Hiding shadow without looking cakey or spending a ton of time/money?
I have an unfortunate hormone situation that has left me with a very visible 5 o clock shadow, especially since I have lighter skin but dark hair. I can't afford electrolysis and the at-home laser thing has slowed growth, but not reduced the appearance. I have a people-facing job that can result in a lot of awkwardness if people notice the obvious signs that I can grow a literal beard (I have to shave every morning) so I try to hide it as much as possible with makeup. I didn't get into makeup as a teenager - Most of my upbringing was very religious, so makeup was absolutely NOT APPROVED OF for young unmarried women, at least until they were actively putting you on the market - so I didn't really learn then. I've tried putting on a primer first, I use moisturizer, I've tried powdery or cream ones, but I always end up with this cakey look and a lot of the time the shadow is still kind of visible through it.
I would love to be able to get a smooth, mostly natural look - I don't like wearing makeup to begin with, but I don't have a lot of choice if I want to avoid really awkward questions or people treating me a certain way. Is there a way I can get away with using cheaper makeup and just one or two things to apply, instead of about ten different products, to hide the beardline and not look like I've caked on an inch thick of foundation?