‍Hierarchy of function & form – the basics

Anchor with your hero product

• The star of the show.
• This could be the bestseller, the newest launch, or the most photogenic product (yes, sometimes the prettiest kid gets to be front and centre — brutal, but true).
• Place it dead-centre or slightly forward to dominate the eye.‍

Support cast: logical order of use

• People are subconsciously wired to read left to right (or right to left depending on cultural context, but for most Western markets: left → right).
• Arrange from lightest to heaviest textures: cleanser → toner → serum → moisturiser → oil → SPF.
• If you’re including all, this order makes it intuitive and satisfying AF.

Size & shape balance

• Create a flow: tallest at the edges tapering in, or a pyramid shape with the hero at the apex.
• Avoid random “step ladders” or jagged skyline vibes — it’s not a bloody LEGO city.

Colour harmony & branding

• Group by complementary colours or label tones to keep the eye moving fluidly.
• If your brand palette is chaotic (on purpose), anchor it with neutrals so it doesn’t look like a clown vomited on set.

Extra power moves

• Repeat shapes or details — e.g., all pump tops angled slightly the same way, droppers lined up with product names visible. OCD but hot.
• Negative space — give each product breathing room; jam-packed = discount bin energy.
• Texture props — swatches or ingredients should support, not hijack, the lineup

‍The don’ts

• Shoving every SKU in there because “we have them” — looks desperate and confuses the message.
• Random spacing or height variance that implies zero strategy.
• Cluttered background or harsh shadows that steal thunder from the lineup.

TL;DR for your next flex

• Put your hero front and loud.
• Arrange from lightest to heaviest product or in actual routine order.
• Create shape harmony and colour flow.
• Don’t let supporting cast overshadow the main act.

Line it up right, and your photo won’t just look good — it’ll convert. Because let’s be honest: in skincare and in life, hierarchy is everything.