Buzz
Plus, understanding why the clean girl aesthetic raises some concerns
The "Clean Girl" look, defined by effortlessly stylish details like sleek ponytails, natural makeup, and timeless wardrobe essentials, has taken social media by storm. Those embracing this style are often linked to a lifestyle that includes fitness routines, clean eating, and shopping at health-conscious stores. In this article, we dive into the aesthetic, how to achieve it, and why some argue it’s time to move on from it.
The Clean Girl Aesthetic: A Quick Overview
The Clean Girl aesthetic is a minimalist beauty and fashion trend that began on TikTok in 2022. It emphasizes natural, fresh-faced beauty with an effortless vibe in hair, makeup, and clothing. Signature looks often include slicked-back buns, gold hoop earrings, neutral hues, and subtle 'no-makeup makeup' styles.
How to Achieve the Look
What defines the 'clean girl' aesthetic?
The clean girl aesthetic is centered around minimalist beauty and fashion choices. Much like the 'that girl' aesthetic, this style gives off a fresh, effortless, and low-maintenance vibe, but it requires considerable effort to perfect. The focus is on sleek hair and natural makeup, embracing a minimalist look that appears effortless yet chic.
- The iconic slicked-back bun with gold hoops and glowing skin (core elements of the clean girl aesthetic) has been a staple for decades, particularly among Black and Brown women.
- While the recent TikTok trend, highlighted by figures like Hailey Bieber and Bella Hadid, has brought this style into the spotlight, it’s important to acknowledge that this look has its roots in communities of color long before it became mainstream.
Clean Girl Aesthetic Hair Styles
Go for sleek buns and smooth, slicked-back edges. The clean girl aesthetic typically features a slicked-back hairstyle, achieved with products like oil, gel, and a bristle brush to keep the hair in place. A bun or ponytail is usually positioned at the nape or crown, with a subtle center part.
- To create a slicked-back bun/hairstyle, begin by washing your hair as usual and towel-drying it. Apply gel and use a bristle brush to smooth back the hair. Secure the back with a ponytail or twist it into a bun.
- Alternatively, a low, twisted braid ponytail is another stylish option. Whatever style you choose, it should be frizz-free, flyaway-free, and glossy.
Clean Girl Aesthetic Beauty Tips
Go for a minimal makeup look. To achieve a fresh, no-makeup vibe, focus on enhancing your natural features with soft blush, defined brows, and glossy lips. Subtle touches like highlighter, contouring, and neutral eyeshadows can also be included, but ensure the overall look remains balanced, understated, and effortlessly chic for a glowing, natural appearance.
- Choose makeup products that help cover up blemishes. Glossy, gently tinted lips are the perfect finishing touch.
Opt for dewy skincare products. The latest skincare trend is all about achieving a plump, glass-like complexion. Like past trends such as 'dolphin skin,' the goal is to create a radiant, dewy base. To achieve this, include ultra-hydrating products in your skincare routine—such as a nourishing cleanser, a glowing serum, and a hydrating moisturizer.
Go for a natural-looking 'your nails but better' manicure. For the clean girl aesthetic, well-maintained, natural nails are a must. Stick to neutral tones, nudes, or soft pinks, and a classic French manicure is always a great choice.
- Whether you choose a short square shape or a long oval, your nails will fit the 'clean girl' aesthetic as long as they look polished without drawing too much attention or competing with the rest of your outfit.
Fashion Tips for the Clean Girl Aesthetic
Build your wardrobe with timeless, classic pieces. The 'clean girl' look is all about a polished, put-together appearance that still feels effortless. The secret is to embrace simple, well-fitted basics like black or white t-shirts, tank tops, boyfriend jeans, white button-up shirts, oversized black blazers, and slip dresses. This preppy, timeless style is both chic and versatile, with a sophisticated vibe that avoids feeling overly formal or stuffy.
Opt for a neutral color palette. The clean girl aesthetic thrives on neutral tones like black, white, beige, and taupe. Bold, bright colors like neon yellow are rare in this style, as it favors soft, subtle hues.
- If you enjoy incorporating color, add just a small touch here and there instead of going all out.
