I tried that new Bourjois Sleep Effect for a couple of days last week, that was really good, really smooth and creamy and it didn't make the dry skin on my nose more obvious or anything. Not sure how it'd be if you were using it every day though, I'm not a huge fan of Bourjois but it worked fine for those couple of days.

Almay make fantastic foundations.

i swear by covergirl true blend cream foundation. its light and a little goes a long way. even gets rid of the dark circles that are always under my eyes. i finish with covergirl loose powder matching the color foundation i use and for touchups i use the covergirl true blend compact. great fro during the day or if your makeup smears and leaves a dark or colored spot. i hated wearing foundation beforehand.

I like Loreal Infallible. Its the first foundation Ive ever had but everyone I know bought it after seeing it. It looks really smooth and evens out my stupidly red cheeks. Doesnt feel horrible and slightly moisturises my face. You dont need much either which is nice.

i always only used max factor foundations.

i have extremely dry skin, i even tend to get eczema, i have a few visible vessels and under eye circles, but max factor is wonderful i think.

i most of the time use "soft resistant" and "colour adapt", but i like the first one better.


the "cakey" look might also stem from how (much) you apply. and from what you use for a "base". use a non-greasy moisturizer for the day, apply the foundation sparingly, use your fingertips and pat the makeup on the spots you want to cover.
it's also important to choose the right color/tone, that way you won't have to cover all of your face with make up, but only the areas which need it.

this way (non greasy lotion + a good foundation) you will not need powder which mostly adds to the skin's dryness and maybe also to the dull complexion.
a little rouge will make you look less masklike.