Have you ever scrolled through your feed and been captivated by that seemingly effortless, radiant glow? The clean-girl aesthetic celebrates natural beauty, emphasising subtly enhanced features. Follow this simple step-by-step makeup guide to unlock your potential.
1. Cleanse Your Skin
Ensure you have a clean canvas before applying cosmetics. Use a gentle cleanser to remove overnight oils and prep your skin for makeup. Rinse your face with lukewarm water to prevent dryness, then gently pat it dry with a clean towel.
2. Invest Time in Skin Prep
Dewy, hydrated skin is the star of the clean-girl makeup look. There’s no need to worry if you have acne scars or visible bumps — an elaborate skin care routine can make a difference.
Use a hydrating serum with powerhouse ingredients like hyaluronic acid and a moisturizer to help moisturize your skin. Next, apply an eye cream to help your concealer stay put. Use a primer to provide an even base for your makeup application. Seal the deal with a moisturizing sunscreen that provides at least SPF 15, offering adequate sun protection.
3. Use a Barely-There Base
A lightweight skin tint or foundation is your best friend. Natural-looking glow is the goal, so opt for a satin or dewy finish foundation. You can apply either with a makeup sponge or a brush.
4. Conceal Only Where Needed
Neutralize any discolorations with color correctors. For example, use a green base to correct redness and orange to camouflage blue and purple undereye circles. Apply a lightweight, non-drying concealer under your eyes that is two shades lighter than your foundation shade to help filter out fine lines and dark circles. Conceal blemishes using your fingers or a precision brush. Let the product sit for a while and lightly blend.
5. Use the Right Powder
Powder is often associated with heavy makeup looks, but the right one can smooth and brighten your complexion without weighing you down. Use a blurring powder to set concealed areas if you have combination skin — characterized by an oily T-zone — dust a bit along your forehead, nose, and chin.
6. Add Subtle Color to Cheeks and Eyelids
Use a cream blush to add a subtle, natural flush to the skin. Place one dot on each cheek and add more to build up the pigment. Blend it with a blush brush or sponge using light strokes to achieve that rosy glow. As for the eyelids, opt for neutral shades like soft pinks, earthy taupes, or browns.
7. Fluff up Brows
Frame your face with feathery brows. Fill them by creating hair-like strokes with a thin brow pencil. Finish it with a transparent brow gel — brush the hairs upward and use the applicator’s edge to add extra definition to the exterior arches.
8. Add a Coat of Mascara
Swipe a couple of coats for a natural lash look. Opt for brown mascara if you want a more subtle touch or have fair hair. Individuals with shorter lashes should use a lengthening mascara, while those with naturally thin lashes can benefit from a volumizing option.
9. Swipe a Sheer Lip Gloss
Less is more when it comes to lips. Apply a glossy balm in a natural shade, such as peachy nude, rosy pink, or soft beige. Use a perfectly matched lip liner and a clear gloss for that perfect pout.
Bonus: Create a Slicked-Back Bun
The slicked-back bun is a popular clean-girl hairstyle. Use a fine-comb hairbrush to pull strands back into a smooth bun. Secure it with a preppy scrunchie for a sharp and sassy look, or use a regular hair band. Tame flyaways with oil, and you’re done.
Remember that this makeup look is about enhancing natural beauty with just a few carefully chosen products. Don’t hesitate to adapt these techniques to your unique features and let your glow shine through.
