The Beauty Prompt Library 📋
30+ tested prompts organized by use case. Copy, paste, customize the [brackets], and go. All prompts work with ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Perplexity.
🧴 Skin Analysis Prompts
1. The Complete Skin Profiler
Analyze my skin profile and give me a comprehensive assessment.
About me: [age], [gender], [ethnicity/skin tone], living in [city/climate].
What I observe:
- Forehead/nose: [oily/normal/dry] by midday
- Cheeks: [oily/normal/dry/tight]
- After washing with water only, skin feels: [tight/normal/oily] at 30 minutes
- I break out on: [areas]
- Breakout type: [whiteheads/blackheads/cystic/pustules]
- Sensitivities: [anything that causes redness or irritation]
- Current routine: [list products or "nothing"]
Provide: (1) My skin type, (2) Top 5 concerns ranked, (3) Key ingredients I need, (4) Ingredients to avoid, (5) Red flags requiring dermatologist visit.2. The Concern Deep Dive
I have [specific skin concern — e.g., "hormonal acne along my jawline"]. Tell me:
1. What causes this at a biological level
2. The top 5 evidence-backed ingredients for treating it (with study citations if possible)
3. The typical timeline for improvement with each ingredient
4. Warning signs that this concern needs dermatological intervention
5. Common mistakes people make when treating this3. The Photo Analyzer (for AI with vision)
Look at this photo of my skin. Identify:
1. Visible skin concerns (acne, hyperpigmentation, texture, redness, etc.)
2. Estimated skin type based on visible oil/dryness
3. What these observations suggest about my skin's current needs
4. 3 product recommendations based on what you see
Note: I know this is not a medical diagnosis. I'm using this for routine optimization only.4. The Seasonal Adjustment
My current routine is: [list AM and PM products].
I'm transitioning from [current season] to [upcoming season] in [city].
The humidity is going from [X%] to [Y%] and temperature from [X°F] to [Y°F].
What adjustments should I make? Should I swap any products, change application frequency, or add/remove steps?5. The "What Changed?" Troubleshooter
My skin was doing well until [timeframe]. Now I'm experiencing [new concern].
Recent changes: [new product? diet change? stress? travel? medication? hormonal shift?]
New symptoms appear on: [which areas of face/body]
They look like: [describe or attach photo]
Help me identify the most likely cause and create a plan to fix it.🧪 Ingredient Analysis Prompts
6. The INCI Decoder
Decode this ingredient list for me:
[paste full INCI list from product]
Tell me: (1) The key active ingredients and approximate concentrations, (2) The role of each ingredient, (3) Potential irritants, (4) Who this product is best for, (5) Who should avoid it, (6) Any ingredients that interact badly with [retinol/vitamin C/AHAs/etc.].7. The Conflict Checker
I use these active ingredients in my routine:
AM: [list actives]
PM: [list actives]
Create a compatibility matrix showing:
- Which pair well together
- Which compete or cancel each other out
- Which should be separated by time
- Optimal AM vs PM assignment
- Any combinations that risk irritation or barrier damage8. The Ingredient Investigator
I keep hearing about [trending ingredient — e.g., "tranexamic acid" or "snail mucin"].
Give me the honest assessment:
1. What does it actually do at a cellular level?
2. How strong is the clinical evidence? (cite study size/type if possible)
3. What skin types/concerns benefit most?
4. At what concentration is it effective?
5. Any risks, side effects, or contraindications?
6. Is it worth the hype, or is there a better-proven alternative?9. The Active Ingredient Ranker
Rank the top 10 ingredients for [specific concern — e.g., "hyperpigmentation"] by strength of clinical evidence.
For each, provide:
- Evidence grade (strong/moderate/emerging/weak)
- Optimal concentration range
- How long until visible results
- Key side effects or limitations
- Best over-the-counter product containing this ingredient10. The Formulation Checker
I'm looking at [product name] by [brand]. The key active is [ingredient] and they claim [specific benefit claim].
Is this claim supported by the evidence? At the likely concentration in this product (based on INCI position), would it actually deliver on the promise?🛒 Product Matching & Dupe Finding
11. The Budget Routine Builder
Build me a complete skincare routine (AM + PM) with a hard budget of $[amount]/month.
