Topicals — Skincare for Flare-Ups

# Build brief — an original marketing website in the taste of Topicals

> Reference: https://mytopicals.com · UIDiscovery: https://uidiscovery.com/sites/topicals · captured 2026-09-22 at a 1440px desktop viewport (+ 390px iPhone shots) · [full page](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/topicals/full.webp) · [scroll video](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/topicals/preview.mp4)

## 1. Goal
Build an original marketing website for **[the user's brand]** that feels as considered as Topicals — same structure, rhythm and polish, entirely new identity and content.

## 2. Originality rules
- Build an ORIGINAL design for the user's own brand in the same *taste* as Topicals: structure, rhythm, hierarchy, palette mood and type pairing.
- Never reuse Topicals's logo, name, product imagery, illustrations, icons, screenshots or copy. Write new copy for the user's product.
- If the user hasn't said what their product is, ask first (or use clearly marked placeholders like [Brand], [Product], [Audience]).
- Reference screenshots are for looking at, not for embedding or tracing.

## 3. The taste, in short
- Topicals (mytopicals.com): Fashion & Beauty marketing website, dark.
- 15 sections: Content → Statement → Features → Content → Features → Statement → Showcase → Content → Showcase → Statement.
- Spacing: about a screen per idea (median section ≈750px).
- Type: one family (Chalet). Imagery: mostly photography, some typography with little or no imagery.

## 4. Page structure (top to bottom)

### 1. Content — supporting content that deepens one idea.
- Layout: text + media block. Tall, ≈1.9 screens (1700px at 1440), own dark band #010000; 2 image/graphics; 8 buttons (tabs, toggles or per-card actions).
- Slots: Heading; Body copy; Supporting visual (see image plan); Primary + secondary action.
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/topicals/s-01.webp) · imagery: slot 1

### 2. Content — supporting content that deepens one idea.
- Layout: text + media block. Tall, ≈1.9 screens (1700px at 1440), own dark band #010000; 2 image/graphics; 8 buttons (tabs, toggles or per-card actions).
- Slots: Heading; Body copy; Supporting visual (see image plan); Primary + secondary action.
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/topicals/s-02.webp) · imagery: slot 2

### 3. Statement — a large-type moment that sets tone and pace.
- Layout: oversized typography with lots of space. Tall, ≈1.9 screens (1700px at 1440), own dark band #010000; 2 image/graphics; 8 buttons (tabs, toggles or per-card actions).
- Slots: Heading; Body copy; Supporting visual (see image plan); Primary + secondary action.
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/topicals/s-03.webp) · imagery: slot 3

### 4. Statement — a large-type moment that sets tone and pace.
- Layout: oversized typography with lots of space. Compact band (301px at 1440), own dark band #010000; 2 image/graphics; 8 buttons (tabs, toggles or per-card actions).
- Slots: Heading; Body copy; Supporting visual (see image plan); Primary + secondary action.
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/topicals/s-04.webp)

### 5. Features — explain the key benefits, grouped so each can be scanned in seconds.
- Layout: section title over a grid or alternating rows of benefit items. Half to one screen (664px at 1440), own dark band #010000; 36 image elements (photo collage/gallery + small graphics); form with 7 fields, 29 buttons (tabs, toggles or per-card actions).
- Slots: Section title (~5 words, like the reference); 3 items: icon or visual + short title + 1–2 line description; Primary + secondary action.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “You make skin look good.”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/topicals/s-06.webp) · imagery: slot 4

### 6. Content — supporting content that deepens one idea.
- Layout: text + media block. Half to one screen (750px at 1440), own dark band #010000; 3 image/graphics; inline form (1 field, e.g. email capture), one primary button.
- Slots: Heading (~5 words, like the reference); Body copy; Supporting visual (see image plan); One primary action.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “Faded Dark Spot Peel Pads”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/topicals/s-07.webp) · imagery: slot 5

### 7. Features — explain the key benefits, grouped so each can be scanned in seconds.
- Layout: section title over a grid or alternating rows of benefit items. Half to one screen (657px at 1440), own dark band #010000; 4 images/icons (a set of cards or a small gallery); 1 text link instead of buttons.
- Slots: Section title (~3 words, like the reference); 2 items: icon or visual + short title + 1–2 line description; Text link action.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “WE'RE TOPICALS”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/topicals/s-08.webp) · imagery: slot 6

