The Clean Girl Aesthetic Tutorial

1. Skincare prep is crucial.

If we haven’t made it obvious enough by now, skincare is hugely important in achieving this look—both dayof and cumulatively. After all, it takes time for those products to work. However, there are a few key steps you’ll want to do before applying makeup.

Exfoliate: After cleansing, a fresh slough of dead skin cells and debris can impart an instant glow.

Hydrate in layers: Now’s the time to bust out those peptide-rich essences, hyaluronic serums and lightweight moisturizers. Apply each product in order from thinnest to thickest and give each layer ample time to absorb and settle. This will help avoid the dreaded “pilling” effect and allow for a smoother makeup application. Finish with sunscreen: As always, top with an SPF of your choice—because sun protection is a bestie for a more even skin tone and healthy complexion.

2. Keep hair simple and shiny.

Healthy-looking hair is the name of the game here. If it’s a wash day, this would be the perfect time to add in a hair mask at the end and try air drying your hair for a change with the R+CO COOL WIND pH

Perfect Air Dry Crème. Then, tame flyaways and amp up the shine by smoothing a hair serum or oil over dry hair. As far as styling goes, a pulled-back low pony and side part are the pinnacle of this TikTok trend, but they’re not a hard and fast rule. That being said, an intricate hairstyle would look out of place, so it’s best to keep things effortless—or at least looking effortless.

3. Aim for skin that looks like skin.

The foundation step ultimately depends on the level of coverage you feel most comfortable with, but the goal is a skin-like finish and even tone. And remember: Texture is normal. Stick to hydrating foundation formulas and BB creams, which will help keep your finish dewy and are less likely to cling to dry patches. Then, add a touch of concealer to cover any discoloration and use setting powder sparingly to set under eyes.

4. Get your glow on.

Full, flushed cheeks and a sun-kissed glow are peak Clean Girl Aesthetic. Get the effect with blush and bronzer, making sure to reach for cream or liquid-based formulas. For blush placement, focus on the center of the apples of your cheeks, slightly blending up toward temples, for that just-ran-through-the-garden look. Bronzer can help to gently sculpt cheekbones and jaw (key word: gentle, no contouring here) and give the face a halo of warmth when applied to the hairline, temples, and bridge of the nose—the spots the sun naturally hits.

5. Add the finishing touches.

Brows, lashes, gloss. Comb unruly brows into place and fill in any sparse spots with a brow pencil, then generously apply a brow gel (tinted or untinted) for a laminated look. Curl eyelashes and apply two coats of a lengthening mascara, then finish with a slick of lip gloss.