The Clean Girl Aesthetic: Everything You Need to Know

by Maria Konou
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If you have been following makeup trends closely over the past few years, you have probably noticed some big changes. Gone are the days when YouTube beauty gurus taught us how to apply layer upon layer of makeup on our skin, and harshly contour our faces. Matte lipsticks and heavy eyeliners have given way to lightweight creams and sheer lip glosses for a natural yet groomed look. The hottest makeup trend for 2022 is something close to the “no makeup” makeup we know. The “clean girl” makeup emerged and began circulating on TikTok in 2022. The biggest stars began adopting it to their daily beauty rituals and established its popularity. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the clean girl aesthetic that is definitely not going anywhere in 2023.

It is time to see what this “clean girl” aesthetic trend is all about

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The Clean Girl Aesthetic: Everything You Need to Know

The Start of a Trend

Fashion in both clothing and makeup doesn’t come out of anywhere. The changes that are gradually starting to happen in our wardrobes and makeup trunks are actually the result of changes in our lifestyles and in society’s attitudes. Thus, the “clean girl” makeup has come into being as a result of the drastic lifestyle changes imposed on us by the coronavirus pandemic. Prolonged staying at home has greatly reduced the use of makeup by women. And, everyone began to realize that in makeup, less is actually more. A lot of women stopped wearing a lot of makeup at all – or, if any – during the pandemic, and that was adopted and continued. What’s more, people’s focus shifted to skincare and wellness products, as opposed to makeup.

The focus shifted from makeup products to quality skincare and wellness products

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During the pandemic, everyone began to realize that in makeup, less is actually more

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The Basics of the Clean Girl Look

The “clean girl” makeup is characterized by a barely noticeable base, glossy lips, and “glassy” skin coverage. The goal of this makeup is to make our skin look clean, groomed, and brightened, and our facial features subtly groomed. In this makeup, anything sharp, bright, and intrusive is forbidden. In addition, this trend requires a lot fewer makeup products. What’s more, it is best that the makeup itself carries the benefits of skin care products. In this way, makeup not only “masks” but also takes care of our skin. During the pandemic, we saw a shift in consumer behavior. People had time to take a closer look at their current habits and see what products they actually had in their arsenal. Everyone also became a lot less concerned about imperfections, since we became used to seeing our natural faces without makeup for long periods of time. The matte makeup trend has gone away (for now!) and people are moving toward accepting what would have previously been perceived as a ‘flaw’ – overgrown eyebrows or spots on the skin that aren’t completely hidden.

The “clean girl” look is characterized by a barely noticeable base, glossy lips, and glassy skin

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When it comes to the fashion aspect, celebs prove that less really is more 

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The clean girl aesthetic is minimalistic, well-put-together, and simple

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The Future of the Clean Girl Aesthetic

The popularity of beautiful and natural “clean girl” makeup won’t fade by the end of 2022. People everywhere are starting to embrace a new approach that mixes makeup and skincare at the same time. It is too effective, quick, and convenient an approach to be forgotten so easily. If you haven’t tried the “clean girl” makeup yet, we have an important tip to share for achieving this on-trend look. Look for products with skincare ingredients – they will bring out the inner glow as well as create that beautiful glassy skin look that everyone loves.

We will definitely be seeing more of the clean girl aesthetic in 2023

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Everyone’s focus shifted after the pandemic and the “clean girl” makeup became the basic

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How to Achieve The Clean Girl Look

When it comes to the base, less is more

Apply a good moisturizer, and SPF, and finish with a few dots of concealer. The secret to smooth, porcelain-like skin is to make sure you have a solid skincare routine before applying any makeup to the skin. Leave the heavy foundation behind and instead opt for a sparing amount of concealer just under the eyes for subtle coverage, and finish everything off with just a light powder to set. The key here is not to overdo the powder. Opt for a fine powder that doesn’t add texture and heaviness to your face. And, make sure to use it only on the more problematic areas of the face like the nose, under the eyes, and forehead.

The secret to smooth skin is a solid skincare routine before applying any makeup to the skin

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Apply a good moisturizer, and SPF, and finish with a few dots of concealer

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Master the art of cream products and flushed cheeks

Define your cheeks sparingly with some cream contour or cream bronzer to highlight your natural features. For this, you need to find out where the natural hollows of your cheeks are. Finish with a cream blush on the cheeks and just above the nose to achieve a slightly “sun-kissed” look. Try using your fingertips to blend the product, as the heat from your fingers will melt it straight onto your skin, leaving you with a radiant glow from within.

Cream products like blushes and bronzes will give you that healthy “sun-kissed” look

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Try using your fingertips to blend the product for a radiant glow from within

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Define the brow

Finish off all your makeup by framing your face with defined and furrowed brows, perhaps using a tinted brow gel. If you need more help filling in the gaps, try using a thin eyebrow pencil and draw individual hair-like strokes. The key here is to maintain the natural shape of your brows. Also, here is good to mention another popular makeup trend that is here to stay – soap brows. You can easily make your brows bushier and fluffier with this technique.

Finish off all your makeup by framing your face with defined and furrowed brows

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The key here is to maintain the natural shape of your brows and enhance it

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Lips ready for a kiss

Finally, no look is complete without something for the perfect natural pout. Swipe a layer of sheer tinted lip gloss or lip balm over your lips to highlight their natural shade. You can use some cream highlighter and place it on your lips for some extra glossiness and shine. This trick will make your lips appear fuller and ready for a kiss! If you struggle with dry, chapped lips, take a look at these dermatologists’ tips for healing chapped lips.

No look is complete without something for the perfect natural pout

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Swipe a layer of sheer tinted lip gloss or lip balm over your lips to highlight their natural shade

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Watch this video for a quick clean girl makeup tutorial

These were our best tips to help you achieve the clean girl aesthetic we all know and love. Remember that this trend is actually here to stay, so we will be seeing a lot more of it in 2023. Give this trend a try, and see if it works better for your skin and lifestyle! You might be surprised how easy and put together you can look with just a few minutes to spare. The most important part is to take good care of your skin and hair, and your natural beauty will shine from within!

Now you can try out the popular clean girl aesthetic, and see if it fits your vibe

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Maria Konou

Maria Konou is a specialist in the field of digital marketing and fashion. However, she has always had a way with words. That’s what led her to her dream job here at Archzine. She has worked in many different fields over the years, but according to her, being an author has been the most rewarding. Maria is a huge plant enthusiast, loves everything fashion-related, is very sustainably aware, and is always open to learning about new things.