Some beauty trends are over in a flash, while others stick around far longer than anyone expected.
The clean girl aesthetic is one of those trends that’s showing no signs of slowing down. Think glowing skin, dewy hydration, and the no-makeup makeup look that seems almost too perfect to be real. That’s to say, it’s merely minimalism at its best.
The aim of the game is to look clean, put together and radiant without having to put in too much effort. It runs parallel to the French ideal in acknowledging that natural beauty only needs to be enhanced, not overpowered.
Achieving this look is about perfecting the essentials: a clear, radiant base, a few quality neutral pieces and simple, effective products. Embrace doing more with less, focusing on celebrating your natural features with confidence and a light, polished touch—style without fuss, ready for anything.
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If you’re looking to revamp your everyday look or fully embrace this aesthetic, let makeup artist Thea Dionisio guide you with some tips on how to achieve the clean girl aesthetic effortlessly.
Skin prep is key
Before anything else, start with a well-hydrated base. A lightweight, glowy moisturizer like Embryolisse or Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base helps give the skin that lit-from-within look and allows makeup to sit better.
Keep the base sheer
Ditch the heavy foundation. Opt for a skin tint or tinted moisturizer—like the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer—to even out your complexion while letting your real skin peek through. Use a creamy concealer (NARS Radiant Creamy or Kosas Revealer) only where needed: under the eyes, around the nose, or on blemishes.
Stick to creams
Cream products melt into the skin and give the most natural finish:
• Blush: Go for rosy or peachy tones like the Rhode Pocket Blush.
• Bronzer: Use a cream formula to subtly warm up and sculpt the face.
• Highlighter: Tap on a balm or liquid highlighter, like Chanel Baume Essentiel, for a dewy glow.
Aim for natural, fluffy brows
Brush up your brows with a clear or tinted gel like the ones from Strokes Brow Fixer or GRWM Browlift to keep them in place. Fill in any sparse areas with a pencil or powder using hair-like strokes—keep it soft and natural.
Opt for minimal eye makeup looks
Curl your lashes and add a light coat of mascara, focusing on separation and length over volume. For a touch of definition, tightline with a soft brown pencil—it’s subtle but makes a big difference.
Keep your lips juicy and hydrated
Stick to lip oils, tinted balms, or a soft MLBB (my lips but better) shade. You want something that adds hydration and shine without looking overdone.
Set strategically
Skip the full-face baking. Just use a light dusting of translucent powder (Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder).
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