### 8. Statement — a large-type moment that sets tone and pace.
- Layout: oversized typography with lots of space. Half to one screen (750px at 1440), own dark band #010000; 2 image/graphics; one primary button.
- Slots: Heading (~8 words, like the reference); Body copy; Supporting visual (see image plan); One primary action.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “Why so serious? Let’s make flare-ups fun instead.”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/topicals/s-09.webp) · imagery: slot 7

### 9. Showcase — show the product (or the result) itself as proof.
- Layout: a large framed visual with a short caption or heading. Half to one screen (708px at 1440), own dark band #010000; 10 images/icons (a set of cards or a small gallery); 3 buttons (tabs, toggles or per-card actions).
- Slots: Heading (~8 words, like the reference); Body copy; Supporting visual (see image plan); Primary + secondary action.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “Join us in taking skincare beyond the bathroom”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/topicals/s-10.webp) · imagery: slot 8

### 10. Content — supporting content that deepens one idea.
- Layout: text + media block. Compact band (195px at 1440), own light band #f6f6f6; no images (type-led); inline form (1 field, e.g. email capture), one primary button, 15 links (link lists / navigation).
- Slots: Heading; Body copy; One primary action.
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/topicals/s-11.webp)

### 11. Content — supporting content that deepens one idea.
- Layout: text + media block. Compact band (184px at 1440), own light band #f6f6f6; 1 image/graphic; 3 text links instead of buttons.
- Slots: Heading; Body copy; Supporting visual (see image plan); Text link action.
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/topicals/s-12.webp)

### 12. Showcase — show the product (or the result) itself as proof.
- Layout: a large framed visual with a short caption or heading. Tall, ≈1.9 screens (1700px at 1440), own light band #ffffff; no images (type-led); no interactive controls.
- Slots: Heading; Body copy.
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/topicals/s-13.webp)

### 13. Showcase — show the product (or the result) itself as proof.
- Layout: a large framed visual with a short caption or heading. Tall, ≈1.9 screens (1700px at 1440), own light band #ffffff; no images (type-led); no interactive controls.
- Slots: Heading; Body copy.
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/topicals/s-14.webp)

### 14. Statement — a large-type moment that sets tone and pace.
- Layout: oversized typography with lots of space. Tall, ≈1.9 screens (1700px at 1440), own light band #ffffff; no images (type-led); no interactive controls.
- Slots: Heading; Body copy.
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/topicals/s-15.webp)

### 15. Statement — a large-type moment that sets tone and pace.
- Layout: oversized typography with lots of space. Compact band (301px at 1440), own light band #ffffff; no images (type-led); no interactive controls.
- Slots: Heading; Body copy.
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/topicals/s-16.webp)

## 5. Design system
### Colour
| Role | Hex | Use | Contrast on background |
|---|---|---|---|
| background | `#131212` | page background | — |
| foreground | `#ffffff` | body text, headings | 18.7:1 |
| accent | `#ffffff` | none captured — monochrome. Primary buttons invert (foreground fill, background text); add your brand colour only for small highlights | — |
| surface | `#010000` | cards, inputs, alternate bands | text on it 21.0:1 |
| muted | `#818181` | secondary text, borders | 4.8:1 |

Captured palette: `#131212` `#ffffff` `#010000` `#818181` `#000000`. Section bands top→bottom: `#010000` → `#f6f6f6` → `#ffffff`. Roles are assigned automatically — sanity-check them against the screenshot. Keep the palette's *mood* (dark, neutral, desaturated) and proportions; swap the accent for the user's brand colour.

### Tokens
```css
:root {
  --background: #131212;
  --foreground: #ffffff;
  --accent: #ffffff;
  --surface: #010000;
  --muted: #818181;
  --font-heading: "Inter", ui-sans-serif, system-ui, sans-serif;
  --font-body: "Inter", ui-sans-serif, system-ui, sans-serif;
  --radius: 12px; /* calibrate from the screenshot */
}

/* Tailwind v4 — in globals.css after @import "tailwindcss"; */
@theme {
  --color-background: var(--background);
  --color-foreground: var(--foreground);
  --color-accent: var(--accent);
  --color-surface: var(--surface);
  --color-muted: var(--muted);
  --font-heading: var(--font-heading);
  --font-sans: var(--font-body);
}
```

### Typography
- Headings: **Inter** (Google Fonts) — reference uses Chalet. “Chalet” is likely a custom or licensed face. Inter is a neutral stand-in — pick a closer free match by eye from the screenshot.
- Body: same family — a single-family system; create contrast with size and weight, not a second face.
- Scale (starting point, sizes weren't measured — calibrate against the 1440px screenshot): display clamp(2.5rem, 5vw, 4.25rem), h2 clamp(1.75rem, 3vw, 2.5rem), h3 1.25rem, body 1rem–1.125rem / 1.6, small 0.875rem. Headings: tight tracking (-0.02em), line-height 1.05–1.15.

