Your Girl Knows’ product recommendations are handpicked by our editorial team and given the seal of approval by Harman herself. When you buy something through our affiliate links, we might earn a little commission—at no extra cost to you! We only recommend products we genuinely love. Please read my Disclosure Policy for additional information.
You know that moment when you’re sipping your latte in a cozy café, or casually walking down the street, and she walks by? She’s glowing, her outfit looks effortless yet stunning, her hair perfectly in place, and there’s this subtle, dreamy scent lingering in the air.
You can’t help but think, “Did my Pinterest board just come to life?” That’s the magic of the clean girl aesthetic.
But here’s the thing—it’s not about being someone else; it’s about looking and feeling put-together, polished, and confident in a way that feels totally YOU. And it’s more than just looking fine.
It’s a minimal, classy lifestyle with habits that make you look like that effortlessly. And yep, anyone can be that girl. How you ask?
I’ve got 25 tips for you to become the clean girl of your dreams!
1. Skincare > Makeup
If there’s one mantra every clean girl lives by, it’s this: skincare first, makeup second. Healthy skin is the foundation of the aesthetic, so invest in a solid skincare routine.
If you’re breaking out real bad, I suggest visit a dermatologist but here’s how you can kickstart a nice, basic skincare routine.
Pro Tips:
- Start and end your day with an exfoliating cleanser. You can find them both for oily and dry skin types, so look out for that.
- Get yourself a gua sha or jade roller to enhance your skincare routine and reduce puffiness.
- Look for serums with niacinamide or vitamin C to target uneven skin tone and get that bright, glowy base.
- Protect your skin barrier with a moisturizer that has hyaluronic acid and ceramides. If your skin barrier isn’t solid, yoru skincare routine means nothing.
- Never skip your sunscreen!
- Weekly chemical peels will be your skin’s saviors.
2. Glowy, Minimal Makeup
The clean girl doesn’t cake it on when it comes to makeup (or overdo it with sharp contours or liners).
Instead, it’s all about enhancing your natural features. Dewy skin, fluffy brows, a whisper of blush, and glossy lips are your new besties. Keep things minimal, but make it glow.
Pro Tips:
- Swap your foundation for a tinted moisturizer or BB cream for lightweight coverage. I love E.L.F’s CC cream and Maybelline’s skin tint in budget categories!
- Dab some cream blush onto your cheeks AND eyelids for a natural, cohesive flush. Benefit’s skin tint is my BFF!
- Fluff out your brows after very lightly shaping them with a lighter than your brow color pencil.
- Go for a brown smudged-out liner and some mascara.
- Use a luminous setting spray to lock in your glow (and avoid the powdery finish).
3. Sleek & Pulled-Back Hair
A clean girl’s hair is always sleek, tidy, and intentional. Whether you prefer a high bun, a chic ponytail, or slick middle-part braids, the key is to keep it polished. Flyaways? Nope, not here!
Pro Tips:
- Use a lightweight, non-sticky gel or hair wax stick to perfect those edges and control flyaways.
- Keep a boar bristle brush handy for on-the-go touch-ups.
- Feeling fancy? Pair your sleek look with a minimalist hair accessory, like metallic clips or a satin scrunchie.
4. Early Wake-Up & Hydration
Nothing you do will work if you’re not hydrating yourself from within.
The clean girl lifestyle involves waking up early(ish) and starting your day on the right foot. Begin with a big glass of water; hydration is your holy grail for glowing skin, better energy, and a clear mind.
Pro Tips:
- Struggle to drink enough water? Get a cute, reusable bottle with time markers to keep you on track!
- Infuse your water with lemon, cucumber, or a handful of mint for a refreshing twist.
- I’ve recently started drinking marine collagen powder right after my breakfast and my skin has never been better!
5. Tidy Morning & Night Routines
Babe, you need a clean space to match your vibe! Make it a habit to reset your space every morning and night. From making your bed right after you wake up to wiping down surfaces, these small actions will make your environment as polished as you are.
Pro Tips:
- Keep a microfiber cloth and a multi-surface spray nearby for quick wipe-downs.
- Set a 10-minute timer every evening to pick up clutter (it’s life-changing).
- Pro tip for the night owls? Lay out tomorrow’s outfit to make the morning SO much easier.
6. Always Smell Good
The clean girl doesn’t just look amazing; she smells DIVINE. Keep your scent game on point with signature perfumes, and layer with body lotions and oils for lasting impact.
Now I have all the juicy tips to smell incredibly good all the time, but here are just a few from top of my head:
- Apply perfume to pulse points (wrists, neck, behind the ears) for maximum longevity.
