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If you’ve ever stood in the skincare aisle feeling completely overwhelmed – such as ten-step routines plastered across your feeds, and influencers swearing by products that are extortionate – this post is for you.

I believe that great skin doesn’t require a complicated routine or expensive products. It requires the right products for your skin – and that’s exactly what I am going to share with you.

My skincare journey

I started taking skincare seriously in my mid-twenties, when I was dealing with acne and persistently spot-prone skin. I’ve always had combination skin (my T-zone is oily, and parts of my face can be quite sensitive), so I went down a skincare rabbit hole – absorbing every piece of advice I could find online, experimenting with numerous products and frequently changing up my routine.

However, I made the mistake of trying products that dried out and stung my face – making my breakouts worse!

Now I’m in my thirties, my skin has genuinely transformed. The breakouts have calmed down, though my complexion is still oily and sensitive. Throughout my skincare journey, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that simplicity wins every time.

I’ve realised that gentle products work best on my skin and give my face TLC, and I’ve established a streamlined routine that keeps everything balanced. No harsh products, no overwhelming steps and no eye-watering price tags that drain my bank balance.

And the best part? People regularly compliment my face, often asking me what I use and how I keep my skin so clear (well, almost clear). So today, I’m sharing exactly that.

Why simple skincare works better

If you have oily or acne-prone skin like me, your face needs major TLC. Harsh products are not your friend.

It’s tempting to think that stronger, more stripping formulas will tackle oiliness and breakouts – I made the mistake of believing that for years. But over-cleansing and stripping away moisture actually signals your skin to produce more oil, which only makes things worse.

Gentle and hydrating products that nourish your face keep your skin balanced, calm and clear.

Chasing every new skincare trend is a trap best avoided. Honestly, don’t buy into the hype! The beauty industry moves quickly (sometimes, too quickly in my view, but that’s probably for another post), and it’s easy to end up with a cluttered shelf full of half-used products that don’t do any good. The real glow-up comes from being consistent with a few products that truly suit your skin type.

The only skincare steps you actually need

In my opinion, a solid skincare routine comes down to five things:

1. Cleanser

2. Toner

3. Serum

4. Moisturiser

5. SPF

That’s it. You can skip toner if it doesn’t suit you, and you only need one or two effective serums. Keep it simple and consistent, and your skin will thank you.

My gentle skincare recommendations

These are the products that I’m currently using – all gentle, effective and kind to your bank balance.

🧴 Gentle cleanser

A good cleanser should remove impurities without stripping your skin. My go-tos are the NIVEA Refreshing Face Wash Gel, the NIVEA Caring Cleansing Cream Face Wash, and the Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser — all of which leave my skin clean and comfortable, never tight or irritated.

I also use micellar water (such as the Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Cleanser & Makeup Remover) with cotton pads to remove makeup at the end of the day. (A gentle reminder: please, please never sleep in your makeup!)

🌸 Cleansing balm

On longer days or when I’m wearing a full face of makeup, I love starting with a cleansing balm to melt away makeup and impurities before cleansing.

I’ve been using the B. Melting Cleansing Balm for a while, but I recently tried the Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm – and it’s so good. It’s smooth and leaves my skin feeling soft without feeling greasy.

💧 Toner

I use a hydrating toner to replenish moisture after cleansing and prep my skin for the next steps in my routine. I don’t have a particular favourite, but Vitamasques sells some really good toners, like the Vitamasques Hydrate Spray Facial Toner, which refreshes the skin beautifully before you apply your serum and SPF.

✨ Serum

Serums are where you can target your specific skin concerns, but you really only need one or two. I rotate between:

• Hyaluronic acid (Me+ by Superdrug and The Inkey List) – for deep hydration and plumpness

• Ginseng serum (Beauty of Joseon) – for luminosity and a natural glow

• Vitamin C serum (Superdrug) — for brightening and evening out skin texture

🧴 Moisturiser

I tend to switch between the Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream and the NIVEA Nourishing Day Cream SPF15 – both are rich enough to keep dryness at bay without clogging pores.

For any particularly dry patches, I apply a thin layer of Vaseline Healing Petroleum Jelly or Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream on the areas that need a little extra love. A little goes a long way.

☀️ SPF

I live in England, where the climate is sometimes grey and gloomy, but SPF is the one step I will never, ever skip – regardless of the season or the weather.

Daily sun protection is the single most effective thing you can do for your long-term skin health, and it’s as important in winter as it is in the summer.

My current favourites are:

• Black Girl Sunscreen – lightweight on deeper skin tones, making the skin glowy and without a white cast

• EVY Technology Daily Defence Mousse SPF50 – melts into the skin with a gorgeous and glowy finish

• Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics – a cult favourite that protects the skin and is definitely worth the hype

All three blend seamlessly into the skin and leave behind a subtle, protective and luminous look.

✨ Face mist

Throughout the day, I spritz the Superdrug Vitamin C Facial Mist to revive, refresh and hydrate my complexion on the go. It’s a small step that makes a big difference, especially on long days.

Summary

Skincare doesn’t have to be complicated, costly or time-consuming. A gentle, consistent routine with a few well-chosen products will take you much further than a shelf overflowing with trending formulas that don’t suit you.

