How To Achieve The Clean Girl Aesthetic

TikTok isn’t just for getting the know-how on mental health tips, food hacks or catching up on the lesbian TikTok drama — it’s also for learning the new ‘it girl’ terms like the hot girl walk and more recently, the clean girl aesthetic.

The clean girl aesthetic is taking the hearts of Millennials and Gen Z-ers. And it might just take yours, too. Here is how to achieve being a clean girl, below.

What Actually is The Clean Girl Aesthetic?

The clean girl aesthetic, coined by TikTokers, is a term that lends itself to one type of person: someone with a minimal makeup routine, fluffy brows, sleeked back hair, gold jewelry and neutral outfits. Think dewy and flushed skin, someone with minimal home decor, the no-makeup makeup look and more.

Earlier this year, the trend of showing off the clean girl aesthetic went viral across the social platform. As a minimalist myself, I adopted the term early to describe my own style and way of life. It felt aligned with my general vibe: wearing neutrals, drinking iced matcha lattes, enjoying no-makeup makeup, and wearing gold earrings. It seemed to fit me well.

However, the term has garnered some criticism — and rightfully so. Early on, the clean girl trend was participated in by thin, well-off white women with expensive taste.

@itsashleykimchi

clean girl aesthetic is nothing new, not just a trend, and certainly not from YT people ‼️‼️ if there is any information that is incorrect, pls kindly lmk in the comments! last but not least, give credit where credit is due. #cleangirlaesthetic

♬ original sound – itsashleykimchi

And as these TikTok videos gained millions of likes, it has in many ways excluded anyone different from feeling they can participate. BIPOC folks, those who aren’t categorized as thin, those who are disabled as well as those with acne-prone skin have felt left out. And that can change.

@neenzjin

I think this will be my go to look with a pop of colour on the eyes ✨ #cleangirlmakeup #cleangirlaesthetic #cleanmakeupforblackgirls #makeup #makeuptutorial #makeuptransformation #makeupchallenge

♬ original sound – xolizahbeauty

The term, which started out as a fun trend, should be accessible to all people. After all, it’s just an aesthetic. And I believe it’s possible. The clean girl look belongs to anyone who wants it — regardless of gender, race or sexual orientation. And you don’t need to make a lot of money to achieve it, either.

@recklessminaa

there’s been a lot of discourse on the clean girl aesthetic and I just wanted to show my perspective of it #fyp #foryou #cleangirl #cleangirlaesthetic #makeup #glowymakeup #browngirl #clearskin #girls

♬ original sound – Phoebe

How To Become The Clean Girl Aesthetic

Adopting the clean girl aesthetic is easier than you think — you don’t have to be wealthy, white or a copy of another girl you’ve seen go viral on TikTok. The clean girl look is for everyone, even you

@gimme

Think you can’t be a clean girl? Think again. Anyone can be — make it your own. 🤍🫶🏼 #cleantok #cleangirlaesthetic #cleangirllook #cleangirlmakeup #cleangirloutfit #minimalist #minimalism #minimalismtiktok #foryou #fyp #33333 #minimalstyle #cleangirltiktok

♬ SHIMMY SONGTRADR 30 HIT WONDER – Artist manager manager

1. Like The Style

Do you like the look of sleeked-back hair? What about the look of minimal makeup? If you like it, try it. You don’t have to be of a certain ethnicity or body type to enjoy it. And you don’t have to be thin or have perfect skin to achieve the clean girl look.

If you like it, you can achieve it, no matter who you are.

2. Love Your Home

Your home doesn’t have to look picture-perfect for you to follow the clean girl aesthetic. In fact, your home can be anything you want it to be. If you like minimalism, go for it. If you’re more eclectic, go for it.

You don’t have to follow the rules to play this game, you can make it your own.

3. Make It Your Own

If you want to be a clean girl, all you have to do is claim the title. That’s it. Make it your own. It’s that simple.