Keep your accessories minimal with gold jewelry and hoop earrings. Jewelry should be simple and elegant. Avoid large, attention-grabbing pieces like statement necklaces, and instead go for subtle classics such as plain gold chains or hoop earrings.
- A pair of stylish black sunglasses can add an extra touch of chic to your outfit.
Living the Clean Girl Aesthetic
Adopt a clean and minimalist lifestyle. The clean girl aesthetic goes beyond just appearance; it also influences daily habits and choices. Mornings are for matcha lattes rather than regular coffee, and smoothies or green juices are regular treats. When it comes to home decor, minimalism is key for the 'clean girl'—it's the style that looks best in photos.
- Looking for ways to achieve the clean girl aesthetic with less effort? Check out Mytour’s ‘How to get the clean girl aesthetic as a lazy girl’ forum!
The Criticism of the Clean Girl Aesthetic
Some believe the trend promotes unrealistic beauty standards. Social media often showcases a curated, idealized version of life that is enjoyable to view but fails to capture the true effort involved in maintaining the "clean girl" look. These unrealistic portrayals set beauty standards that are difficult, if not impossible, for most women to realistically meet every day.
- Even a simple "no-makeup" makeup look requires just as much time and effort as other beauty routines. Still, women feel the pressure to meet these societal expectations in pursuit of an unattainable ideal.
It has been criticized as cultural appropriation. Many white influencers who promote the "clean girl" aesthetic have been called out by people of color (POC) for embracing the trend without acknowledging its cultural roots. For instance, gold hoop earrings have been worn by African American and Latinx women for generations, but were once dismissed by mainstream white culture as "ghetto" and inappropriate for formal settings.
- The clean girl aesthetic also draws from South Asian traditions, such as the practice of using hair oils for a slick, shiny look. This practice has been a staple in South Asian cultures for years, but has often been criticized by those who perceive it as unkempt or messy.
Some argue that the clean girl aesthetic implies others are dirty. The clean girl aesthetic can promote the harmful idea that people with flawless, clear skin are "clean" while those with acne or imperfections are somehow "dirty." This association is misleading and harmful, as acne is a complex condition often influenced by genetics and other factors beyond one's control.
The clean girl aesthetic has been called non-inclusive. Critics argue that the trend perpetuates a narrow definition of beauty, largely focusing on young, white, cisgender women as the ideal. This lack of diversity excludes BIPOC women, plus-size women, those with acne or disabilities, older women, and non-binary individuals.
- Furthermore, the use of the word "girl" can undermine womanhood and contribute to harmful fears about aging.
Some see the clean girl aesthetic as classist. The "clean girl" aesthetic subtly suggests that consumerism is tied to cleanliness. Hyper-consumerism—the habit of buying more than needed—can harm the environment. This aesthetic pressures young women to purchase expensive health foods, skincare products, and a neutral-toned wardrobe to be considered "clean."
- Not only is this wasteful, but it also excludes those who can't afford such luxuries. Not everyone can afford Pilates classes, but that doesn't make them any less "clean."
The Clean Girl Aesthetic: A Summary
The clean girl aesthetic presents a minimalist and effortless look, but it has its drawbacks. At its core, the clean girl aesthetic is an online trend that emphasizes low-maintenance and "effortless" beauty and fashion. On the surface, it seems harmless, promoting the idea of simple, youthful beauty. However, its focus on thin, "flawless" white women can contribute to the systemic devaluation of women of color and those who don't fit conventional beauty standards.
- It's important to note that there’s nothing wrong with embracing a particular look if it's genuinely your style and something you enjoy. However, blindly following trends because they're deemed beautiful by social media platforms like TikTok can be harmful, as it promotes a narrow and unrealistic standard. You are beautiful in your own unique way, no matter what aesthetic you choose to express!
What Defines "Clean Girl Aesthetic" Fashion?
Engage in the Conversation...
I'm usually very low-maintenance and don't spend a lot of time curating my looks, but lately, I've been wanting to try out the "clean girl" aesthetic I keep seeing everywhere. I barely have a morning routine and don't put much effort into self-care, so what are some easy tips I can try to achieve this look? Are there specific makeup trends or products that I need to use to embody the "clean girl" vibe? Thanks in advance!