- Apply moisturizer to damp skin, layer it with some body oil and then spritz body mists + perfumes over it. This will last all day!!
- Go niche if you can! Unique scents like vanilla woods or fresh linen scream clean girl vibes.
- Keep a travel-sized fragrance in your bag for on-the-go spritzing.
7. Clean, Neutral Nails
No chipped nails or wild designs here! The clean girl aesthetic demands sleek, neutral nails. Whether you go for a natural buff, soft pink polish, or a classic French tip, keep them tidy and flawless.
Pro Tips:
- Use a glass nail file for the smoothest finish.
- Moisturize your cuticles nightly with a drop of oil for an instantly healthier look.
- At-home mani hack? Choose quick-dry polish to save time (and your patience).
- Increase your biotin intake to make your nails grow stronger and healthier.
8. Move Your Body Daily
You know it, that clean girl lifestyle screams keeping up with wellness, and that includes moving your body!
Whether it’s a walk around the block, morning yoga, or a sweaty dance class, daily movement keeps your energy high, your mind clear, and your skin glowing.
Pro Tips:
- Make it fun! Try trendy workouts like Pilates or barre for a clean girl-approved routine.
- Don’t forget to stretch post-workout to keep your muscles happy and flexible.
- Start small with 10-minute sessions if you’re new to exercising regularly. Have you tried dance workouts from YouTube?
9. Hydration = Non-Negotiable
This one can’t be emphasized enough. Hydration is the ultimate clean girl secret! Drink plenty of water throughout the day and eat hydrating foods like melon or cucumbers to keep your body and skin healthy.
Pro Tips:
- Add electrolytes to your water during a workout for an extra boost.
- Get yourself a liter bottle and make sure you’re refilling it at least twice or thrice in a day.
- Use a hydrating face mist mid-day for a refreshing pick-me-up.
10. Ice Your Face in the Morning
From Hailey Bieber to Kim Kardashian, what clean girl doesn’t like ice facials? I can say that icing your face is a clean girl aesthetic’s best-kept secret.
It’s the quickest way to reduce puffiness, tighten pores, and wake up tired skin. You’ll be looking fresh and sculpted in minutes! And your skincare/makeup will be FLAWLESS.
Pro Tips:
- Use an ice roller or wrap an ice cube in a soft cloth for easy application.
- Focus on your under-eye area and cheekbones to sculpt and lift.
- You can also fill a bowl with water and some ice cubes for a quick 30-second to 1 minute dip at 10 second intervals.
- Follow up with your favorite serum for ultra-tightened and hydrated skin.
11. Silk or Satin Everything
Your clean girl starter pack kicks off with a little luxe. Opt for silk or satin pillowcases, hair scrunchies, and even pajamas and robes.
Why? Silk is not just chic but also practical! It’s gentle on your skin and hair, reducing breakouts, frizz, and split ends.
12. Neutrals Don’t Mean Boring
Clean girls LIVE for neutral tones, but here’s the trick; don’t confuse neutral with dull. Pair classic shades like beige, white, and cream with textures like linen, ribbed knit, or even a little leather (vegan works too!).
And add pops of color with accessories or layering. Muted pastels, the better. Like sage green, dusty blue or pinks.
13. Neutral Surroundings for Neutral Vibes
Your space is an extension of you, clean girl! White bedding, soft-toned rugs, and minimalist décor not only make your room Insta-worthy but also create a backdrop of calm and clarity. Marie Kondo would be proud.
Pro Tip: Add texture with wicker baskets, throw blankets, or a single statement piece like a tall vase with pampas grass.
Also, if you love it, add pops of greenery into your aesthetic.
14. Eat Clean-ish
No, you don’t need to go paleo or vegan overnight. The clean girl aesthetic welcomes balance. Think whole foods, colorful veggies, and hydrating snacks, but don’t shame yourself for a croissant or a bowl of pasta!
Enjoy a smoothie bowl for breakfast and elevate it with chia seeds or a drizzle of peanut butter. That’s clean yet indulgent!
15. Start Your Day with a Ginger + Orange Shot
Kick off your mornings with a burst of energy and a boost for your immune system! Ginger and orange shots are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, giving your skin that inner glow while helping fight inflammation.
Not into the sharp kick of ginger? Add a teaspoon of honey to tone it down! You can even prep these shots in advance for the week for a grab-and-go health boost.
16. Never Forget Your Supplements
Who knew beauty could come in a capsule? Multivitamins, omega-3s, and collagen supplements go beyond health and directly impact things like your hair, nails, and skin.
