Let's Talk About the "Clean Girl" Aesthetic

Gaslight. Gatekeep. Girlboss.

If your TikTok For You page is anything like mine you have definitely seen the "clean girl" aesthetic that has been heavily influencing the style and routines of Gen Z girls. The "clean girl" aesthetic popularises the practice of having a minimalistic style, natural-looking makeup routines, and giving "off-duty model" vibes. This style has circulated on TikTok mostly through daily routine and get ready with me videos which are used to exhibit the "hustle porn" lifestyle where you should always be doing the most but in an effortless and illusive way. On the surface, it is clear to see why this aesthetic is so visually appealing, but when you look a bit deeper it actually unravels into something a little more problematic. So, let's break down the "clean girl" aesthetic and look at its layers.

What do you say "clean girls"? Thank you, Asia.

The "clean girl" aesthetic borrows many of its practices from Asian cultures and paints them to be new and innovative when these practices have been used before them for thousands of years. We all saw the craze behind the Chinese face-sculpting tool called the Gua Sha. This led to many tutorials from girls trying to fit the "clean girl" aesthetic who are unfamiliar with the tool, how to use it properly, and the history behind it. Understandably, a lot of Chinese people and people familiar with the practice were upset by the lack of understanding and recognition. I am all for appreciating cultures and adopting beneficial practices, however, it is extremely important to learn and understand where these practices come from and why they are used. So, before you "clean" girlies claim your matcha or yoga, or whatever you adopt as your "new" trend, maybe look into it before you even attempt to make it your own.

Yes, you can join the club! But only if you look a certain way.

The continuous discourse on TikTok is how to become a "clean girl" which suggests that just because the (usually) rich, pretty, skinny, white woman can achieve this look, it is attainable for all. This fits in the "that/it girl" mentality that you want others to aspire to look and be like you, but you also want it to be exclusive enough that not everyone can. The common theme amongst these trends is the exclusion of people of colour, plus-size people, and those who do not fit the beauty standard. This is problematic because the implication of one style, routine, or body type being clean suggests that if you do not fit into this, you are dirty. The slicked-back bun and zero to minimal makeup with clear skin is the "clean girl" essential. This discourse on TikTok strongly implies that stray hairs or pimples do not fit in with this aesthetic. People with acne and curly hair patterns are constantly faced with this mentality that they lack a level of hygiene because of these traits and "clean girl" trends further instil that mentality. Podcast Renegade with Lauren & Jordan discuss these ideas further in their episode: The Problem With TikTok's "Clean Girl" Aesthetic.

Capitalism breeds innovation?

Buy this skincare, buy this outfit, buy this makeup, and then you will become a "clone girl", sorry! I mean "clean girl". See what I did there? You probably didn't because you were too busy trying to incorporate this aesthetic into all areas of your life. It is surprising to see Gen Z who are the biggest warriors for planet Earth and anti-capitalism partake in a trend that fetishises consumerism and perpetuates a better than or morally superior mentality. Not only does this trend promote hyper-consumerism, but it also highlights another reason why this aesthetic isn't attainable for all, which is affordability. If you have these certain types of tools, products, and clothes, only then do you fully achieve the "clean girl" aesthetic and if you can't afford it then you are less superior to those who can. TikToker @tuuli_tuom further demonstrates these issues here.

If you truly love the "clean girl" aesthetic and you want to continue to dress a certain way or do your makeup a certain way, no one is stopping you. This article isn't for that. Sometimes we need to look a bit deeper into the things we do and think critically about the content we are consuming. If you're feeling down because you don't fit into the standards of these trends, just know that it is okay that you don't. Just because someone on the internet says that you have to look or be a certain way to be beautiful or successful, it doesn't mean that is the case. The "clean girls" are not documenting their bad days or their downtime for a reason and that's because they need the illusion to make themselves feel better... and are you going to let that make you feel worse?

If you want to have a better lifestyle but "clean girl" organisation isn't in your DNA, read how to achieve it in a Type B sort of way.