Is the Minimal Makeup Trend Actually the “Clean Girl” Aesthetic? Yes — and It's Evolving
How to do clean‑girl makeup step by step Is “clean girl 2.0” different from the original? What products do you need for a clean girl look? Is clean‑girl makeup actually minimal or just curated? How does skincare play into the clean girl aesthetic?
By YEET Magazine Staff, YEET Magazine
Published November 23, 2025
Tags: minimal makeup trend, clean girl aesthetic, clean girl 2025, natural beauty trend, clean girl makeup minimalist
The “clean girl” aesthetic is growing in 2025, and it’s not just about fashion — the minimal‑makeup trend is evolving, with a softer, more authentic version rooted in natural beauty.
Is the Minimal Makeup Trend Actually the “Clean Girl” Aesthetic? Yes — and It's Evolving
There’s a beauty movement that’s really taken off on social media: the clean girl aesthetic, built around minimal makeup, natural skin, and that “I did nothing but look good” vibe. But this isn’t just a flash-in-the-pan trend — in 2025, it’s transforming into something deeper, more sustainable, and more real.
What Is the Clean Girl Aesthetic, Anyway?
- According to fashion and beauty experts, the clean girl look is all about understated elegance. No heavy contouring or bold lipsticks — instead, it's glossy lips, lightly brushed brows, and dewy, healthy-looking skin. Who What Wear+2Moneycontrol+2
- A key part of the trend: “less is more.” The goal isn’t zero makeup but enhancing what’s already there. Moneycontrol
- It’s not just about beauty — it's a lifestyle. The movement includes well-kept routines, a wellness mindset, thoughtful wardrobe choices, and a minimalist, neutral palette. The Clairence+1
Why the Minimal Makeup Trend Fits Into This Aesthetic
- Beauty brands like Maybelline explain that “clean girl makeup” is essentially a rebrand of the classic no-makeup look — but with today’s energy: glowing skin, light coverage, and very few steps. Maybelline UK
- Tutorials and trend-watchers show that the minimalist makeup approach is still going strong: think tinted moisturizers, small dabs of blush, natural brow gels, lip balms or glosses. Dare To Be Noticed
- In 2025, the “Clean Girl Aesthetic 2.0” is emerging — less about perfection, more about sustainable beauty and a skin-first philosophy. Victoria's Glamour+1
How the Trend Is Changing in 2025 — And What’s New
- Glow‑Down Over Clean Girl
- Some experts call this the “Glow-Down”: a more relaxed, gentle minimalism that leans into real skin texture, imperfections, and breathable beauty. Roseliana
- This shift implies that people are getting tired of hyper-polished “effortless” looks and want something more authentic.
- Skin Care First
- The skin prep is more important than makeup. Think gentle cleansers, serums, lightweight moisturizers. LAURIE FELIGIONI ACADEMIE
- The makeup is often sheer — tinted creams, very light concealer only where needed. LAURIE FELIGIONI ACADEMIE
- Natural Features Highlighted
- Brows are softly brushed up instead of heavily shaped. LAURIE FELIGIONI ACADEMIE
- For lips, favoured products are balms, light glosses, or subtle tints — not dramatic mattes. LAURIE FELIGIONI ACADEMIE
- Eyes tend to avoid dramatic liner; mascara is optional or very understated. LAURIE FELIGIONI ACADEMIE
- More Inclusivity — But Also a Critique
- Some critics point out that while the aesthetic preaches natural, effortless beauty, it can still feel out of reach or performative. PMN Patralok
- A study analyzing TikTok videos found that the clean girl trend mixes minimalism and luxury, but also shapes a very specific ideal of “clean” beauty. DIVA Portal
Why This Minimal Makeup Trend Is a Big Deal
- Social media power: With TikToks, Instagram Reels, and YouTube routines, clean‑girl minimalism has huge visibility — it’s not just a niche. THE LIFESTYLE COLLECTIVE+1
- Influence on consumer behavior: People are increasingly looking for beauty products that are “clean” (in terms of ingredients) and can help achieve that natural glow. Maybelline UK
- Mental health + authenticity: For some, this trend is appealing because it feels more “real” than ultra-glam. It’s about confidence, not hiding.