The clean girl mood? Inside-out beauty! Stay consistent with supplements that cater to your unique needs. For example:
- Skin Breakouts? Consider zinc or probiotics.
- Weak Hair/Nails? Try biotin or keratin-support supplements.
- Low Energy? Vitamin D or B12 might change the game.
To make it part of your routine, keep them by your coffee machine or morning skincare products.
Check with your doctor or nutritionist before starting new supplements!
17. Journal (Even Just a Little)
You know what they say, clean girl’s mind is as serene as her environment.
Take just 5 minutes each day to jot down your thoughts, gratitude lists, or goals. Journaling isn’t about perfection but clarity.
Pro Tip: Use a beautiful journal that you want to reach for. And don’t overthink what you write; even doodling counts as self-care! 😉
18. Prioritize Your Peace
Nothing says clean girl energy quite like a calm and centered vibe. Learn to say “no” when needed, set boundaries unapologetically, and surround yourself with people and things that bring you joy.
Swap doom-scrolling at night for a bubble bath or meditation.
Start your mornings with just 5 minutes of stretching or deep breathing. Watch how your day transforms!
19. Capsule Wardrobe Basics
A clean girl wardrobe equals timeless pieces that pair effortlessly. Stick to versatile staples like white tees, bodysuits tailored blazers, slim-fit/straight jeans, and a little black dress (LBD).
Pro Tip: Invest in quality over quantity. A perfectly fitted blazer or premium jeans will outshine a closet packed with trendy, fast-fashion items.
20. Keep Your Space Minimal
Declutter like it’s your part-time job. A tidy space breeds a tidy mind, and nothing ruins the clean girl aesthetic faster than piles of laundry or random knick-knacks.
Pro Tip: The “one in, one out” rule works wonders. Bought new sneakers? Donate an old pair.
21. Minimal Accessories, Maximum Impact
When it comes to jewelry and add-ons, less is more. A dainty gold chain, pearl earrings, and a structured bag are your clean girl staples. Overdoing it can clash with the effortless vibe you’re going for.
Pro Tip: Follow the 3-piece rule when it comes to not overdoing accessories. Basically, it says that you should only choose 3 things, like a bag, belt, and earrings, for accessorizing your outfit. Or a chunky necklace, bracelets, and belt.
22. Pamper Your Locks with Haircare Treatments
A “clean girl” isn’t one without sleek, glossy hair! Commit to a haircare routine where TLC becomes second nature. A few essentials to consider:
- Treat yourself to weekly Olaplex treatments to repair damage (even if it’s just from all those heated hairstyles).
- Control frizz with a little hair serum before throwing your hair into the ultimate clean girl sleek bun or ponytail.
23. Fill Your Life with Activities You Love
True polished vibes start from the inside. Want to glow? Fill your day with moments that bring you joy. Whether it’s pottery, yoga, reading, or a new painting class, explore activities that make you come alive.
The more happy moments, the more relaxed and radiant you’ll look (and feel).
Bonus? These hobbies help build a well-rounded routine, and “clean girl aesthetic” is as much a lifestyle as it is a look.
Pro Tip: Schedule your hobbies into your week like an appointment so nothing gets in the way!
24. Soft Confidence is Key
The clean girl mindset is all about quiet self-assurance. Walk tall, sit straight, wear your smile, and show confidence without coming off as boastful. It’s about being comfortable in your own skin.
This quality attracts people like crazy.
How do you do it? Affirmations work wonders. Repeat to yourself, “I am worthy, I am calm, I radiate positive energy,” and you’ll feel the difference.
Fake it till you make it—even clean girls have off-days.
25. Romanticize the Little Things
Turn your everyday routines into dreamy rituals. Pour your latte into your favorite mug. Light a candle before dinner. Capture the golden hour on your evening stroll.
Life’s little moments are what make the clean girl aesthetic so magnetic.
Instead of rushing through your skincare routine, imagine you’re in a spa ad. Show yourself some love!
Find joy in the ordinary; it’s all about a mindset shift.
Related articles to how to be a clean girl
- How to Get Clear Skin Without Selling Your Soul to 27 Products
- 36 Minimal, Chic & So Put-Together Clean Girl Outfits That Scream Main Character Energy!
- How I Created My That Girl Morning Routine That Actually Stuck!
- 33 That Girl Outfits That’ll Have You Serving Main Character Energy 24X7!
- 50 Iconic Summer Goals for a Hot Girl Summer You’ll Never Forget!
- The Ultimate Hot Girl Playbook: 31 Tips to Bring the Heat & Look Hot AF
