If you’ve been on social media at all in the past few months, the “clean aesthetic” has probably taken over your feed. The “clean girl aesthetic” is the distant cousin of the once-praised “that girl mentality.” Both play off the idea of being the best version of yourself: setting goals, following a routine and finding balance. However, the clean girl aesthetic takes the beauty side of its distant cousin to a whole new level.
The clean girl aesthetic revolves around clear dewy skin, a good matching set and slicked-back bun. Meant to look effortless, this trend is anything but easy. Tutorials feature a 20-step skin care routine, a plethora of Charlotte Tilbury makeup, and the entirety of the Olaplex Bond Maintenance line. If you’re not trying to drop your life’s savings at Sephora, here are three simple steps to have you looking like a “clean girl” in minutes.
Step 1: Know your undertone
Understanding your undertone will completely revolutionize your outward appearance. It’s as simple as looking at something you already have: your veins. As we all know, skin tones vary from person to person; however, undertones are segmented into three categories: warm, cool and neutral. Warm tones correspond with green veins, cool to blue, and neutrals mix the two.
How can we take this newfound information and apply it to the clean girl aesthetic? Well, it all starts in your closet. When flipping through your shirts and accessories, gravitate toward colors that will complement your undertone. For warm-toned girlies, stick to gold jewelry and vivid colors. Bright pinks and oranges will make your gleaming tone stand out. Silver, soft pinks and beige suit cooler tones. Those with neutral undertones have the most flexibility, as they can reach for the entire color spectrum.
Figuring out and applying your undertone to your personal style will instantly give you that clean girl look.
Step 2: Go monochrome
When it comes to the clean girl aesthetic, a monochrome outfit checks all the boxes. It’s sophisticated, chic and effortless, and the best part is it’s already in your closet. A good monochrome moment can take numerous shapes. From tracksuits to dinner parties, a monochrome outfit never fails to look put together. This simple trick is an easily achievable way to achieve the clean girl aesthetic, even for college students.
Step 3: Drink that H20
I know what you’re thinking: water, really? Yep, it’s the cheapest, most natural way to achieve that iconic dewy look within the clean girl aesthetic. The U.S. National Academy of Science recommends drinking anywhere between 2.7-3.7 liters per day. That’s roughly around 13 cups! I know you aren’t drinking anywhere close to that, so now is the time to start filling up that glass and get chugging. This new regimen has endless benefits and will have you glowing in just a few weeks.
Utilizing your undertone, wearing a put together monochrome outfit and drinking plenty of water will have you looking like a clean girl in no time. If you learn anything from this article, I hope it’s that it doesn’t take a bunch of money or clothes to achieve a certain look.