Spoiler alert: it turns out there’s more to this “effortless” look than slicked-back buns and minimalist makeup.
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Remember the TikTok rabbit hole of 2022? Your feed was flooded with women showcasing dewy skin, slicked-back buns, and minimalist makeup. That’s the core of clean girls—promising a fresh, natural look that seems effortless and within reach for everyone, even if you’re always in a rush.
Fast forward two years, and this trend has stuck around, with celebrities like Sofia Richie, Hailey Bieber, and Bella Hadid, along with countless content creators, keeping it at the forefront. However, as we peeled back the layers, it became clear that this trend isn’t as picture-perfect as it seems. In fact, it might be hiding a few flaws of its own.
Here’s why the “Clean Girl” aesthetic is more of a red flag than a fresh-faced miracle.
All About the ~Aesthetic~
@daisyherriott my fave question
♬ original sound – Elsie Silver
With 365k posts on TikTok and billions (yes, billions) of views, you might be wondering: what exactly is this trend? From head to toe, the Clean Girl aesthetic is all about looking effortlessly polished—without appearing to have put in any effort.
Imagine the glossiest skin, sleek buns or ponytails, and makeup so subtle it’s practically whispering “I woke up like this”—even though a whole stash of products is working behind the scenes.
@daniellemarcan clean girl makeup using @ABH Cosmetics new bronzer and blush shades <3 ad #ABHAllSummer #makeup #beauty ♬ original sound – DANIELLE
For Context, Here’s How Clean Girls Achieve the Aesthetic:
Clothing: Simple, well-fitting basics in neutral tones. The look is polished (or professional) but must appear effortless—like it was the easiest ensemble you’ve put together.
Hair: Slicked-back buns or ponytails, often achieved with an arsenal of oils, hairspray, and bristle brushes to eliminate frizz or flyaways.
Lifestyle: Matcha lattes, minimalist decor, and weekend Pilates. It’s a lifestyle, not just a look; think of this trend as someone who walked so the That Girl aesthetic could run.
Skincare and Makeup: The goal is glass-like skin achieved through an intense skincare regimen. Makeup should be invisible yet perfect—think no-makeup makeup with glossy lips and a hint of blush.
The Problematic Aspects of the ‘Clean Girl’ Aesthetic
@miaahazelwood #cleangirlaesthetic #cleangirlmakeup ♬ original sound – georgie | fashion & makeup 💫✨
As you may have begun to suspect, this trend isn’t sustainable for most people. Let’s break down why it isn’t as perfect as it seems.
Accessibility and Standards
@cleangirlhacks Flawless skin 101. #skincare101 #skintok #beautysecrets #selfcareroutine #cleangirl #cleangirlmakeup #haileybieber #clearskin #clearskincheck #clearskinroutine #clearskinhacks #antiaging #antiagingskincare ♬ original sound – Clean Girl Hacks
This trend promotes an unattainable standard of beauty that leaves many feeling excluded. Picture trying to nail that flawless, dewy skin and perfect no-makeup makeup look while dealing with acne, dark spots, or an uneven complexion.
The truth is, minimalist makeup demands a clean slate to start with, and not everyone has that. The pressure to look effortlessly perfect can be overwhelming. And let’s not forget those juggling school, work, and other responsibilities—spending hours on a skincare routine or splurging on celebrity-approved products just isn’t realistic.
@daisyherriott some clean girl aesthetic tips 🤍
♬ original sound – Bella ꩜
It’s not just about skincare and makeup; it’s about how trends set these impossible beauty standards, making everyone feel like they’re always a step behind. The “Clean Girl” aesthetic might seem like just another pretty face on the surface, but it really cranks up the pressure to compare and despair for those who can’t keep up. It’s like trying to win a marathon in flip-flops—looks cute, but good luck.
From Trashy to Trendy
@outervoiceco Double standard fr #fyp #reels #comedy #immigrant #womenofcolor #northindian #southindian #beauty #cleangirllook #culture #food #appropriation #appreciation #minority #doubledisappointments #outervoice #poc #southasian #community ♬ original sound – Outer Voice
As if that wasn’t enough, elements and essential accessories of the “Clean Girl” look—think sleek-back buns and gold hoops—have been style staples in marginalized communities for decades. These iconic pieces were flaunted with pride long before they hit TikTok’s trending page.
In reality, when Black and Latina women wore these styles, they were—and continue to be—dragged as ‘ghetto’ or ‘trashy.’ Now, those same looks are being hailed as the pinnacle of casual chic by white influencers. This shift is more than just a fashion faux pas; it’s a careless move that erases the rich roots and significance of these styles, turning genuine heritage into a trendy accessory.
Lack of Diversity
@simplyysri not to mention getting called smelly for using hair oils💀 so happy so many of y’all are calling out the duality of “aesthetics”
♬ original sound – simplyysri
With that in mind, the “Clean Girl” aesthetic predominantly features white women and IT-girl figures like Bella Hadid, Hailey Baldwin, and Sofia Richie, along with off-duty models dominating the search space. The hashtag itself reflects this lack of diversity, consistently catering to a specific audience.
This trend excludes women with acne-prone skin, women of color, women with disabilities, and plus-size women, as it promotes a narrow lifestyle that fails to accommodate a wide range of identities and experiences. Even the name itself is questionable with how the trend lowkey gatekeeps how a “clean girl” should look like. Speaking of which…
The Implication of ‘Clean’ vs. ‘Dirty’
@specialsommerfeeling Girl#fyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy #fouryoupage #specalwinterfeeling #viralvideo ♬ original sound
This trend isn’t just a style choice—it packs a punch with its implications. By dubbing this look as clean, there’s a not-so-subtle suggestion that anything outside this narrow definition is dirty. It creates a harmful narrative around all things normal and natural—from body hair to textured skin and diverse lifestyles—implying that if you don’t fit this polished mold, you’re somehow less desirable.
It’s like an exclusive club where the entrance fee is conformity, and everyone else is left standing at the curb, feeling like they didn’t make the cut.
The Takeaway
@cleangirlhacks Its about enhancing your natural radiance ✨ #SelfCareRoutine #selfcarecheck #skincare101 #skintok #beautysecrets #selfcareroutine #cleangirl #cleangirlaesthetic #cleangirllook #cleangirlmakeup #haileybieber #clearskin #clearskincheck #clearskinroutine #clearskinhacks #haileybieberstyle ♬ original sound – Clean Girl Hacks
There’s nothing inherently wrong with minimalist makeup or the idea of ‘less is more’—it can be both beautiful and empowering. However, the ‘Clean Girl’ TikTok trend, despite its polished appearance, is not without its problems. It fuels the toxic standards we’re trying to move away from and enforces a rigid mold that disregards the diverse ways people express themselves.
Instead of falling for the “Clean Girl” aesthetic, why not explore trends that celebrate a broader range of individuality? Embrace styles that truly reflect who we are—whether it’s street style, cottagecore, or retro. Participate in trends that not only highlight your personality but also honor the origins of their cultural roots. After all, trends should be about celebrating diversity and authenticity, not conforming to a one-size-fits-all ideal.
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