Thanks so much for these detailed responses! Maybe I also need to improve my technique. If I use concealer over my current foundation it looks perfect for about five minutes. I guess primer and/or powder on top of everything else just seems so time-consuming. I am really impressed by how popular the mineral foundations are. I have never tried one.

Everybody's skin is different, so I can only speak for myself, but I think mineral makeup is the best thing since sliced bread. I use foundation to even out my skin, so I don't need much coverage. The mineral makeup eliminates the need for sunscreen (yes, I've used it at the beach and can attest that it works), powder, and concealer. Even though the foundation makeup is pricey, it's the only product I have to use besides my blush, eyeliner and mascara.

I will say, however, that mineral makeup doesn't adhere well to my skin unless I use moisturizer underneath (as a first layer). I use a very lightweight lotion by Free & Clear, which does not make my skin oily or break me out.

Lastly, let me add that you can make your own tinted moisturizer by mixing a little bit of mineral makeup with your moisturizer. I've done it before, and it works great.

There are various brands of mineral makeup on the market. Bare Minerals and Jane Iredale are 2 of them.

Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer in "nude" and also skinmedica light translucent sunscreen spf 60.

I want to give a shout out to my favorite product ever - Make-Up Forever HD Microfinish powder. It has basically two effects - it changes my skin from looking greasy to looking dewy, and it softens fine lines, pores, hairs, etc. Also, it's translucent, so makeup morons like me don't need to get the color right. Actually all the MUFE stuff I've bought has been great.

Scarlet - if you decide to try mineral foundation try wearing it for a few hours before you buy. I had to throw mine out because it made my skin unbearably itchy. I'm told that some people are allergic/sensitive to bismuth, which is in a lot of mineral makeup.

See my post (above) in this thread about my severe reaction to bismuth. Jane Iredale mineral makeup no longer contains this irritating ingredient. There are other mineral makeup brands that don't have it. You have to check the list of ingredients to make sure. A lot of mineral makeup (esp. the stuff sold at your local drug store) does contain bismuth.

Another vote for mineral makeup. My favorite brands are Jane Iredale and Mychelle. I've tried their liquid and cream stick foundations in the past with good results

I was also looking for more coverage than my tinted moisturizer provided a while back. I found I was actually happiest with a full coverage concealer just where I need it to even out my skin tone and powder to set. It looks natural and I like how it lets my freckles and "good" skin show

This post is super helpful to read.
Although I consider myself a makeup hoarder/guru, I don't wear foundation. When I want some coverage, I wear Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer but I have to say that it is almost the same as wearing nothing at all--definitely doesn't give you much coverage if you are looking to even out your skin.
My nose tends to get red, so I use one of Benefit's stick foundations and just use it as spot coverage in those areas--it is a heavier coverage product but I use it sparingly. I'm with Sammi--rather than putting on foundation uniformly, I prefer to strategically target my problem areas with thicker product, letting other areas (like my freckles) shine through.

More recently, I've had two professional make-up appts as trial runs for my wedding make up. One woman used a Nars foundation and the other used Shu Uemura. In both instances, I was very unhappy with how the foundation settled into my pores, highlighting them instead of disguising and, within an hour of wear, also made my skin look MORE uneven and rather pasty. Almost like I had severely uneven skin underneath that was shining through--I think it was my freckles, in hindsight, but up close it looked BAD. So I can't recommend those brands, but I do think foundation is a REALLY personal thing that depends on your coloring, skin type, and tolerance for make up. Many Asian and African American women swear my MAC's studio fix, but it's not for everyone.
My dermatologist loves Jane Iredale so I think that's a great endorsement and I plan to look into her line for my wedding.

One last note: if you do go with a fuller coverage foundation, I would invest in a good brush or sponge for application and blending--it really does make a difference.