There is no surprise that radiant, glowing skin is having an epic moment on TikTok. The “Clean Girl” makeup trend, not to be confused with “clean beauty,” is the internet’s latest beauty obsession that has everyone feeling as though they can easily accomplish an elevated take on next-level no-makeup makeup. Think Zoe Kravitz and Hailey Bieber: minimal eye makeup, dewy skin, rosy cheeks, glossy lips, and brushed-up brows. We often see beauty trends that quickly come and go; however, the “clean girl aesthetic” is one that I can confidently say is here to stay.

As I roll my makeup case down the streets of New York City, heading to my next client and prepping for NY Fashion Week, there is compelling proof that the “Clean Girl” aesthetic has taken over. As I pass by each person, I can’t help but notice all the slicked-back hair, glowing skin, buffed out, and feathered brows. It seems as if everyone is radiating from within. 

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Do I Need Perfect Skin For Clean Girl Makeup?

What is so beautiful about this trend is that you do not have to have perfect skin, you do not have to have access to the most luxurious celebrity facialists or makeup artists in your city, and you do not need to have a million dollars in your bank account to splurge, heck—you do not even need to be a girl. No matter what your gender, skin type, tone, color, texture, or budget may be, you too can achieve this very minimal and approachable look in just a few simple steps.

Prepping The Skin For Clean Girl Makeup

First, let us focus on skin prep. It is key to use hydrating skin care products to give your skin’s complexion a radiant base.

Cleanser

Depending on your skin type, I suggest cleansing the skin with a gentle, oil-based cleanser. The Huangjisoo Pure Perfect Cleansing Oil uses the highest quality natural and organic ingredients and leaves skin feeling silky soft with a dewy and radiant afterglow. Pump oil onto dry hands and face and gently massage onto the skin for at least one minute to moisturize and cleanse out any impurities.

Serum

Next, I would suggest applying a serum containing Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps to brighten skin and even out skin tone, leaving a radiant and glowing base. The Azelique Age Refining Vitamin C Facial Serum is a great option to apply after cleansing.

Moisturizer

For moisturizer, I enjoy Vanicream’s Daily Facial Moisturizer, which is a very gentle and lightweight formula containing hyaluronic acid and ceramides, which help to hydrate and retain skin’s moisture. This moisturizer can be applied day or night.

The Clean Girl Aesthetic Makeup Look in 6 Steps

Next comes minimal makeup application, which is at the heart of the “Clean Girl” aesthetic.

Step 1: Concealer

Let’s start with concealer. You want to place the concealer in any areas needed strategically. I like to use a small eyeshadow brush to precisely place a creamy concealer like the Mad Hippie Ultra Creamy Soft Matte Concealer in the inner corners of the eyes (this is where darkness hides), on the sides and corners of the nose if there is any redness, center of the forehead and chin if needed, and any other spots that may have discoloration or redness that you’d like to help conceal. 

After hitting the hot spots with your tiny precision brush, I recommend taking a damp beauty-blending sponge, like the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge, to gently buff out the concealed areas.

Step 2: Tinted Moisturizer

Following the concealer, you may want to add a light, tinted moisturizer to even out your skin tone. You can use the same sponge you used to blend out your concealer and gently tap in a tinted moisturizer, like this one from L.A. Girl. This lightweight product has just enough coverage, and by adding only a single layer to your skin, you leave your complexion a bit more even and smooth. Ultimately, add an amount of skin coverage that feels best for you; however, keep in mind the goal for this look is to create a natural, skin-like finish that doesn’t seem like you are wearing makeup.

Step 3: Blush

Sun-kissed, flushed cheeks are a key factor when creating the “Clean Girl Aesthetic” look. I suggest reaching for a cream-based blush like the Mad Hippie Cheek and Lip Tint. The consistency of a cream-based blush will melt the formula right into your skin, making it appear very natural. I like to place a few dabs of the tint onto my cheekbones and even a little amount on my nose to give the appearance of an effortless and subtle “sun-kissed blush” and make it appear as if I was out playing in the sun all day. Make sure you wash your hands before use because I suggest applying this product using your fingertips. The warmth of your fingertips will help melt the tint into your skin, making it easy to blend. You could double up this product and add a hint of this shade to your lids and lips for a soft, subtle glow. (We love a multi-use product!) 

If you want to opt for a different product for your lips, you can add a swipe of Peripera Ink Airy Velvet Lip Tints! Press in this lip color gently with your ring finger, smudging it into your lips to give a softer and diffused appearance, remember it doesn’t have to be perfect. We embrace imperfections! Lastly, to top off a glow factor for your pucker, you can finish with a clear gloss for a beautiful glossy pout.

Step 4: Lashes

Lift those lashes to the heavens above by using a lash curler. Curling your eyelashes can almost instantly open and lift your eyes, making your eyes appear bigger, more awake, and bright. The Mad Hippie Black Mascara contains peptides that help support the appearance of long and full lashes. The formula is silky and black but leaves a natural finish on the lashes. 

Step 5: Brows

Tie it all together by framing your face with fluffed-up brows. L.A. Girl has a beautiful clear brow gel that adds natural definition to the brows. This gel sets, defines and holds brows in place without feeling sticky or stiff. The main objective in this step is to brush and lift the brows in an upward and diagonal motion to groom and fluff the brows upwards, all while keeping your natural shape. Use lightweight pressure to gently comb out the tail end of the brows in a diagonal motion to help create a lifted eye effect.

Step 6: Hair

For an added bonus, slick your hair back for a sleek and chic style. Tame your mane by brushing your hair back into a pony or bun. My top-secret tip is to wear this style right before hair wash day. A little natural grease never did anyone wrong. If you are feeling frisky, take it a step further and add a little hair oil, serum, or hair mask product like Sky Organics Organic Castor Oil, before you put your hair back to smooth and moisturize your strands. 

You can use a product like the Cococare Argan Hair Serum, which is enriched with Vitamin E. It helps keep hair hydrated, soft, and silky smooth.

Clean Girl Makeup Is the New No Makeup Makeup

 What we love most about this trend that has quickly taken social media by storm is how minimal it really is. Throw a few products that you may already have in your beauty arsenal kit right into your bag, and you are on your way to conquering the day, feeling fresh and confident. 

Remember: at the end of the day, “clean girl” makeup can mean whatever feels best and most authentic to you. There is never a right or wrong way to apply makeup: it is what works best for you and embracing how it makes you feel.

We love to see your makeup looks, whether it’s on this trend or a fun pop of color. Be sure to tag us in your posts so we can see what you enjoy creating!