### Spacing & rhythm
Sections run ≈750px tall at 1440 (median; range 184–1700px, captures cap at 1700px) — roughly a screen per idea. Start with 96–120px vertical padding per section on desktop and about two-thirds of that on mobile. The background changes 2 times down the page — use band changes to mark chapters. 8px spacing grid, 1200–1280px max content width, 24px (mobile) / 32–48px (desktop) gutters.

### Shape, depth & theme
On dark, separate layers with 1px borders at ~8–12% white and soft glows instead of drop shadows. Read exact corner radius, border and shadow treatment from the screenshots. Dark-first; for a light mode swap background ↔ foreground, lighten the surface, keep the accent and re-check contrast.

## 6. Imagery plan

Measured from 13 section screenshots: mostly **photography**, some typography with little or no imagery (dark, neutral, desaturated, Fashion & Beauty). Still glance at the linked screenshots to match the exact mood.

### Slot 1 · 1. Content → photography
- Photography, seen in the capture (people). (measured from the screenshot) Count: a set of ~2 in one consistent style. Aspect: 4:5. Look first: [ref 1](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/topicals/s-01.webp)
- **Stock** — “editorial fashion portrait plain backdrop dark”: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/editorial-fashion-portrait-plain-backdrop-dark?orientation=portrait) · [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/search/editorial%20fashion%20portrait%20plain%20backdrop%20dark/?orientation=portrait) · [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/images/search/editorial%20fashion%20portrait%20plain%20backdrop%20dark/?orientation=vertical)
- **Generate** — `Photograph: editorial fashion portrait plain backdrop. Composition: simple composition with one focal point. Lighting: low-key, moody directional light with deep shadows. Neutral, desaturated colour grade that sits on #010000, #ffffff. Photorealistic, natural textures, shallow depth of field, 35mm lens. Aspect ratio 4:5. No text, no letters, no logos, no watermarks, no brand marks or trademarked products, no recognisable real people.`

### Slot 2 · 2. Content → photography
- Photography, seen in the capture (people). (measured from the screenshot) Count: a set of ~2 in one consistent style. Aspect: 4:5. Look first: [ref 1](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/topicals/s-02.webp)
- **Stock** — “fabric texture close up dark”: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/fabric-texture-close-up-dark?orientation=portrait) · [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/search/fabric%20texture%20close%20up%20dark/?orientation=portrait) · [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/images/search/fabric%20texture%20close%20up%20dark/?orientation=vertical)
- **Generate** — `Photograph: fabric texture close up. Composition: simple composition with one focal point. Lighting: low-key, moody directional light with deep shadows. Neutral, desaturated colour grade that sits on #010000, #ffffff. Photorealistic, natural textures, shallow depth of field, 35mm lens. Aspect ratio 4:5. No text, no letters, no logos, no watermarks, no brand marks or trademarked products, no recognisable real people.`

### Slot 3 · 3. Statement → photography
- Photography, seen in the capture (people). (measured from the screenshot) Count: a set of ~2 in one consistent style. Aspect: 4:5. Look first: [ref 1](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/topicals/s-03.webp)
- **Stock** — “unbranded skincare bottles still life dark”: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/unbranded-skincare-bottles-still-life-dark?orientation=portrait) · [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/search/unbranded%20skincare%20bottles%20still%20life%20dark/?orientation=portrait) · [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/images/search/unbranded%20skincare%20bottles%20still%20life%20dark/?orientation=vertical)
- **Generate** — `Photograph: unbranded skincare bottles still life. Composition: simple composition with one focal point. Lighting: low-key, moody directional light with deep shadows. Neutral, desaturated colour grade that sits on #010000, #ffffff. Photorealistic, natural textures, shallow depth of field, 35mm lens. Aspect ratio 4:5. No text, no letters, no logos, no watermarks, no brand marks or trademarked products, no recognisable real people.`