Your skin is unique – learn what it loves, keep it simple and don’t be swayed by every new launch. Trust me, your skin (and your bank balance) will be all the better for it.

Have a browse of my full gentle skincare picks below, and drop your favourite products in the comments. I’d love to hear what’s working for you!

Shop my gentle skincare edit

Hello!

If you’re anything like me, you’re completely obsessed with perfume and smelling amazing 24/7.

With 25+ fragrances (and counting!) in my collection, I’ve tested my fair share of sweet, floral and gourmand scents. So when I say I’ve found the perfect dupes, you know I mean it.

Why I Love KAYALI perfumes

I first discovered KAYALI through Huda Beauty. Founded by Mona Kattan (sister of Huda Kattan), KAYALI has become known for its luxurious, cruelty-free fragrances made with premium ingredients. Each scent is inspired by Mona’s Middle Eastern heritage and is designed to be worn alone or layered for a personalised fragrance experience.

One of the first sets I tried was the Vanilla Mini Duo, a dreamy duo that contains warm, sweet and cosy scents.

My favourite: KAYALI The Wedding Silk Santal

Without a doubt, my favourite KAYALI fragrance is The Wedding Silk Santal. It’s elegance in a bottle — perfect for special occasions, date nights, or when you simply want to feel extra luxurious and elegant.

It features notes of sparkling champagne, silky white freesia, pink praline, floral gourmand accords and juicy nectarine. It’s soft, sophisticated and unforgettable.

As much as I adore KAYALI and want to try more fragrances from the brand, the price point is definitely premium. So if you’re building your fragrance wardrobe on a budget, finding affordable KAYALI dupes is a game-changer.

And that’s where Elysia comes in.

The best affordable KAYALI dupes by Elysia

I recently discovered Elysia perfumes, and I was genuinely impressed. These fragrances are luxurious, long-lasting and beautifully blended — but at a fraction of the price of KAYALI.

If you’re searching for budget-friendly alternatives to KAYALI’s most popular scents, here are the best Elysia dupes to try.

Elysia Marshmallow Eau De Parfum 100ml

Dupe for: KAYALI Yum Boujee Marshmallow

This is a sugary, charming gourmand, floral fragrance for women who adore soft, sweet and cosy scents.

• Top notes: Lemon, Apple, Peach Blossom

• Heart notes: Coconut, Strawberry, Marshmallow

• Base notes: Cream, Vanilla, Musk, Raspberry

If you love sugary, fluffy marshmallow vibes with a delicious and fruity twist, this is a must-try.

Elysia Elegance Eau De Parfum 100ml

Dupe for: KAYALI Fleur Majesty Rose Royale

This is a radiant, feminine Arabic-inspired EDP shaped by juicy fruits, soft florals and a creamy base. It’s perfect for daytime wear, the office or elegant evenings out.

• Top notes: Mandarin, Orange, Juicy Pear, Sweet Peach

• Heart notes: Magnolia, White Peony, Rose Centifolia, Violet Wood

• Base notes: Vetiver, Vanilla, Praline, Musk

It’s refined, uplifting and beautifully balanced. This is my go-to scent for daily use when I’m out and about.

Elysia Vanilla Eau De Parfum 100ml

Dupe for: KAYALI Vanilla

A warm and elegant fragrance that captures creamy vanilla richness with a refined floral and woody finish.

• Top notes: Vanilla Orchid, Jasmine

• Heart notes: Brown Sugar, Tonka Bean

• Base notes: Amber, Amberwood, Patchouli, Musk

If you’re a vanilla lover like me, this is the perfect everyday signature scent.

Elysia Lychee Fizz Eau De Parfum 100ml

Dupe for: KAYALI Eden Sparkling Lychee

A bright, playful EDP blending juicy fruits, sweet florals and a smooth musky base.

• Top notes: Lychee, Lemon, Blackcurrant, Red Apple

• Heart notes: Candied Violet, Damask Rose, Sambac Jasmine

• Base notes: Amber, Cedar, Sandalwood, Musk, Vanilla Absolute

It’s fresh, sparkling and perfect for spring and summer! I can’t wait to wear it.

Elysia Apple Rouge Eau De Parfum 100ml

Dupe for: KAYALI Eden Juicy Apple

A radiant, feminine fragrance that combines playful fruit notes with elegant florals and a soft, comforting base.

• Top notes: Red Apple, Lychee, Blackcurrant, Pink Grapefruit

• Heart notes: Wild Berries, Raspberry Blossom, Jasmine, Rose Centifolia

• Base notes: Amber Crystals, Vanilla Flower, Sugar Moss, Musk

If you love fruity-floral perfumes with a sweet edge, this one is gorgeous.

Final thoughts: Are these the best KAYALI dupes?

If you adore KAYALI’s signature sweet, gourmand and fruity-floral scents but want a more affordable alternative, Elysia perfumes are 100% worth trying. They offer similar scent profiles, impressive longevity and that luxurious feel — without the luxury price tag.

Whether you’re looking for a marshmallow dream, a sparkling lychee summer scent or a classic creamy vanilla, there’s an Elysia dupe for you! I can’t wait to try more perfumes from their current collection.

Shop KAYALI dupes