I asked myself the same question several times. I am sure there are great products out there which are affordable... The question is, how does one find it? Or do I dare experiment an affordable product then my skin breaks out later and have my skin damaged? i think I'll pay more for skin renewal and the loss of confidence in not having great skin!
Sometimes, I find myself looking at the makeup counter of a Duane Reade drugstore. Almay, Revlon, Neutrogena, Loreal. Most hypoallergenic, derma-tested. But there's no one to ask, to assist you, no associate to help you out with the products.
That's why I am well-at-ease going to high-end shops such as Takashimaya, Bergdorf and Barney's. There's always someone knowledgeable on the floor you can ask, purchase an item or two, ask for samples to try, then later come back if I liked the product. I guess one pays a premium for that personal interaction as their prices totally reflect that.
However, I have started to try out all-natural products such as Burt's Bees. I tried using their Facial Citrus Scrub and I like it. Definitely not the finest granules one gets from Cle de Peau but the kind that they use when I have my facial at a spa. For just $6, I am already on my second jar.
Cheers!
Kim