You can define any of the brands that have counters in good department stores as overpriced - because you are paying for the global branding, design, counter space, staff, and on and on, and only a very small percentage on what is in the product.
What sickens me about most of these brands - apart from their products are not much different from high street brands except for better fragrances - is they burn or destroy excess stock every year rather than selling it at a discount and devaluing the brand.
I truly believe skincare is moving in a different direction now. It started with The Ordinary, and now there are lots of others, who offer specific serums with specific active ingredients, so that you can customise your skincare routine to exactly what your face needs.
I.e. I would never buy a generic serum or moisturiser now.
I use a Niacamide serum followed by a Vitamin C serum in the morning; and then Niacimide followed by a Retinol Serum in the evening, with a Rosehip or Almond oil over the top.
Rationale:
Niacamide - clears skin, declogs pores
Vitamin C - brightness and glowiness
Retinol - anti-aging
Oil - moisture
Obviously everyone has different needs, but that's what works for me - and I can buy all of the products for less than one Chanel cream.
I recommend this brand for highly effective basics at an excellent price:
Balance Active Formula 15%... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08V7PG41B?ref=ppxpoppmobappshare