First off, for acne, my favorite is Vichy's Normaderm Acne Daily Deep Cleansing Gel. You can get this at Target for $17.99. Don't be freaked out by the price because I literally use it everyday and it lasts me for months.
For moisturizing, if you have dry skin, I would suggest CeraVe PM facial moisturzing (also at Target for $12 to $13) or Neutrogena Hydro Boost ($20).
I also suggest a toner. It will clear out more acne and remove makeup!
Keeping your face clean & clear is great for a better makeup application/appearance.
For foundation, if you are looking at drugstore. Its pretty tricky because mostly what you pay for is what the quality is. The ones I found to be the best was Maybelline Matte and Powerless. Dewy foundations tend to "slide" off throughout the day.
For application, Real Techniques is great, but that stippling brush does not give a great blend (I own it too!) And that may be a big problem to your cakey issue. Try finding a flat top foundation brush. I believe Sonia Kashuk sells one and that is at Target as well. Beauty blenders are great for getting a less-cakey coverage as well.
For concealer, Maybelline's Camouflage concealer is the best!!! I still use it to this day, it doesn't budge and great for covering up anything. I used to work with the Target Beauty program, and a guy had surgery on his face that left heavy bruising around his eye. We sampled it and it was nearly gone! Look into it!
For powder, Defiantly use powder! That will keep your foundation on and stop sliding. L'Oreal Hydra Perfecte Loose Powder is the best! I use it everyday.
For primer/setting spray, NYX has good primers and setting sprays. NYC or Wet n Wild may have good primers. I would say most primers are good. I normally don't see a huge difference in any that I've used. But, they are still good to use especially if you use drugstore foundation.
I used to use drugstore but have found a significant difference in wearing higher quality brands because there is less creasing, cakey-like... but there are still some drugstore brands I still use and are great. I hope this helps. I know its like product over-load! I used to suggest products when I worked at Target, so give them a check! <3