Working out what your skin really needs to look and feel its best can be tricky, but there are a few steps that skin experts unanimously agree should be part of a good skincare routine. First, a good cleanser; think of this step as the foundation on which the rest of your routine is built. Second, an SPF; wearing sun protection is the one piece of skincare advice that I hear most from dermatologists for preventing everything from signs of ageing to pigmentation. Third, moisturiser is vital for every skin type, from oily to dry, for repairing the skin’s barrier and maintaining hydration levels. Finally, a serum, which is possibly one of my favourite steps in my skincare routine and one that Kate Moss’s facialist told me is key to maintaining youthful, glowy skin.
However, serums undoubtedly have a bit of a bad reputation for being costly, so it’s understandable that many people skip this step entirely and head straight for the moisturiser. But do you really have to pay upward of £100 to find a serum that will deliver results? Turns out you don’t.
In fact, I’ve tried hundreds of serums over the years, and I’m confident that I can find you an affordable dupe for even the priciest of formulations.
:quality(85):upscale()/2026/06/09/732/n/49352476/33700b5b6a28408346cd80.35100877_.png "Timothée and Kylie Are the Best Dressed Courtside Couple – Shop Their Looks From")
