Our team is dedicated to finding and telling you more about the web’s best products. If you purchase through our links, we may receive a commission. Our editorial team is independent and only endorses products we believe in.
The “Clean Look” beauty trend that’s currently viral on TikTok (250M+ views and counting!) is not necessarily new. We’ve already had the classic “no-makeup, makeup look.” Or that era in 2010 where every beauty guru was posting their “everyday, five minute makeup tutorial” on YouTube (which, by the way, was never only five minutes). So how is this one any different, and what exactly makes it “clean”?
Characterized by dewy skin, feathered brows, and flushed cheeks, the Clean Look is all about elevating your natural skin to strike the perfect balance between effortless while also looking expensive AF. Zendaya, Hailey Bieber, and Bella Hadid rock this “model off-duty” look regularly – and you can too. Ahead, we lay out 6 must-have products and our step-by-step guide to achieving the clean beauty look yourselves.
A lightweight, brightening concealer: Revealer Concealer by KOSAS ($28)
Credit: @Kosas
As someone who has never been a fan of lathering on a thick layer of foundation, I’m thrilled that just concealer will do the trick here. Without hesitating, I always grab my Revealer Concealer by Kosas. Since it’s a medium coverage concealer, it does the job of reducing dark circles and covering blemishes while still looking airy and vibrant. The finish is dewy and radiant – the perfect base for this look!
A pigmented, cream blush: Dew Blush by Saie ($24)
Credit: @saiebeauty
Once you’re done with concealer, it's time to go hard on the blush. While powdered blush is doable, opting for a cream variety will keep that luminous, vibrant glow going. I am unhealthily obsessed with Dew Blush from Saie. When applying, start with two dabs and lightly tap the pigment all the way up your cheekbones for that lifted effect (you can even bring it across the top of your nose!). If you’re not sure how much product to use – it’s simple: more is more. You’ll know you got it just right if someone asks you how in the world you’ve been getting so much sun!
A clear eyebrow gel: KUSH Fiber Brow Gel from Milk Makeup ($20)
Credit: @milkmakeup
Everyone has their own unique style when it comes to brows. This trend calls for big, fluffy and feathered brows. If you can rock this, simply brush your eyebrows upwards and outwards into shape, fill in any gaps with a light brow pencil and keep it in place with a clear brow gel. The Kush Clear Brow Gel from Milk Makeup is perfect for this because the small brush makes it easy to comb and shape every hair.
The full brow look doesn’t suit my face. If that’s the case for you too, keep your eyebrow routine as usual – just make sure you err on the side of natural vs. glam. AKA, go for the pencil and skip the Dipbrow.
A lengthening mascara: Clean Lash from MERIT ($34)
Credit: @merit
It was hard to pick one specific mascara, since I have about seven different ones on rotation at all times. Today I’m going with Merit’s Clean Lash (and no, not just because the word “clean” is in the name). Considering this look is all about keeping everything natural, fresh-faced, and minimal, Clean Lash is my go-to because the thin wand helps add a natural lift to the eyes without being clumpy or looking too overdone. I prefer to only apply mascara to my top lashes to keep everything looking “lifted”. And since I know everyone is probably dying to know my other mascara picks, here they are: Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara from Thrive Causemetics, Limitless Lash Mascara from ILIA, KUSH High Volumizing Mascara from Milk Makeup and The Big Clean Mascara from Kosas.
A brown eyeliner pencil: The Best Pencil from Jones Road Beauty ($22)
Credit: @jonesroadbeauty
As I was scrolling through the endless recreations of this beauty trend on TikTok, I noticed that most tutorials skip eyeliner (which totally makes sense because a pigmented, black wing is definitely not part of the look). But, I have a hard time parting with eye makeup. Instead of liquid black eyeliner, I replace it with a brown pencil, specifically The Best Pencil from Jones Road Beauty. The key here is to apply it after mascara. Take the pencil to the outer corner of your eye and follow the direction of your lashes outwards (think: extend the last lash using the pencil). Your face will appear more awake and open and because the color is brown, it’s barely noticeable and still keeps the look clean.
A clear lip gloss: ShineOn Lip Jelly in Chill from Tower 28 ($15)
Credit: @tower28beauty
Lastly, we finish this off with a high-shine lip gloss. I’m a firm believer that all your problems disappear if you wear lip gloss. Keep the look neutral by opting for a clear or minimally-tinted gloss, like the Shine On Lip Jelly from Tower 28. Bring it in your purse so you’re ready to reapply anytime!
Easy, breezy, beautiful – you’re all set. The finished result of the Clean Look beauty trend is fresh and flattering, while only requiring six key products.