My profile: [skin type, age, top concerns, climate].
Available retailers: [Walmart/Target/Amazon/Ulta/Sephora/etc.]
Country: [for product availability]
Rules: Prioritize active ingredients per dollar. Generic/store brands are fine. Include specific product names with approximate prices. Show the total monthly cost.12. The Dupe Finder
Find me affordable dupes for:
1. [Expensive product 1 — name, brand, price]
2. [Expensive product 2]
3. [Expensive product 3]
For each dupe, show: product name, price, key matching ingredients, what's different from the original, and the percentage savings. Only suggest dupes that match on ACTIVE ingredients, not just texture or branding.13. The Product Showdown
Compare these two products head-to-head:
Product A: [name, brand]
Product B: [name, brand]
Compare: key actives, inactive ingredients, texture, price per oz, who each is best for, who should avoid each, and which is the better value. Declare a winner for MY skin profile: [brief profile].14. The "What Should I Buy at Sephora?" Prompt
I have $[budget] to spend at [retailer]. My skin profile is [brief]. My current routine is [list].
What would give me the highest impact improvement for my money? I want [1-3] products maximum, not an entire haul. Explain why each product fills a gap in my current routine.15. The Subscription Audit
I'm currently subscribed to / regularly buying these products:
[list all products, frequency, and price]
Audit this spend:
1. Am I using anything redundant? (two products doing the same thing)
2. Am I overpaying for anything? (dupes available)
3. Am I missing any critical step?
4. What's my effective cost per month, and can we cut it by 30% without sacrificing results?💇 Hair Care Prompts
16. The Hair Profiler
Build me a personalized hair care routine.
Hair type: [straight 1A-1C / wavy 2A-2C / curly 3A-3C / coily 4A-4C]
Porosity: [low/medium/high — or "not sure, help me test"]
Density: [thin/medium/thick]
Current concerns: [frizz/breakage/thinning/dandruff/oiliness/dryness/color damage]
Processing: [virgin/color-treated/bleached/chemically straightened/permed]
Climate: [city or humidity level]
Budget: $[amount]/month
Heat tool usage: [frequency and tools used]
Provide a complete wash day routine + maintenance between washes.17. The Color Protection Plan
I just [colored/bleached/highlighted] my hair. The treatment used was [type].
My hair's current condition is [describe].
Build me a post-color routine to: maintain vibrancy, prevent damage, and restore moisture. Include: shampoo frequency recommendation, must-have ingredients, ingredients to absolutely avoid, and when I can safely heat-style again.💄 Makeup Prompts
18. The Foundation Matcher
Help me find my foundation match.
My skin tone: [fair/light/medium/tan/deep/dark]
Undertone: [warm/cool/neutral/olive — or "not sure, help me identify"]
Skin type: [oily/dry/combo]
Coverage preference: [sheer/medium/full]
Finish preference: [matte/satin/dewy]
Budget: [drugstore <$15 / mid-range $15-$40 / prestige $40+]
Concerns to address: [redness/dark circles/hyperpigmentation]
Recommend 3 foundations with shade estimates. If you need more info to narrow the shade, tell me what to check.19. The Event Makeup Planner
I have [event type — wedding, interview, date, photoshoot] on [date].
My features: [eye color, hair color, skin tone]
Style preference: [natural/glam/bold/editorial]
Budget for new products: $[amount]
Products I already own: [list what you have]
Create a step-by-step makeup look with specific shade suggestions. Tell me what to buy vs what I can skip.20. The Shade Translator
My perfect shade in [Brand A Foundation] is [shade name/number].
What would my equivalent shade be in:
1. [Brand B]
2. [Brand C]
3. [Brand D]
Note any differences in undertone or coverage that might affect the match.🌿 Specific Condition Prompts
21. The Rosacea Manager
I have rosacea [type: 1 erythematotelangiectatic / 2 papulopustular / 3 phymatous / 4 ocular / or "not sure"].
