I use a range of things, changing them around to vary what my skin receives, and none of them are the price of the so called “high end” products.
I‘ve used Micellar water for years (Garnier) to clean my skin and to remove make up, and my pores aren’t blocked so it seems to do a good job. With regards to moisturiser for day or overnight, at the moment I’m alternating between a hyaluronic acid serum (£12.99 for 60ml from Amazon) and Nip+Fab vitamin C serum.
Something must be working because I’ve been told numerous times that I look a lot younger than my years and I’m also lucky because I don’t have many fine lines or wrinkles. However, I personally think the rate of ageing is down to several factors - your genes, the amount of water you drink each day and not sunbathing etc., which is why I don’t bother to spend loads of money on premium products. I’m also sceptical because I can never really see any difference in the before and after pictures.
I guess it’s all down to personal choice though and what works for one person possibly won’t work for another.