There are two types of makeup taking center stage right now: Euphoria-inspired makeup and what Tiktok has dubbed the Clean Girl Aesthetic. Euphoria-inspired makeup has bold glamour, maximalist, and over-the-top looks – fully of color and glitter and sparkle. In contrast, the Clean Girl Aesthetic is a no-makeup makeup look, another top trend on TikTok.
You’ve probably seen a “clean girl makeup routine” while browsing TikTok lately. It’s been all the craze due to the clean girl style, and for a good reason: it’s a glammed-up version of no-makeup cosmetics that gives you a natural finish.
Clean girl makeup is illustrated by a dewy complexion, shiny lips, full eyelashes, and little to no eye makeup. The days of full-face Kardashian-style baking and contouring are over. Instead, simple styles are all the rage. What’s even better? It’s a low-maintenance style that anyone can pull off with minimal effort.
What is the Clean Girl Aesthetic?
First of all, glossy skin is not a trend; it has been the standard beauty standard ever since the pandemic came down and we found ourselves obsessed with our skincare routines. The new “clean girl” makeup look is less about perfection and more about naturalness. Lightly feathery brows are preferred to perfectly manicured ones, and a healthy blush of the cheekbones and a matching lip color are must-haves.
We also want to point out that cosmetics trendsetters from the newest generation, Gen Z, are more likely to choose natural, cruelty-free products than ever. In other words, we only use 100% plant-based and cruelty-free goods today.
The vibe of the clean girl look is chill, uncomplicated, and totally on point. You’ve probably seen this exact style in action while perusing FYPs; think of it as the beauty equivalent of a capsule outfit that prioritizes quality over quantity. The telltale signs are the glowing, luminous complexion, slicked-back hair, barely there lined eyes, and feathery brows, finished with gold earrings. And a jacket, if you’re in the mood to dress up.
Clean-girl makeup, despite its requisites (optional, by the way), is intended to highlight your natural beauty. If you want to ride on this trend, here are easy-to-follow steps below.
The Clean-Girl Makeup Look Guide to Beauty
Step 1: Start with a Primer
People could have achieved this effect before by simply putting a light foundation. However, it will be better to show some skin than hide it in 2023.
A decent foundation or bb cream, however, will do wonders for your complexion by helping to soften and conceal the appearance of skin structure without completely masking it. Makeup will stay put all day because your foundation will prevent your face from absorbing excess product.
For that flawless, matte look, we recommend applying a fine coating of a mattifying primer to the face. The next step is to apply makeup where needed.
Contrary to popular belief, the purpose of concealers in this style is not to hide imperfections but rather to brighten the skin and draw attention upwards.
When applying makeup, we usually start with the eyes, focusing on the inner and exterior orbits. We lightly shake it along the product to ensure the makeup is evenly distributed and disappears into the skin.
Then, using a setting powder, lightly dust it over the concealed regions with a brush, taking care not to use too much. In particular, avoid talc-based items due to their tendency to crust.
Step 2: Brush Your Brows
Whether you want to smooth out your brows or fill them in is your choice. However, they will stay put no matter what if you use a quality brow cream. Make sure that their form flatters your features.
Feathery brows are only for some; this style highlights your unique features. Fill them in as usual if you think wispy brows won’t work with your brow curve and facial features.
Step 3: Add Some Blush
Choose a pigmented liquid or cream blush for your cheeks. After you’ve finished with your base, apply a generous amount of blush. Powdered blush is possible, but a crème blush is best for maintaining that dewy, fresh look, mainly if you’re using berry colors.
Start by applying two dots of blush and gently dabbing it along your cheeks. It will give the appearance of a natural elevation. Apply your blush liberally for this makeup style to achieve a fresh, rosy look.
Step 4: Mascara
Good news for those of us who aren’t crazy about mascara: curling our lases can make our eyes look bigger and livelier without needing additional makeup. However, if you’re a mascara wearer, we advise using a thickening formula to give the appearance of dense, long lashes without effort.
Step 5: Achieve a Healthy Glow
A healthy glow on the cheekbones is essential to the clean girl’s makeup look. Highlighter is the best approach to perfect that. If you want your cheeks to stand out even more, put a little highlight on the parts of your cheeks that hit the light.
Step 6: Complete your look with a lip liner and matte, creamy lipstick.
Fill in your cupid’s bow and lower lip with a soft, smudgeable lip pencil or neutral makeup for a fuller, poutier appearance. Gloss it up if you like, but it’s unnecessary for this minimal makeup appearance.
Step 7: Keep your hair simple and shiny.
The goal is to have hair that appears to be in good health. How to do this? Consider air drying it instead of using a blow dryer the next time you wash your hair. Then, after the hair is dried, run some hair product or oil through it to control the flyaways and boost the shine.
In terms of style, a low ponytail and a middle part is the prime of this TikTok trend, but you can do whatever you like. However, an extravagant hairstyle wouldn’t fit, so it’s best to keep things simple.
The Takeaway
The clean girl makeup look is a huge trend because of its focus on an effortless elegance. Although this style is hardly “new,” you cannot deny its popularity among TikTok users. The look is here to stay, but it could be more groundbreaking.
Envision yourself as a model off duty. Consider tinted moisturizers and natural, feathery brows instead of smoky eyes and pointed contours. Add back-combed hair, gold jewelry, and a big claw clip, and you’re good to go. The point is to work with a person’s inherent beauty rather than against it.
This makeup style is simple to replicate, resulting in a vibrant, young face. It can be worn to both casual and formal events and works well during the day or night. Because of how little time and effort it takes, it’s also an excellent choice for people constantly moving.
It is perfect for those who want to emphasize their attractiveness in a way that doesn’t appear overdone.