I'm 38 and have combination skin with a t-zone tending towards oiliness, and a more normal cheek area. My main concerns are eliminating minor hormonal break-outs, addressing early signs of ageing, and just generally maintaining skin that looks healthy, glowing, and in great condition.
Am a bit of a skin care obsessive 
, have tried everything, researched until my eyeballs have nearly fallen out, spent far too much money, and this is what I now use and what really works for me. None of it (bar one item) is expensive and my skin is the best its ever ever been. I'm complimented on it and asked what I use often, which feels great.
AM - Cleanse with Avene extremely gentle cleanser and a muslin cloth.
Apply vitamin C anti-oxidant serum (this is the one item I splurge on, at the moment I'm using Alpha H, but skinceuticals do a really good one too.)
Apply Vichy global normaderm hydrating care - this obviously hydrates skin but is also full of AHA's and BHA's, which keep the pores clear.
Then lastly I use Neutrogena oil-free moisture with broad spectrum SPF 35. Every day. No exceptions. In hot sunny weather I use Obagi Nuderm SPF 50.
PM - Remove make-up with La Roche Posay eye make up remover and micellar lotion.
Cleanse with Avene extremely gentle cleanser and a muslin cloth.
Apply retin-a 0.5
About an hour later moisturise with Cetaphil cream.
That's my basic routine. It's not glam, there's no beautiful packaging, but it works. Other products I like and occasionally use as the need arises include Clarins lotus oil, Guerlains midnight secret late night recovery treatment, and Nuxe fresh hydrating mask.