If I'm having a lot of breakouts, the real Proactiv cleanser/toner/lotion combo works the best for me. I only use it once a day, because if I use it at night, it leaves splotchy bleach spots on my pillowcases.
Otherwise, my daily routine is a salicylic acid foaming wash (currently Philosophy on a clear day, but it's been discontinued
), salicylic acid toner and serum (Boots, less than $10 at Target), and retinol at night. Philosophy used to have an On a Clear Day retinol, too, but they discontinued the whole line. I just started using Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM. It's expensive ($65 at Sephora), but it's a not too oily liquid, and I only need 5-6 drops, so it should last a long time.
If you decide to go for the Proactiv, you don't have to get it from the infomercial company. QVC sells it - that's where I used to get mine. You have to pay shipping, but you can send it back within 30 days, even it's almost gone. One of my local malls has a Proactiv vending machine - just swipe your credit card and pick what you want. I love their toner, and was just about to buy it at the vending machine when I discovered the Boots toner.
Good luck - it's work figuring out what your skin likes, but worth it.