youa re broke out you won't need much...

I use Covergirl too... I use liquid clean or clean oil control makeup, then I dust pressed powder over top. It keeps my skin from getting oily. I'm also African American. =] You can bring pressed powder to dust on in between classes also if it doesn't stay for too long. =]