20 Easy Steps To Master the Clean Girl Aesthetic Look From TikTok
May 1, 2024 • 3:51 PM
Before the days of social media, trends were set by models and fashion magazines. Nowadays, influencers set fashion trends on social media. These trends can show up lightning fast, and before you know it, you’re surrounded by something called the “clean girl aesthetic.”
If you’re wondering what the clean girl aesthetic is and how to achieve it, you’re in the right place. Read on for a full breakdown on how to fully embrace the clean girl lifestyle.
What Is the Clean Girl Aesthetic?
First of all, what is the clean girl aesthetic? This is one of many recent trends to crop up on social media (does anyone remember donut nails and glass skin?), and the idea is really very simple: taking “woke up like this” to the next level.
The clean girl aesthetic is about creating a sleek, almost effortless persona. It’s characterized by elevated loungewear and a no-makeup makeup look — ultimately, this look is very similar to the “French girl aesthetic” and other European-inspired looks.
Of course, the clean girl aesthetic is about more than makeup and breezy clothes — it can be a whole lifestyle. Basically, the goal is to present an easy and low-maintenance vibe.
Where Did the Clean Girl Aesthetic Start?
The clean girl aesthetic is all the rage, but its beginning can be traced back to 2021. In July of that year, TikTok user @xolizahbeauty shared a video on how to do your makeup to look like one of “those girls that always look clean.”
In the video, the influencer uses simple concealer, powder, blush, eye gel, and highlighter to create a look that subtly enhances her natural beauty.
While the goal of the clean girl aesthetic is to look low-maintenance, many people put in a lot of work trying to perfect it. However, this original video is proof that, at its root, the look really is designed to be low-maintenance.
The aesthetic gained popularity, and by 2022 and 2023, celebrities, influencers, and everyday social media users were hooked on the look. Famous names like Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid, Selena Gomez, and Kim Kardashian are now sporting the clean girl aesthetic.
20 Things You Need To Master the Clean Girl Aesthetic
There are many reasons you might want to adopt the clean girl aesthetic. Maybe you like the look, maybe you want a more low-key vibe, or maybe you just want to try out the trend.
Either way, when changing aesthetics, it can be overwhelming to switch over your wardrobe, makeup, skincare, and habits all at once. While this list contains some popular clean girl staples, don’t feel like you have to do it all.
Start small and switch a few things at a time, and check in with yourself as you go to ensure your personality shines through. And if the clean girl vibe isn’t for you, don’t worry — there are dozens of trends out there you can try out. (For instance, you could try out Snoopy girl style.)
1. Neutral-Toned Clothes
Scroll through the #cleangirl tag on Instagram or TikTok, and you’ll find that a neutral wardrobe is one of the biggest parts of this trend. Colors like ivory, sand, beige, chocolate brown, grey, and black dominate the tags. You’ll also notice that even brighter colors that can be considered neutral, such as clay and sage, can also fit in with this aesthetic.
If you’re just getting started, some great neutral basics to add to your new clean girl wardrobe include a white linen button-down, a pair of denim shorts, and a plain black or brown T-shirt.
2. Hoop Earrings
We’ll discuss the general rules for accessories later, but for now, just know that hoop earrings are an essential element of the clean girl aesthetic. These accessories might seem simple at first, but they have the power to give any outfit a sleek and elegant vibe.
There’s a lot of variety in the world of hoop earrings, so you still have plenty of room to express your personality. For instance, you can choose slim or chunky hoops, gold or silver hoops, hoops with designs, or plain hoops.
3. A Subtle Wardrobe
Being subtle is about more than just shopping for neutral-toned clothing — it’s also about what types of pieces you buy. The clean girl aesthetic is all about minimalism, so pieces with bold patterns, graphics, or structures are a no-go.
Of course, if that’s your style, you don’t need to change your wardrobe — you can always incorporate other aspects of the clean girl aesthetic into your current vibe. However, if you’re looking to do the whole transformation, we recommend stocking up on timeless pieces like blazers, straight leg jeans, slip dresses, button-downs, and simple blouses.
