My Honest Verdict on the #CleanGirl TikTok Trend Everyone’s Talking About...


Alisha clean girl makeup Alisha clean girl makeup

If you’ve been on social media recently, you would’ve come across #cleangirl.

What is the clean girl aesthetic? You know the look I'm talking about:

Slicked back hair. Fluffy, natural brows. Luminous skin.

Add on some gold hoops for good measure, and you're a 'clean girl'.

Essentially, it’s the 2022 equivalent of ‘no-makeup makeup’ or the ‘off-duty model’ look that's been around for decades. 

Now, before I get into my thoughts on this beauty look, let’s just acknowledge how problematic the name of this clean girl aesthetic 'trend' is.

Least of all, how a 'clean' girl aesthetic implies there's such a thing as a 'dirty' way to look.

The influence TikTok 'girl' and 'girlie' niches (and even sub niches) have on dictating mainstream beauty ideals, fashion and culture is undeniable.

But considering how BIPOC and LGBTQI creators have championed change in the beauty space, it seems almost ignorant of TikTok to have allowed this trend to go so viral.

Just search #cleangirl or #cleangirlaesthetic on TikTok to watch countless nuanced hot takes on this concept.

@wendyskin

why is it called “clean girl”? idgi

♬ original sound - wendy ly

It doesn’t help that when the trend started, every 'clean girl' looked the same.

Beauty tutorials featuring mainly Caucasian women with almost questionably-perfect skin were popping up on my for you page.

What made it worse were the comments underneath that read a little like this:

“All I want is to radiate clean and glossy energy, but I have frizzy hair, acne and sunburn."

And as someone who has allegedly 'unclean' physical characteristics like hyperpigmentation and frizzy hair, the name just infuriated me more. 

So, I decided to take #cleangirlaesthetic and put it to the test, my way.


My Version of the Clean Girl Aesthetic Routine.

I'm someone who believes beauty has no rules and is entirely inclusive, so I wanted to prove EVERYONE can achieve the clean girl aesthetic, if they want to.

And test the theory that sleek hair and minimalist makeup aren't as effortlessly low maintenance as they look.

Here's how it went...

Watch my video tutorial below, or keep scrolling for all the details.


1. Skin Prep is Crucial.

There’s a reason why makeup artists spend time prepping their clients' skin.

No matter your skin type or texture, having a hydrated canvas always allows for makeup to sit better.

And make no mistake, this particular look requires a lot of work on the skin.

Starting with a cleansed face, go in with an exfoliator.

My product of choice is Murad Vita-C Triple Exfoliating Facial to help get rid of any congestion or texture.

Once you’ve done this, you’re going to want to add hydration back in.

Think mists or essences to give your skin that glow.

Dermalogica hyaluronic ceramide mist is one I love spritzing because it's lightweight and layers well with other products.

Once your face is dry, you’ll want to top it up with an SPF.

Ultra Violette Queen Screen SPF 50+ Luminising Sun Serum is the one I opt for because it has a glowy, dewy finish, but it’s your choice which one you use!

Just remember, sunscreen alone isn't enough! Make sure you're adequately applying and reapplying, wearing your hat and sunnies, and seeking shade.


2. Pick a Skin Tint Foundation Over Full Coverage.

Clean Girl’ TikTok hero image Alisha Clean Girl’ TikTok hero image Alisha

The key to achieving a glassy skin look is layering, with the right products.

I like to start with FIRST AID BEAUTY Coconut Skin Smoothing Primer Moisturiser 50ml to blur any redness.

Then, a light coverage skin tint or foundation to mimic a skin-like finish.

M.A.C COSMETICS Studio Radiance Face & Body Radiant Sheer Foundation is my product of choice because the shade range is extensive, and the radiance it gives my skin is divine.


3. How to Get 'Natural' Brows.

Next is brows, and getting this right is important.

The look demands fluffy but defined brows, and you can achieve this a few different ways.

If you’re like me and have a full brow, opt for something like Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze with a waxy, gel-like consistency.

Scoop some product onto the spatula end of the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze Applicator and disperse through the brows.

Let it sit for a few seconds, then slowly work the product in using the spoolie end (spoolies look like naked mascara wands).

Brush brows upwards, making sure to comb the tails diagonally for a tapered look.

If your brow is sparser, a tinted brow gel like Benefit Gimme Brow + Fibre Gel will give you the same effect.

You can also use a brow pencil like Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow+ Volumizing Pencil to lightly fill in any gaps and add more definition.


4. Use Cream Blush, Not Powder.

Creams are the name of the game because nothing quite melts into the skin like a cream blush.

Grab your favourite cream blush - Bobbi Brown Crushed Creamy Color for Cheeks & Lips in 'Pink Punch' is mine right now.

Placement is key here because we want to create lift. Apply right on top of your cheekbones.

Follow with an equally-creamy highlighter like Anastasia Beverly Hills Stick Highlighter and dab onto the tops of your cheeks, and along the bridge of your nose.

To fuse the two products together, use a damp beauty sponge to blend everything out.

This is what will leave you looking like you’re lit from within.

Watch my YouTube video below for more info on the difference between cream and powder makeup.


5. Mascara.

To draw attention back to the eyes without adding eyeshadow, this look demands curled lashes and a swipe of mascara.

You’ll want to pick a mascara that doesn’t clump and adds volume.

Lancôme Lash Idôle Mascara does just that, allowing you to reach stubborn inner and outer lashes without creating any smudges or smears.


6. Add Lip Gloss, Always.

As TikTok creator @xolizahbeauty says, you want your lips to "sort of look like you’ve just been kissed."

To get this, line your lips with a neutral lip liner, rounding out the bottom lip and accentuating your cupid's bow.

Next, grab your ring finger, smudge the liner inwards for a diffused look, and finish with a slick of gloss.

Clarins Lip Comfort Oil is a cult staple and makes lips look naturally plump and moisturised.

You can read about my other favourite lip glosses on Beauty IQ here.


7. Sleek Hair.

To complete this look, slick back the hair into a bun or low pony.

Watch this YouTube video for exactly how beauty creator and Beauty IQ writer Amelia Singson has been doing the sleek bun hair look for years.


Final Verdict...

Add some small gold hoops, and you’ve got yourself the clean girl aesthetic. 

Here's my clean girl makeup and sleek hair before and after transformation.

And I can confirm, no one wakes up like this.

Clean Girl Makeup Before and After Clean Girl Makeup Before and After

Now the real question is...

Did I find this beauty look as easy as the TikTok community makes it out to be? 

Or as low key as off-duty models walking around with oversized iced caffeinated beverages?

No, I did not.

Sure, my skin looked radiant, but only after spending a decent 10-15 minutes on prepping the skin.

Achieving this trend also meant slicking down or going without things I feel like make me, well, me.

I like my uncontrollable baby hairs. And I found it extremely frustrating trying to hold everything down.

As someone who loves a shimmer shadow, red lips and a voluminous blow out, I couldn’t see myself wearing this look 24/7.

Moral of the story:

Your beauty will always be on trend.



P.S. Want to watch more beauty trends in action? AB staffers Liz and Nikkita tried the off-duty model look IRL in this YouTube video below.

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