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The starting guide

Skincare, without the jargon.

Three everyday steps, a few honest answers and zero miracle promises. This guide explains where to begin, at your own pace, in plain words.

The three essentials

  1. 01

    Cleanse

    Cleansing without stripping — sunscreen, sebum and the day come off while skin stays supple. It’s the quiet base everything else rests on.

  2. 02

    Moisturize

    Moisturizer looks after your skin barrier — the thin outer layer that keeps water in and irritation out. When it feels comfortable, everything else settles in better.

  3. 03

    Protect

    The step that changes the most over the years: a large share of how skin visibly ages comes from everyday UV. Morning sunscreen answers that calmly — a habit, not a worry.

Honest answers

The questions everyone asks first

Where do I actually start?

With three steps: cleanse gently, moisturize, then protect from the sun in the morning. That is already a complete base. Everything else — actives, masks, ten-step routines — can wait until your skin gives you a reason.

How much does it cost?

Less than the shelves suggest. A serious starting routine can stay under about $40 in total, and plenty of well-made products cost less than $15. A high price is not proof that a product works better.

How much time does it take?

About five minutes in the morning and five in the evening. A short routine you actually keep does more than an ambitious one you abandon after a week.

When will I notice a difference?

Comfort — skin that feels less tight — can show up within days. For most other things, think in weeks, and give each new product time to prove itself. Sun protection is a long-term habit: its value builds quietly over years.

What mistakes should I avoid?

Changing everything at once, stacking trendy actives, exfoliating too often, giving up after three days — and skipping sunscreen. Introduce one new product at a time. If irritation persists, pause the product and ask a qualified professional.

Your turn

Find your starting routine.

Two minutes, four questions: the quiz adapts the three steps to your skin, your budget and where you are starting from.

Take the starting quiz

992 products on file, documented in English and French.