4. Simple Accessories
If you’d like to explore the world of clean girl jewelry, there’s plenty to see beyond hoop earrings. Simple jewelry like understated chain necklaces, stud earrings, slim watches, or rings can easily uplift your look.
The main thing to remember is to avoid statement jewelry or jewelry that features bright colors. When choosing between silver or gold jewelry, the most important factor is what you like to wear and what shows your personality most. That said, people with cool-toned skin usually look great in silver jewelry, while those with warm-toned skin usually rock gold jewelry.
5. Interchangeable Glasses
Just because the clean girl aesthetic is all about minimalism doesn’t mean you have to completely give up the fun parts of expressing yourself. If you wear glasses, you can still make sure they always match your mood by choosing the Pair Eyewear glasses system.
To start, you’ll simply pick out a base frame that matches your face shape. These frames will look just like normal glasses — you can even fit them with your prescription and add special lens coatings. Then, you’ll choose some magnetic top frames to cover the face of your glasses.
Some of our favorite clean girl top frames include:
6. Midi Rings
While we’re on the topic of accessories, it’s important to mention midi rings. Almost synonymous with the clean girl aesthetic, these rings are designed to fit just above the second knuckle on your finger.
These are designed to be worn with stacking rings and help vary the look of your jewelry. However, make sure you don’t layer on too many rings — remember, this look is all about subtle touches and understated elegance.
7. Lip Gloss or Oil
Just look at Hailey Bieber or Kim Kardashian, and you’ll notice they’re all sporting neutral, shimmering pouts. The key here is to opt for a shade of nude lip color that will accentuate your features without being particularly noticeable. For instance, reds, corals, and bubblegum pinks won’t work — instead, opt for colors just a shade or two darker or brighter than your own lip tone.
You can either choose a lip gloss that comes in the color you like or layer some clear gloss or oil over some lip liner or lipstick. Whatever you choose to do, achieving a shiny finish is key, since a thick, matte product will contradict the effortless look you’re going for.
8. A Solid Skincare Routine
We cannot stress enough how important this step is. Wearing simple, barely-there makeup is a key part of this aesthetic, but it also doesn’t leave much room for concealing skin imperfections. Plus, the clean girl aesthetic relies on dewy, radiant skin, which you can only get with a solid skincare routine and a good highlighter.
To support the smooth, radiant finish that this aesthetic is famous for, you might want to include chemical exfoliants, retinol, and nourishing ingredients like vitamin C. You’ll also want to make sure you use a highly effective moisturizer and apply a non-greasy sunscreen every day to keep your skin looking beautiful for days to come.
9. Face Oil
In lieu of face moisturizer, you can opt to use a face oil instead. Face oils are oil-based products that can help moisturize and nourish your skin. They’re also famous for imparting a rosy glow to the skin, which is one of the key features of this aesthetic.
When you apply face oil, make sure you just use a few drops and thoroughly massage it into your skin as the last step in your nighttime skincare routine. This is also a great opportunity for self-care — you can put on a relaxing song or audiobook and practice some qua sha or facial massage to show your skin some love.
10. Simple Makeup
We mentioned the importance of simple makeup before, and we’ll say it again: The clean girl aesthetic is all about simplicity. To nail the look, it’s key to look as effortless as possible, even in your makeup. This usually means you’ll want to swap heavy products like foundation and lipstick for tinted moisturizer and lip gloss.
Here are a few of the clean girl makeup essentials you’ll want to keep on hand:
- Tinted moisturizer
- Cream blush
- Eyebrow gel
- Concealer
- Translucent setting powder
- Lip gloss or oil
- Eyebrow pencil
- Lip liner
- Mascara
- Simple brown eyeshadow
- Highlighter
- Beauty blender
11. Claw Clips
Claw clips were all the rage in the ‘90s and 2000s, and they’re back full-force. These clips are just as convenient as scrunchies, since it only takes a flick of the wrist and a couple of seconds to put your hair up. However, claw clips have a certain elegance that scrunchies don’t have.
There are plenty of tutorials on how to use a claw clip to create a low-maintenance updo, so you should be able to incorporate these clips into your wardrobe without sacrificing your personal style. If you’d rather not use a clip, you can always use a nude hair elastic to put your hair up in a sleek bun.
