What Is the Clean Girl Aesthetic?
The clean girl aesthetic is a beauty and lifestyle trend centered around looking effortlessly put-together. Think: slicked-back buns, dewy skin, minimal "no makeup" makeup, gold jewelry, neutral tones, and an overall vibe that says "I drink water, I have a skincare routine, and I definitely do Pilates."
It's the art of looking like you tried without looking like you tried. Paradox? Yes. Achievable? Also yes, but it requires more effort than it lets on.
Where Did Clean Girl Come From?
The clean girl aesthetic emerged on TikTok around 2021-2022, heavily influenced by models like Hailey Bieber and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. However, it's worth noting that many elements of this aesthetic — slicked-back hair, gold hoops, minimal makeup — have been staples in Black and Latina culture for years. The "clean girl" label was new; the look was not.
This is an important conversation the internet had: the aesthetic was repackaged and rebranded as "clean girl" when it had been standard beauty in communities of color for a long time. Credit where it's due.
How to Achieve the Clean Girl Look
- Hair: Slicked-back bun or low ponytail with edge control or gel.
- Skin: Glowing, dewy skin (SPF + moisturizer + a good highlighter).
- Makeup: Minimal — concealer, brow gel, lip gloss, maybe light blush.
- Jewelry: Gold hoops, delicate chains, minimal rings.
- Outfit: Neutral tones, basics that fit well, athleisure acceptable.
Examples in the Wild
"the clean girl aesthetic costs approximately $400 in skincare to look like you're wearing nothing"
"me attempting the clean girl aesthetic vs. me actually looking like I overslept"
Why It Matters
The clean girl aesthetic reflects a broader cultural shift toward minimalism and "effortless" beauty. But it also sparked important conversations about cultural appropriation, the cost of looking "natural," and how aesthetics often have racial and economic gatekeeping built in. A full "clean girl" routine with Glossier, Olaplex, and Pilates memberships isn't exactly budget-friendly. The look is aspirational — which is both its appeal and its problem.