This post will show you how to achieve the Clean Girl aesthetic that is popular on TikTok, with tips and products that are essential to the trend.
What is a “Clean Girl,” you ask?
It basically refers to a girl who always seems put-together without looking overdone, with a simple yet classy look. She looks well-kept and, well… clean!
If you keep up to date with TikTok and social media trends, then you know that the Clean Girl aesthetic has totally taken over.
The Clean Girl Aesthetic skin is glowy, her hair is shiny, and her makeup looks like she’s not even wearing any. Similarly, her wardrobe features chic basics rather than trendy items that go in and out of style.
The Clean Girl aesthetic is similar to TikTok’s “That Girl” aesthetic, however, the That Girl aesthetic is more so related to a lifestyle, whereas the Clean Girl aesthetic is about how you look and how you present yourself. There’s an effortless, natural vibe to the Clean Girl that is enviable, hence why this aesthetic has become so popular.
If you’d like to become a Clean Girl yourself, read on because we are breaking down how to achieve the look from head to toe.
Disclaimer: if the Clean Girl Aesthetic look isn’t your thing, that’s completely fine! This is just a guide to getting the look if you want to try it.
Table of Contents
1. Clean Girl Skincare
Fresh, glowy skin forms the basis of the Clean Girl aesthetic. And while makeup can be helpful in achieving that look, it really starts with your skin.
If you don’t already have a skincare routine that you follow or that works for you, now is the time to find one that’s going to give you healthy, radiant skin.
Here are some Clean Girl-approved products to get you started:
Face Exfoliator
A key to fresh, radiant skin is exfoliating regularly.
Get rid of dullness and dead skin by using an exfoliator for a smoother, glowing complexion. Glossier’s Solution, which you can use daily, features AHA, BHA, and PHA which all work to clear and soften your skin.
Face Serum
A facial serum is a great way to infuse moisture into your skin for a plump, hydrated look.
Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops not only hydrates but also reduce hyperpigmentation, minimize pores, and gives your skin a reflective glow that can also be used as a highlighter.
This skincare serum doesn’t contain any glitter or mica though, so it will look natural (and therefore is Clean Girl-approved!).
Face Mask
For rejuvenation and an instant boost of moisture, try a face mask.
This hydrogel face mask aptly named the “Weekly Reset” from Loops Beauty is designed to deeply nourish and energize your skin, boost collagen production, and refine your pores.
2. Clean Girl Makeup
A Clean Girl’s makeup is essentially a “no-makeup makeup” look. The goal is to look natural – think dewy skin, flushed cheeks, fluffy brows, etc. It’s all about enhancing your natural beauty!
Glowy Primer
Glowy skin is always in, and it’s a hallmark of the Clean Girl aesthetic.
One of the best ways to achieve a glowy, dewy-looking face (besides good skincare) is with an illuminating primer.
Saie’s Glowy Super Gel Lightweight Dewy Highlighter is a multi-functional luminizing base: you can wear it alone, mix it with your skincare, or wear it under your foundation/tinted moisturizer. So even on those true no-makeup days, you can mix this with your daily SPF moisturizer for a glowy look.
It will give you that naturally “lit from within” look thanks to its illumination, and is made from clean ingredients including brightening Vitamin C and hydrating squalane oil.
SPF Skin Tint
Clean Girls are not into the thick, cakey foundations. Instead, opt for a skin tint with light coverage that’s going to enhance your skin’s appearance.
Ilia’s Super Serum Skin Tint is a great alternative to the traditional foundation; with a serum-like consistency, it features skincare ingredients, light coverage, SPF 40, and a radiant finish. Plus, it’s a Clean at Sephora product and thanks to its mineral SPF, you won’t have to worry about wearing additional sunscreen on your face.
Cream Blush
Cream blush is essential to the Clean Girl no-makeup makeup look. Glossier’s Cloud Paint gel-cream blush is a cult favorite and has been dubbed “the most user-friendly blush under the sun.”
Its sheer application and blurring pigments give you a naturally-flushed, with a light makeup look that won’t accentuate your skin texture or pores. You can use your fingers to dab it on, and its bouncy formula will blend right in for a seamless appearance.
Lip Gloss
Glossy lips in a “your lips but better” shade is another Clean Girl staple, and Dior’s Lip Glow Oil is the Clean Girl’s #1 pick. It enhances and softens your lips while imparting a shiny, natural-looking color to give your lips a “rosy glow” without being sticky thanks to its oil texture.
You won’t need to worry about lip liner or lipstick with this product; it’s going to make your lips look juicy all on its own.
Mascara
Mascara is an easy way to make yourself look more awake and bring your no-makeup makeup look together.
Glossier’s Lash Slick, which promises to enhance your natural lashes rather than make it obvious that you’re wearing mascara, is the perfect everyday mascara. It will lift and lengthen your lashes, minus flakes or smudging.
Eyebrow Gel
Rather than precise, sculpted brows, Clean Girls Aesthetic prefers its brows to look fluffy and natural.
Use an eyebrow gel like the Kosas Air Brow Clear + Clean Lifting Treatment Eyebrow Gel which has a lamination effect to give you fluffy, feathered brows.
This clear brow gel has hair care actives within it to support healthier, fuller eyebrows, and it lifts and sets your eyebrow hairs for a laminated look.