My triggers include: [heat, alcohol, spicy food, sun, stress, specific products]
I'm currently using: [list products]
Build me a rosacea-safe routine that will: reduce baseline redness, minimize flares, and strengthen my skin barrier. Flag any ingredients I should absolutely avoid.22. The Acne Routine Optimizer
Acne type: [comedonal/inflammatory/hormonal/fungal/mix]
Severity: [mild/moderate/severe]
Location: [face zones and/or body]
Current acne products: [list]
Current routine: [list full routine]
Have tried and failed: [products that didn't work or caused reaction]
Optimize my routine specifically for acne. Tell me: what to keep, what to drop, what to add, and give me a 12-week timeline for expected improvement.23. The Anti-Aging Starter Kit
I'm [age] and want to start an evidence-based anti-aging routine. I've never used actives before.
Budget: $[amount]/month
Skin type: [type]
Main aging concerns: [fine lines, loss of firmness, dullness, dark spots, etc.]
Sun exposure history: [minimal/moderate/significant lifetime exposure]
Build me a beginner-friendly anti-aging routine with a slow-introduction schedule. I want to avoid irritation while building tolerance to retinoids.🔍 Research & Decision Prompts
24. The "Should I Get This Procedure?" Prompt
I'm considering [cosmetic procedure — e.g., microneedling, chemical peel, laser, botox].
My concern: [what I'm trying to address]
My age: [age], Skin type: [type], Fitzpatrick scale: [I-VI]
Give me an honest assessment:
1. Expected results for someone with my profile
2. Realistic downtime and recovery
3. Cost range in [your city/country]
4. Number of sessions typically needed
5. Risks and potential complications
6. Alternative treatments (topical or less invasive) worth trying first
7. Questions I should ask during consultation25. The Brand Trust Evaluator
Give me an honest assessment of [brand name] skincare.
1. What do they do well?
2. What's overpriced or overhyped in their line?
3. What are their best 3 products (genuinely)?
4. What should I skip?
5. Any ingredient controversies or formulation concerns?
6. How do they compare to [competitor brand] in the same price range?26. The Travel Skincare Kit
I'm traveling to [destination] for [duration]. Climate there: [describe or let AI look up].
I currently live in [home climate].
I can bring [number] products max in travel sizes.
My skin type: [type], current concerns: [list]
Build me a minimal travel kit that covers the essentials, accounts for climate change, and fits TSA carry-on liquid rules. Tell me what I can safely skip for the trip.🎁 Gift & Exploration Prompts
27. The Gift Builder
I'm buying a skincare gift for someone with the following profile:
- Age: [age range], Gender: [gender]
- Skin: [what I know about their skin, even if it's just "they seem to have dry skin"]
- Current interest: [are they a skincare newbie or enthusiast?]
- Budget: $[amount]
Recommend a gift set or curated product bundle. Avoid anything that could cause a reaction (no strong actives unless I know they already use them). Prioritize "luxury experience" products if unsure about their skin.28. The "I'm Overwhelmed" Simplifier
I have all these products and I don't know what to use:
[list everything in your bathroom cabinet]
My skin type: [type], top concern: [one thing]
Simplify this into a 4-product AM and 4-product PM routine using ONLY what I already own. Tell me what to keep and what to give away.29. The Routine Review
I've been using this routine for [months]:
AM: [list steps]
PM: [list steps]
Results: [what's improved]
Still struggling with: [what hasn't improved]
Side effects: [any irritation, dryness, etc.]
Review my routine. What's working? What's not? What should I swap, add, or remove? Are there any ingredient conflicts I missed?30. The Ingredient Stacking Scheduler
I own these active-ingredient products:
[list all serums, treatments, acids, retinoids, vitamins, etc.]
Create a weekly schedule (Mon-Sun, AM & PM) that uses ALL of these without conflicts. Mark which nights are "rest nights" and which are "active nights." Make sure no two conflicting actives are layered together.Using These Prompts Effectively
- Start with #1 (Skin Profiler) to establish your baseline
- Move to the routine builders (#11 or the guide's SPRC framework)
- Use the research prompts when evaluating new products
- Revisit quarterly with #29 (Routine Review) to keep evolving
All prompts work across platforms. For beauty specifically: ChatGPT gives the most detailed product recommendations, Claude gives the most nuanced ingredient analysis, and Gemini gives the fastest price/availability lookups.