What is the ‘clean girl aesthetic’ and why is it all over my TikTok FYP?

You’ve probably seen the “clean girl aesthetic” all over TikTok but have no idea what it actually is. It draws inspiration from “model off-duty” and “no makeup-makeup” looks, and involves looking totally polished and put together.

Typically the “clean girl” makeup involves fluffy brows, dewy skin, flushed cheeks and glossy lips. You should look like you’re not even wearing makeup – you just woke up looking perfect!

@sloan.byrd everyone’s been obsessed with the ✨clean girl✨ look lately @Ana Luisa #analuisany #howtolookclean #cleangirllook #lookingclean #nomakeupmakeup ♬ original sound – Blue Nightmare

The “clean girl” is more than just a look, though. She’s got her life together – the aesthetic also involves having a tidy living space, staying active and eating healthily. She’s kind of like “that girl” but she’s going the extra mile.

@kearacallahan sunday = 🧼🧺🧽🧹#sundayreset #cleangirl #cleangirlaesthetic #resetroutine #cleantok ♬ JUMPIN JUMPIN DJ HORIZON – DJHorizon

TikTok is full of tutorials on how to achieve the super-specific “clean girl” look, from nails, hair and makeup to how to style your apartment, what your Starbucks order should be and which matching sets you should be working out in.

@keepingupwithkaters It may be basic but it’s a lifestyle #fyp #cleangirl #thatgirl #cleangirlaesthetic ♬ original sound – Kentrell💚

The look draws inspiration from celebs who manage to look effortlessly put-together. Think Hailey Bieber, Rosie Huntingdon-Whiteley and Zoe Kravitz.

Of course, it’s important to remember that the girls at the forefront of this trend aren’t exactly being realistic. There’s a reason that the “no makeup-makeup” looks so good on them, and that reason is expensive skincare and treatments. But the great thing about TikTok is that we can see what the trends look like on normal people, too.

@mollerina_ I’ll put a list links to these products up on my IG: mollerina_ 🖤 #cleangirl #cleanaestetic #cleangirlmakeup #acnemakeup #adultacne ♬ spice girls x doja cat x adam wright – Adam Wright

There are also a few products that seem a necessity when it comes to perfecting the aesthetic. Think simple gold jewellery, cute loungewear, candles and claw clips.

It looks like this aesthetic is going to be my new obsession, although I’m not entirely sure that I’m ready to give up McDonald’s or wearing my school leavers’ hoodie to the gym.

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