The only drug store brands that I have really really liked has been the ones geared towards Women of Color the LOreal Hip Line, Covergirl Queen Collection and Black Radiance foundation. Also Posner cover cream does wonders if you have hyperpigmentation like I do because it gives you amazing coverage. You can wear posner alone or under your foundation and it makes almost any cheapo foundation look really good. I was a drugstore cosmetics girl junkie all the way up to this year I just started MAC in February and after wearing it I don't know if I can go back to the drugstore brands but all of the ones I mentioned are really good for Afro American skin.

If I were you I would go with Loreal. It really is good. Also If you are looking for a loose powder Loreal Translucide Luminius powder is the bomb and I actually like it better than the powder that I have tried so far from MAC. Its the best!

I never had any problem looking good with Drugstore brands for me it was its poor staying power.