The "Clean Girl Aesthetic": Beauty Trend or Burden?

Social media content that comes to our attention every second and minute and constantly changing and renewing trends are now an inseparable part of social media. One trend comes after another, and almost all of them manage to go viral. The current one of the most popular ones is The Clean Girl Aesthetic. This aesthetic defines an effortlessly chic look, glass-like skin, minimalist makeup, and sleek buns. It glorifies the representation of natural beauty for women. But is this trend “clean” and innocent as it is presented?

These beauty trends come with a cost in addition to the beauty and charm they offer. These ever-evolving beauty trends have become an indispensable strategy for brands, imposing that expensive serums, masks, and moisturizers must be purchased to reach these must-have beauty standards. I use the “must have” phrase because a new media perception has developed in which those who do not follow these trends are made to feel backward.

As women are exposed to such content, a false perception of beauty is created, especially among young adolescent girls. Women of different backgrounds who do not have the advertised beautiful straight blonde hair or a very white complexion are excluded from these trends. Moreover, though marketed as an effortless aesthetic, the trend provides a disciplined routine to follow every night requiring hours of preparation. Women are left to struggle with the dilemma that they must appear flawless by nature without showing the effort that goes into it.

Even though the Clean Girl aesthetic may stand out as simplicity, its glossy perspective hides the cost of conformity and the tension of perfection. Beauty trends should inspire people but not make them feel worthless and inferior.