12. Matching Sets
One of the tenets of the clean girl aesthetic is looking elegant and poised, even when you’re lounging around at home. There are many ways to do this, but one of our favorites is wearing a matching set of loungewear.
This way, you look ready to pose for the camera while still feeling comfortable. The good news is there are plenty of retailers that are selling cozy sets of sweatshirts and sweatpants, so you should be able to find something that fits your style and your budget.
13. Hair Oil
Another thing all clean girls have in common? Lustrous, sleek, and shiny hair.
One way you can achieve this look is by using hair oil. There are plenty of ways to use hair oil, as well as plenty of hair oils designed to meet different hair care needs, so make sure to experiment and find what works for you.
Some people apply oil an hour before showering, while others apply oil after they wash their hair. It’s also important to combine hair oil with a hair care routine. This can be as simple as washing and conditioning, using a hair mask, and incorporating a clarifying shampoo every now and then.
14. Sleek Baseball Caps or Scarves
Even clean girls can have bad hair days — the key is making it look like part of the outfit you had planned all along. One way you can do this is by keeping a sleek baseball cap or head scarf on hand.
Whichever option you choose, just remember to go with neutral tones and simple designs. If you’d rather not cover your head, you can also breathe new life into your hair before wash day by putting it in a slicked-back bun.
15. Hair Styling Materials
Part of the clean girl aesthetic is making sure your hair looks sleek and styled, even if the style is low-maintenance. Popular clean girl hairstyles include French or Dutch braids, slicked-back buns, easy claw clip updos, and wearing it down.
This is where it’s important to have the right hair styling materials on hand. First, you’ll need a regular hairbrush or comb and a soft-bristled brush to encourage your hair to lay flat. You'll also need some hair gel and spray to preserve your style throughout the day. Finally, some nude hair elastics and miniature hair elastics can help keep your look understated and refined.
16. Manicured Nails
One thing you’ll notice about self-proclaimed clean girls is that they always have a manicure. Even if you prefer not to wear nail polish, it’s important to keep your nails filed and shaped — if you have extra time, you can also buff them or apply a layer of clear coat to help them look shiny.
If you do opt for nail polish, make sure any designs are subtle and that you choose a neutral color that fits your aesthetic. Luckily, we’ve noticed a little leeway regarding manicures — you can branch out beyond nudes to some other subtle shades, such as ballet pink or mauve.
17. Leather Sandals
If you’re going outside in the summer, a pair of leather flats can instantly upgrade your clean-girl look. Whether you opt for closed-toe or open sandals, a pair of leather sandals can add an easygoing air to any outfit, especially when paired with denim bottoms and a loose-fitting top.
Of course, you don’t have to purchase shoes that are made of real leather. Anything that looks like leather can help you achieve the aesthetic while saving both your wallet and the animals.
18. Balanced Outfits
As you’re putting together your outfit for the day, remember that balance is key. No, we’re not talking about color balance or balance between statement pieces — we’re talking about balance in the overall structure of your outfit. In general, it’s a good idea to pair something loose with something fitted.
For instance, you could pair matchstick jeans with a loose blouse or boyfriend jeans with a fitted bodysuit and blazer. Wearing fitted clothes on the top and bottom can make the look appear less easygoing while wearing loose clothes on both the top and bottom can make the look appear less refined. Like we said — it’s all about balance.
19. Signature Perfume
Being a clean girl isn’t just about how you look — it’s also about how you smell. In general, making sure that you always smell nice can help you feel more put together and add to the overall vibe.
You can do this by choosing a signature perfume and wearing a small amount, burning candles, and using scented soaps and laundry products. Over time, even the scent of your hair care items will become part of your signature fragrance.
20. Confidence
Lastly, the clean girl aesthetic is all about confidence. Own your space and your look, and make sure your aesthetic is true to who you are and what you like to wear.
Remember that confidence isn’t something you need to force — when you feel comfortable in your own skin, people will be able to see it from a mile away. In fact, confidence can leave a lasting impression on those around you.
What’s the Clean Girl Routine?
We know what you’re thinking: Wasn’t the clean girl look supposed to be effortless? Where did all of this effort come from?
