Skin · Sun · Hair · Body

The short list.

16 products worth buying and 10 guides that explain when to use them. You do not need ten products. You need the right few.

Start with the essentials Browse the short list

Start here

The whole routine, under five minutes a day

The three step routine

Cleanser, moisturiser, sunscreen. In that order, morning and night, with the sunscreen only in the morning. Everything else on this site is an addition to these three, and none of the additions do much if the base is missing.

Buy them wherever you like. Ordering all three from the same shop usually saves the shipping.

All 3 togetherabout $58Lasts several months. Guide prices, checked August 2026.
CeraVe

Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Step 1 · morning and night

The default first product. Cleans without stripping, and leaves ceramides behind instead of taking them away.

Just startingDry skinReacts easilyEvery day
approx. $16View details

Read why these three, and what to skip

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Everything on the list

Area
What for

CeraVe

Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Step 1 · morning and night

The default first product. Cleans without stripping, and leaves ceramides behind instead of taking them away.

Just startingDry skinReacts easilyEvery day
approx. $16View details
CeraVe

Foaming Facial Cleanser

Step 1 · morning and night

The same idea as the hydrating one, but it actually foams. For skin that looks shiny by midday.

Just startingOily skinSpotsEvery day
approx. $17View details
CeraVe

PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

Step 2 · if cream feels heavy

Same job as a cream, much lighter feel. The answer if moisturiser has always made your face look greasy.

Oily skinEvery day
approx. $18View details
CeraVe

Gentle Hydrating Shampoo

2 to 3 times a week

Sulfate free, fragrance free, cheap. The everyday shampoo for a scalp that gets tight or itchy.

Just startingReacts easilyDry skinEvery day
approx. $12View details
Hanz de Fuko

Claymation

On dry hair

The upgrade, not the starting point. Strong hold on thick hair, and it can be restyled during the day.

Fine or flat hair
approx. $28View details
CeraVe

Moisturizing Cream

After showering

A tub of plain cream. The most skipped product on this list and the cheapest fix for tight, dry skin.

Dry skinReacts easilyJust startingEvery day
approx. $17View details