- Sustainability angle: Less dramatic makeup, more multifunctional products, more focus on skincare = potentially less waste. (Though some argue the whole “clean” label is more marketing than real eco-consciousness.) PMN Patralok
The Drawbacks — And Why It’s Not Just Sunshine and Dewy Skin
- There’s a paradox: the “effortless” look usually requires a lot of effort. Maintaining dewy skin and minimal lines often means investing in good skincare, time, and expensive products. PMN Patralok
- Critics argue the clean girl aesthetic can feel exclusive or unrealistic — it often reflects a narrow beauty ideal. Moneycontrol
And on the flip side, others already think the clean aesthetic is fading:
“Clean girl aesthetic is over … people are desperate for something fun and colorful again.” Reddit
Some feel like it’s taking away freedom of expression:
“I see a lot of women doing mascara, skin tint and blush … then getting slammed for doing visiblemakeup like colorful eyeshadows or bold lips.” Reddit
Verdict: Is the Minimal Makeup + Clean Girl Trend Still a Trend — or Just How We Look Now?
Yes — it’s still very much a trend, but one that’s maturing. The clean girl aesthetic began as a way to look polished without heavy glam, and right now it's evolving into a more real, skin-first, and sustainable dimension. That minimal makeup look isn’t going away — but it’s being rethought.
If you like minimal makeup and the idea of looking “clean but not flat,” this trend feels tailor-made for 2025. But if you long for more color or boldness, many of its critics argue: the next big thing could be a more playful, expressive minimalism.
Related Questions
- What is the clean girl aesthetic in 2025?
- Why is minimal makeup trending again?
- How to do clean‑girl makeup step by step
- Is “clean girl 2.0” different from the original?
- What products do you need for a clean girl look?
- Is clean‑girl makeup actually minimal or just curated?
- How does skincare play into the clean girl aesthetic?
- What are the criticisms of the clean girl aesthetic?
- Does the clean girl trend promote unrealistic beauty standards?
- How much time does a clean girl beauty routine take?
- Is the clean girl aesthetic sustainable?
- How to make your skin look natural and glowing
- What influencers popularized the clean girl aesthetic?
- Is the clean girl look age-appropriate for all?
- How do people achieve dewy skin without heavy makeup?
- Are there inclusive versions of the clean girl aesthetic?
- What makeup brands are best for a no-makeup makeup look?
- Do men prefer the clean girl makeup look?
- How has the minimal makeup trend changed since 2021?
- What’s the difference between “no-makeup makeup” and clean‑girl makeup?
- How do you do natural brows for the clean-girl aesthetic?
- Is clean girl makeup good for oily skin?
- How does the “Glow-Down” trend relate to clean-girl makeup?
- What does clean-girl hair look like?
- Why do some people say “clean girl aesthetic” is performative?
- How much does skincare cost if you want clean-girl skin?
- Which TikTok trends align with clean-girl beauty?
- How to choose a tinted moisturizer for a minimal makeup look
- Is clean-girl makeup the same as “glass skin”?
- How do beauty brands market toward the clean girl aesthetic?
- How do you remove clean-girl makeup easily?
- Are minimal makeup trends inclusive for people with textured skin?
- How to get hydrated lips in the clean girl style
- Can men wear clean girl makeup?
- What’s the next beauty trend after clean girl?
- What makeup do you not need for a clean-girl look?
- How to style your wardrobe with the clean girl aesthetic
- Is the clean-girl aesthetic just capitalism?
- How does the clean-girl aesthetic affect self-esteem?
- What is “clean grunge makeup,” and how does it connect?
- How do you fake glowing skin without makeup?
- How to combine clean girl makeup with sustainable beauty
- Does the clean-girl look work for mature skin?
- What are the best eco‑friendly products for minimal makeup?
- How do makeup artists feel about the clean‑girl trend?
- What’s the difference between clean girl and soft girl aesthetic?
- How do you maintain minimal makeup during a workout or sweaty day?
- Is minimal makeup fewer products, or just lighter products?