I use mineral foundation. I have used Bare Minerals, and some of the newer drugstore brands as well.
They *will* cover blemishes and pimples, but the key is in the application. The more you swirl the brush into the skin, the more coverage you get. If you have great skin, a light swirling all over will do it, but if you need more coverage, do it again, all over. Work with it a bit.
Suzanne-I have the same problem as you, with needing a color that is pale enough for me. I normally always have to "mix" my foundation. I have to mix half of the palest, pastiest shade ever made, with the next one up.

With the minerals it is easier, because I can dump both powders in a bowl, mix, and put them back into the containers. With liquid foundation, I have to buy both shades, and put a dot of each in my palm and mix. If I don't, I either look too ghostly, or too orange. (even with ivory shades...)