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    Does the ‘Clean Girl Aesthetic’ Have a Dirty Side?

    Does the ‘Clean Girl Aesthetic’ Have a Dirty Side?

    Effortlessly polished, impossibly chic, and with skin so dewy it rivals the morning mist—the Clean Girl Aesthetic has taken over our feeds and our routines. But beneath the glossy veneer lies a murkier truth worth exploring. Could this trend be doing more harm than good? In this article, we unpack the pressures, privilege, and unspoken rules behind the ‘clean’ craze and ask: is it time for a refresh?

    By Dandy / Feb 03 2025

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    Picture this: slicked-back buns that whisper “I just rolled out of bed,” dewy skin glowing like a perfectly polished pearl, and an outfit that screams minimalist chic. The ‘Clean Girl Aesthetic’ is the TikTok lovechild of effortless beauty and Gen Z’s answer to a curated life. But behind the glossy allure of this trend lies a messier truth. Could this aesthetic be more “dirty” than it lets on?

     

    Let’s dive in – metaphorically, of course, because actual sweat is not part of the vibe.

    What Is the Clean Girl Aesthetic?

    If you’ve ever found yourself hypnotised by a TikTok loop of someone applying their eighth layer of glow-inducing serum, congrats – you’ve met the ‘Clean Girl’. She’s the lovechild of polished minimalism and #thatgirl energy. Think Hailey Bieber on an oat milk latte bender: bronzed skin, laminated brows, gold hoops, and not a hair out of place.

     

    This trend practically shouts, “I wake up like this,” while conveniently ignoring the small army of products, time, and privilege that likely went into said waking up.

    The Appeal of Being a Clean Girl

    The charm of the Clean Girl Aesthetic is its promise of effortlessness – which is, ironically, quite a lot of effort. It’s aspirational yet achievable…if you’ve got disposable income, time, and the genes of a Scandinavian skincare model.

     

    For many, the appeal lies in the simplicity. The beauty industry, once dominated by maximalism (remember contouring circa 2015?), is now offering a detox in the form of barely-there makeup and tidy perfection. No more 12-step routines – just a few drops of face oil, a dab of concealer, and the world’s tiniest gold hoops.

     

    On paper, it’s sustainable, fuss-free, and Instagram-worthy. What’s not to love?

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    But Here Comes the Dirty Side…

    1. Privilege Is the Real Foundation

     

    For an aesthetic that claims to be low-maintenance, the Clean Girl vibe isn’t exactly budget-friendly. Those glass-skin serums and silk scrunchies add up faster than you can say “glazed doughnut skin.” And let’s not forget the invisible cost of time – not everyone has an hour each morning to perfect their dewy glow.

     

    There’s also the elephant in the room: cultural privilege. The ‘Clean Girl’ look is often heralded as innovative, despite borrowing heavily from beauty traditions pioneered by women of colour (think slicked-back edges and luminous skin). It’s a trend that’s been rebranded and repackaged in a way that’s palatable to a largely white, affluent audience. Yikes.

     

     

    2. Minimalism or Masking?

     

    What’s sold as “I woke up like this” is often just clever marketing. Achieving the Clean Girl aesthetic requires a small army of tools: from gua shas to brow lamination kits. And while the aesthetic seems minimalist, it’s more about carefully masking imperfections than embracing them.

     

    The end result? A standard of beauty that’s polished, poreless, and impossible to achieve without some degree of trickery. Sorry, but your natural glow might just need a few layers of product to pass the Clean Girl vibe check.

     

     

    3. It’s Not as “Effortless” as It Looks

     

    The ultimate irony of the Clean Girl aesthetic is how labour-intensive it really is. Between skincare routines that rival medical experiments and the constant upkeep of “just messy enough” buns, this look demands time and commitment. And heaven forbid you’re caught with flyaways or a patchy glow – Clean Girls don’t sweat, remember?

     

     

    4. The Pressure to Conform

     

    At its core, the Clean Girl aesthetic is yet another beauty standard. For all its talk of minimalism and authenticity, it’s still rooted in the idea that women must look polished and put-together at all times. No smudged eyeliner, no rogue pimple, no bad hair days.

     

    This pressure to conform can be particularly harmful. What happens when you don’t have the resources or energy to match the Clean Girl vibe? Are you suddenly messy, unkempt, or – gasp – dirty?

    Pro / Wellness Space 

    Pro / Wellness Space 

    What We Can Learn from the Clean Girl Debate

    While it’s easy to critique the Clean Girl aesthetic for its flaws, there are lessons to be learned from its popularity. Here’s how we can take the best parts of the trend while leaving the “dirt” behind:

     

     

    1. Embrace Your Version of Clean

     

    Spoiler: You don’t need 15 products to feel polished. A simple skincare routine, a touch of confidence, and whatever makes you feel good is more than enough. You don’t need to mimic TikTok perfection to have your own glow-up moment.

     

     

    2. Recognise the Privilege

     

    Understanding the privilege that underpins the Clean Girl aesthetic is essential. Acknowledge where trends borrow from marginalised communities, and celebrate the originators, not just the repackaged versions.

     

     

    3. Define Effortless on Your Terms

     

    Effortlessness shouldn’t mean adhering to someone else’s aesthetic. Whether you love a full beat or no makeup at all, the point is to celebrate what feels authentic to you.

     

     

    4. Push Back on Perfection

     

    It’s okay to look imperfect. Messy buns, breakouts, and visible pores are normal. Let’s stop pretending that every day needs to be Instagram-worthy.

    Final Thoughts: Clean or Contrived?

    The Clean Girl aesthetic may glitter with promises of simplicity, but its roots are far from spotless. Behind the glow lies a system of privilege, unattainable standards, and a not-so-minimalist approach to beauty.

     

    But here’s the good news: You don’t need to be a ‘Clean Girl’ to be beautiful, radiant, or confident. Embrace your quirks, rock your flyaways, and remember – the real glow comes from living authentically, not from the perfect shade of concealer.

     

    Now, go forth and smudge that eyeliner – because imperfection? It’s trending.

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