### Slot 4 · 5. Features → photography (uncertain)
- Fashion & Beauty references lean on photography; 36 elements suggests icons/thumbnails mixed in. Count: a collage of several photos with one consistent colour grade. Aspect: 4:3. Look first: [ref 1](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/topicals/s-06.webp)
- **Stock** — “fabric texture close up close up dark”: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/fabric-texture-close-up-close-up-dark?orientation=landscape) · [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/search/fabric%20texture%20close%20up%20close%20up%20dark/?orientation=landscape) · [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/images/search/fabric%20texture%20close%20up%20close%20up%20dark/?orientation=horizontal)
- **Generate** — `Photograph: fabric texture close up close up. Composition: tight crop, identical framing and background across the whole set. Lighting: low-key, moody directional light with deep shadows. Neutral, desaturated colour grade that sits on #010000, #ffffff. Photorealistic, natural textures, shallow depth of field, 35mm lens. Aspect ratio 4:3. No text, no letters, no logos, no watermarks, no brand marks or trademarked products, no recognisable real people.`

### Slot 5 · 6. Content → photography
- Photography, seen in the capture (people). (measured from the screenshot) Count: a set of ~3 in one consistent style. Aspect: 4:5. Look first: [ref 1](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/topicals/s-07.webp)
- **Stock** — “unbranded skincare bottles still life close up dark”: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/unbranded-skincare-bottles-still-life-close-up-dark?orientation=portrait) · [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/search/unbranded%20skincare%20bottles%20still%20life%20close%20up%20dark/?orientation=portrait) · [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/images/search/unbranded%20skincare%20bottles%20still%20life%20close%20up%20dark/?orientation=vertical)
- **Generate** — `Photograph: unbranded skincare bottles still life close up. Composition: simple composition with one focal point. Lighting: low-key, moody directional light with deep shadows. Neutral, desaturated colour grade that sits on #010000, #ffffff. Photorealistic, natural textures, shallow depth of field, 35mm lens. Aspect ratio 4:5. No text, no letters, no logos, no watermarks, no brand marks or trademarked products, no recognisable real people.`

### Slot 6 · 7. Features → photography
- Photography, seen in the capture (tool, cosmetic tool). (measured from the screenshot) Count: a set of ~4 in one consistent style. Aspect: 4:3. Look first: [ref 1](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/topicals/s-08.webp)
- **Stock** — “editorial fashion portrait plain backdrop wide shot dark”: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/editorial-fashion-portrait-plain-backdrop-wide-shot-dark?orientation=landscape) · [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/search/editorial%20fashion%20portrait%20plain%20backdrop%20wide%20shot%20dark/?orientation=landscape) · [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/images/search/editorial%20fashion%20portrait%20plain%20backdrop%20wide%20shot%20dark/?orientation=horizontal)
- **Generate** — `Photograph: editorial fashion portrait plain backdrop wide shot. Composition: tight crop, identical framing and background across the whole set. Lighting: low-key, moody directional light with deep shadows. Neutral, desaturated colour grade that sits on #010000, #ffffff. Photorealistic, natural textures, shallow depth of field, 35mm lens. Aspect ratio 4:3. No text, no letters, no logos, no watermarks, no brand marks or trademarked products, no recognisable real people.`

### Slot 7 · 8. Statement → photography
- Photography, seen in the capture (people). (measured from the screenshot) Count: a set of ~2 in one consistent style. Aspect: 4:5. Look first: [ref 1](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/topicals/s-09.webp)
- **Stock** — “fabric texture close up wide shot dark”: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/fabric-texture-close-up-wide-shot-dark?orientation=portrait) · [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/search/fabric%20texture%20close%20up%20wide%20shot%20dark/?orientation=portrait) · [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/images/search/fabric%20texture%20close%20up%20wide%20shot%20dark/?orientation=vertical)
- **Generate** — `Photograph: fabric texture close up wide shot. Composition: simple composition with one focal point. Lighting: low-key, moody directional light with deep shadows. Neutral, desaturated colour grade that sits on #010000, #ffffff. Photorealistic, natural textures, shallow depth of field, 35mm lens. Aspect ratio 4:5. No text, no letters, no logos, no watermarks, no brand marks or trademarked products, no recognisable real people.`

