I like RCMA, try the sampler palettes. I've heard great things about Graftobian HD (they also have a sampler). I've just ordered Yaby liquid foundations (they are small, but a little goes a long way and their not to expensive), I haven't had too much of a chance to play around with them but the customer service is great! I emailed them asking what 5 foundations I should get (unfortunately I can't afford to get them all, yet) I got a prompt reply recommending:
- ivory/vanilla (or daisy)
- Buff (neutral) (this is an essential color)
- Pecan (yellow) ("used in combination with buff can create a whole range of medium tones in the yellow family")
- Chocolate Chip (pink) (matches very dark African American beautifully)
- Rhubarb (pink)
Also, MAC face and body, you can get the lightest cool, darkest cool, lightest warm and darkest warm (but costs more that yaby and RCMA and more mixing will be needed).
Hope that helps