The truth is, the aesthetic is actually pretty easy once you settle into a routine and build up your wardrobe. Most of the look’s appeal actually comes from the effects of an everyday self-care routine. For instance, radiant and smooth skin speaks to a daily skincare routine, while sleek hair speaks to a hair care routine.
That said, we have a few tips to help you incorporate the clean girl mindset into your everyday routine. Here’s how to get started.
1. Start With Iced Coffee or Matcha
First, start your day with a quick jog and a protein smoothie. Once you’ve had your breakfast, make yourself an iced coffee or matcha latte to sip on as you go throughout your day.
We’re not really sure why the clean girl aesthetic involves having something to drink, but it’s likely because drinking a caffeinated beverage can help us feel more productive. When you feel more energetic and productive, you’ll feel more ready for the next step in your daily routine.
2. Declutter and Organize
You’ve already seen how the clean girl aesthetic looks in fashion, skincare, and makeup. However, this vibe can also extend to the home and your surroundings.
The clean girl's home is often decorated with neutrals and subtle pops of color. It also has a minimalist aesthetic to help keep clutter at bay.
To maintain a peaceful environment, put on an essential oil diffuser or a candle and get rid of anything you don’t use. Do the dishes, make sure all the dishes and appliances have been put away, and just generally find a place for all the knickknacks that tend to crowd our surfaces.
3. Eat a Healthy Lunch
Once you’re on your lunch break, prioritize a lunch full of fiber and protein and low in carbs to help avoid the midday slump. Now, don’t get us wrong — carbs are healthy, and we love a good piece of pizza. But heavy meals are really best suited for the evenings when we’re naturally winding down anyway.
Until the evening, food is like the fuel that keeps us going. Popular clean-girl lunches include salads packed with protein and fresh food, open-faced sandwiches, Buddha bowls with quinoa, and salad wraps.
4. Cozy Up With a Movie
Once you’re done with work for the day, it’s time to cozy up with a movie. Turn down the lights to create a calming atmosphere and pick a movie that helps you relax, whether it’s a sentimental movie from your childhood, a period drama, or a romantic comedy. Find a comfortable blanket and pour yourself a glass of wine for the ultimate relaxing evening.
If you don’t like movies, try pouring yourself a glass of wine and reading a book. You can read a book you’re already in the middle of or try something new — it’s completely up to you.
5. Practice Self Care
Once your movie’s over or you’re at a good stopping point with your book, it’s time to round out the night with some self-care. For instance, you could keep reading your book in a bubble bath, do some nighttime yoga, or talk to a friend.
One thing you can do here to fully embrace the aesthetic is take an everything shower. These are showers where you do, well, everything. You’ll wash and condition your hair like normal, as well as shave, exfoliate, do a full hair care routine, and add lotion.
Ultimately, self-care is about doing what recharges your battery and reminding yourself that you deserve to relax. If none of these ideas sound relaxing, that’s okay! Just experiment with different ideas until you find something that feels truly rejuvenating.
6. Practice Evening Skincare
Lastly, you’ll do your evening skincare routine before you go to bed. Since many skincare routines take several minutes to complete, this is a great opportunity to put on a podcast or audiobook.
Start with a gentle cleanser that won’t dry out your skin, then move on to any serums you’d like to use. This is often where you’ll use chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and retinol.
Next, apply a moisturizer that's designed for your skin type and then choose an eye cream to help brighten and firm the area under your eyes. Finally, apply an overnight mask or night cream to make sure you wake up fully hydrated and refreshed.
The Bottom Line
The clean girl aesthetic has taken the internet by storm, showing up in the summer of 2020 and gaining popularity between 2022 and 2023. However, while many trends come and go, it looks like the clean girl vibe might be here to stay. Bright colors are hard to style and patterns often change with the trends, but a look rooted in simplicity might just stand the test of time.
At Pair Eyewear, we understand how often trends can change. That’s why we’ve developed our interchangeable frame system to help people all around the world express themselves through their most constant accessory: eyeglasses. To learn more about how to make your glasses a part of your aesthetic, visit the Pair Eyewear blog.
Sources:
13 Claw Clip Hairstyles That'll Upgrade Your Everyday Look | Byrdie