Pila Xian
Esthetician and Massage Therapist
Esthetician and Massage Therapist
The "clean girl" look is all about effortless elegance, yet achieving it is anything but simple. Getting this polished appearance with minimal makeup actually requires a significant amount of effort. As Dolly Parton once said, "It takes a lot of time, money, and makeup to look this pared down!" Below are some tips to help you achieve the aesthetic, including skincare, makeup, hair, and styling advice.
Skincare is Essential!
–Start with a solid skincare routine: double cleanse, use a vitamin C serum, apply moisturizer, and don't forget sunscreen.
–A good moisturizer will help achieve that dewy glow.
–Vitamin C helps maintain a bright complexion.
–For makeup, aim for a "no-makeup makeup" effect.
–Consider using a tinted SPF as a foundation and apply concealer around areas like the nose to even out your skin tone.
–Use clear or tinted brow gel for a well-groomed look.
–Go for a subtle nude lip pencil or gloss.
–Your lip gloss or lipstick can also double as a blush.
Hair Care Tips
–Popular styles include sleek buns and ponytails, with hair neatly brushed back.
–To reduce frizz, use hair oils or gels.
Style with Simplicity
–Stick to neutral tones: white, beige, black, and grey are timeless wardrobe staples.
–Opt for tailored blazers, straight-leg jeans, and simple tops.
–Keep accessories minimal: classic hoop earrings, delicate necklaces, and a tailored watch.
–Choose neutral-colored handbags and maintain neat nails with light-colored or sheer nail polish.
The "clean girl" aesthetic should reflect confidence and ease. The key is to look effortlessly put together without trying too hard. Keep it simple, and as Tim Gunn says, remove one accessory or element after you're dressed.
Skincare is Essential!
–Start with a solid skincare routine: double cleanse, use a vitamin C serum, apply moisturizer, and don't forget sunscreen.
–A good moisturizer will help achieve that dewy glow.
–Vitamin C helps maintain a bright complexion.
–For makeup, aim for a "no-makeup makeup" effect.
–Consider using a tinted SPF as a foundation and apply concealer around areas like the nose to even out your skin tone.
–Use clear or tinted brow gel for a well-groomed look.
–Go for a subtle nude lip pencil or gloss.
–Your lip gloss or lipstick can also double as a blush.
Hair Care Tips
–Popular styles include sleek buns and ponytails, with hair neatly brushed back.
–To reduce frizz, use hair oils or gels.
Style with Simplicity
–Stick to neutral tones: white, beige, black, and grey are timeless wardrobe staples.
–Opt for tailored blazers, straight-leg jeans, and simple tops.
–Keep accessories minimal: classic hoop earrings, delicate necklaces, and a tailored watch.
–Choose neutral-colored handbags and maintain neat nails with light-colored or sheer nail polish.
The "clean girl" aesthetic should reflect confidence and ease. The key is to look effortlessly put together without trying too hard. Keep it simple, and as Tim Gunn says, remove one accessory or element after you're dressed.
Hey there! The clean girl aesthetic is all about looking fresh, feeling clean, and having a put-together look that appears effortless (even if you put in a lot of work to achieve it). Does that make sense?
To start, try a sleek bun or ponytail to keep your hair neat and out of the way. The smoother and shinier, the better. Stick with simple makeup: concealer, a little blush, and glossy lips. The goal is to look youthful and natural, as if you aren't wearing makeup at all.
For your outfit, keep it simple. A well-fitting t-shirt with jeans or a button-up shirt with a long skirt will fit the clean girl aesthetic perfectly.
To start, try a sleek bun or ponytail to keep your hair neat and out of the way. The smoother and shinier, the better. Stick with simple makeup: concealer, a little blush, and glossy lips. The goal is to look youthful and natural, as if you aren't wearing makeup at all.
For your outfit, keep it simple. A well-fitting t-shirt with jeans or a button-up shirt with a long skirt will fit the clean girl aesthetic perfectly.
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