### Slot 8 · 9. Showcase → photography
- Photography, seen in the capture (people). (measured from the screenshot) Count: a set of ~10 in one consistent style. Aspect: 16:10. Look first: [ref 1](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/topicals/s-10.webp)
- **Stock** — “unbranded skincare bottles still life wide shot dark”: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/unbranded-skincare-bottles-still-life-wide-shot-dark?orientation=landscape) · [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/search/unbranded%20skincare%20bottles%20still%20life%20wide%20shot%20dark/?orientation=landscape) · [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/images/search/unbranded%20skincare%20bottles%20still%20life%20wide%20shot%20dark/?orientation=horizontal)
- **Generate** — `Photograph: unbranded skincare bottles still life wide shot. Composition: centred subject with even space around it. Lighting: low-key, moody directional light with deep shadows. Neutral, desaturated colour grade that sits on #010000, #ffffff. Photorealistic, natural textures, shallow depth of field, 35mm lens. Aspect ratio 16:10. No text, no letters, no logos, no watermarks, no brand marks or trademarked products, no recognisable real people.`

- **No imagery (type-led)** — 4. Statement, 10. Content, 11. Content, 15. Statement: No imagery needed — type, spacing and colour do the work. If the screenshot shows a background graphic, rebuild it in CSS (gradient, grid, noise) or a short muted video, not a stock photo.

### If the screenshots show a different style
Open the refs first and name what you actually see (photo / product UI / illustration / abstract gradient or 3D / type only). If it differs from the guess, switch routes — UI is built in code, type-only needs no image, otherwise:
- **abstract 3D / gradient** — generate `Abstract 3D render: soft, glossy glass-like shapes and a smooth gradient in #818181 and #010000 on a #131212 background. Lighting: low-key, moody directional light with deep shadows; neutral, desaturated tone. Minimal and calm, generous negative space on one side for text. Aspect ratio 16:9. No text, no letters, no logos, no watermarks, no brand marks or trademarked products, no recognisable real people.` · stock: [“abstract dark gradient 3d” on Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/abstract-dark-gradient-3d?orientation=landscape) (same query works on Pexels/Pixabay)
- **illustration** — generate `Flat vector illustration: editorial fashion portrait plain backdrop, friendly simplified shapes, limited palette of #010000, #ffffff plus one soft neutral, plenty of empty background, consistent line weight, neutral, desaturated mood. Aspect ratio 16:9. No text, no letters, no logos, no watermarks, no brand marks or trademarked products, no recognisable real people.` · stock: [“fashion flat illustration” on Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/fashion-flat-illustration?orientation=landscape) (same query works on Pexels/Pixabay)

- **Licences:** Unsplash and Pexels images are free for commercial use under their own licences; Pixabay under the Pixabay Content License. Check each image's page before use, credit the photographer when asked (good practice anyway), and skip images showing logos, trademarks, branded products or identifiable people without a release.
- **AI generation:** the prompts work with any image model (GPT Image, Imagen, Flux, Midjourney, Firefly, SDXL…) — check its commercial-use terms. Never put the reference brand's name or “in the style of <brand>” in a prompt.
- **Never** download, trace or re-host the reference's own images, illustrations, product shots or logos.

## 7. Build steps
1. Confirm brand, product, audience and the primary action with the user.
2. Set up the tokens (CSS variables / Tailwind @theme) and load the fonts.
3. Build the sections in order, mobile-first, with each reference screenshot open.
4. Write original copy for every slot — match length and tone, never the words.
5. Source every image via the imagery plan (stock or generated); compress it and record credits.
6. Run the checklist at 390 / 768 / 1440px and fix what fails.

## 8. Acceptance checklist
- [ ] Responsive at 390px, 768px and 1440px — no horizontal scroll, tap targets ≥ 44px on mobile.
- [ ] Colour contrast WCAG AA: 4.5:1 body text, 3:1 large text and UI; visible focus states; full keyboard navigation.
- [ ] Semantic HTML: one <h1>, ordered headings, landmarks (header/nav/main/footer), labelled form fields, alt text on meaningful images.
- [ ] Performance: modern image formats with width/height set, lazy-load below the fold, ≤ 2 font families with font-display: swap, LCP < 2.5s.
- [ ] prefers-reduced-motion respected; animations under ~300ms and never blocking content.
- [ ] Originality: no copied logos, images, illustrations or copy from the reference; every image licensed or generated; credits recorded.

## 9. If you use Next.js + Tailwind
Paste the @theme block into globals.css, load fonts with next/font/google, make each section a server component in components/sections/, use next/image with explicit sizes, and keep client components for interactive bits only (menus, toggles, accordions).

---
More: tokens https://uidiscovery.com/api/v1/sites/topicals/tokens · kit https://uidiscovery.com/api/v1/sites/topicals/kit · MCP `get_design_brief({ slug: "topicals" })`, `get_image_plan({ slug: "topicals" })`. Cite the reference as https://uidiscovery.com/sites/topicals.