3. Clean Girl Hair
A Clean Girl’s hair is sleek, shiny, and well-kept – even if it’s not necessarily clean! Yes, you can get the Clean Girl aesthetic even with dirty hair.
Read on to find out how along with tips for taking care of your hair for healthy-looking locks.
Also read: Why Embracing Your Natural Hair Texture in College is the Best
Hair Treatment
If you haven’t tried Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector, you are missing out! This hair treatment is one of a kind, working to repair hair damage and strengthen strands.
Not only will this treatment improve how your hair looks and feels over time with use, but it’s also a product Clean Girls use to slick their hair back into a sleek bun, which is the ultimate Clean Girl hairstyle. Talk about multi-tasking!
Dry Shampoo
Clean Girl hair looks… well, clean! Of course, clean hair is going to look the healthiest and glossiest. But if you’re a little behind on your hair washing schedule and still want to look like a Clean Girl, you have two options: dry shampoo or a sleek bun.
Freshen up your locks by spraying your roots with dry shampoo and fluffing them up. You can also consider throwing in a few hair rollers or curls with a curling iron to add shape back to your hairstyle.
Sleek Bun
The signature Clean Girl hairstyle is a sleek bun, and the best part? Your hair doesn’t even need to be clean to achieve the look!
This hairstyle is perfect for days when your hair is starting to look greasy (it’s okay, we’ve all been there); in fact, dirty hair will actually hold better in this slicked-back style.
There are plenty of helpful hair tutorials on YouTube and TikTok to teach you how to get the model-off-duty hair look for yourself.
In addition to a bun, you can opt for a similar look by using a hair claw to put your hair up.
Hair Pomade
For ultra slicked back hair, try using a hair pomade to slick your hair back. Ouai’s Matte Pomade gives hair a moldable texture that will tame any unruly hairs (goodbye, flyaways!) and create a matte effect.
Hair Rollers
Another signature hairstyle of the Clean Girl aesthetic? A bouncy blowout.
You don’t have to book a salon appointment to achieve the hairstyle, though. Use hair rollers to attain that voluminous blowout look. (There are tons of tutorials on TikTok!)
Clean Girl Clothing
The Clean Girl’s wardrobe is filled with elevated basics that are timeless rather than trendy. As with makeup, the goal is to look effortlessly chic.
The best part about these pieces is that they won’t go out of style in a season; these are items that you’ll get plenty of use out of and be able to style countless different ways.
Here are the clothing must-haves for the clean girl aesthetic:
Seamless Bodysuits
Seamless bodysuits in basic colors like black and white are total wardrobe staples that you’ll be able to wear in a ton of different ways, especially in a classic cut like a square-neck tank.
These come in a convenient 2-pack and are made from a stretchy, seamless fabric that is comfortable and flattering. Pair them with jeans, skirts, shorts, and more.
Tailored Wide Leg Pants
Though these are on the pricier side, they are a Clean Girl all-time favorite. Aptly named the “Effortless Pant,” these trousers are just that: effortless-looking and ultra-chic.
You can dress these up, or keep them casual with sneakers and a simple t-shirt.
Button-Down Shirt
It doesn’t get more classic than a crisp white button-down shirt. This timeless piece is a wardrobe staple that you’ll wear for years to come. Its crisp silhouette gives it a “clean” appearance that you can wear alone or layer over a tank top or cami.
Tuck this shirt into your pants or leave it loose for a more effortless, casual vibe.
Matching Workout Set
There’s something about coordinated clothing sets that make you look extra put-together, and this is especially true for workout sets. This set features high-waisted active leggings and a matching sports bra for under $30 and is available in a variety of colors.
I also find that wearing a cute workout set can be particularly motivating if your goal is to become more active; I’m more likely to work out if I am dressed in an outfit that makes me feel good.
Sweatshirt and Joggers Set
Like an activewear set, a lounge set with a matching sweatshirt and sweatpants is another easy way to look put together while still being comfortable.
Clean Girls opt for neutral hues like beige, which are timeless and work all year round.
To elevate a sweat set the way a Clean Girl would, wear your hair in a sleek bun and add dainty gold jewelry for a model-off-duty look.
Clean Girl Accessories
When it comes to a Clean Girl’s accessories, less is more. Minimalist gold jewelry is a great place to start, along with a hair clip to put your hair up in an effortless twist or bun.
Medium Gold Hoop Earrings
You’ll be able to wear a pair of medium-sized gold hoops earrings almost daily, considering they elevate just about any outfit (even sweats!). Plus, there’s no denying that gold hoops look amazing when your hair is in a sleek bun, which is why these earrings are a Clean Girl must-have.
This pair is under $15 and have a chunky look while still being lightweight.
Gold Layered Necklace
A simple gold layered necklace is another Clean Girl jewelry staple that works with every kind of outfit and adds just the right amount of flair. Jewelry has a tendency to make you look (and feel) more put-together, and a minimalist style like this layered necklace is super versatile.
Hair Claw Clip
One of the best and easiest ways to put your hair up is with a claw clip. This one comes in a neutral hue that’s going to match a variety of outfits and is large enough to put all of your hair up.
There’s just something about wearing your hair up in a claw clip that makes you look on-point, even though it’s a quick and convenient hair hack!
What do you think of our guide to the Clean Girl aesthetic?
Do you like this beauty trend clean girl aesthetic? Will you try any of these tips? Leave a comment and let us know!
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