The Clean Girl makeup routine has taken over social media feeds, transforming how beauty enthusiasts approach their daily makeup rituals. This look is all about embracing simplicity, focusing on fresh, glowing skin, and creating a natural yet polished appearance. Whether you’re a makeup novice or an experienced pro, the Clean Girl makeup routine is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their beauty game with minimal effort. In this post, we’ll break down the steps involved, provide makeup tips, and share products available in the UK to help you achieve this effortlessly chic look.
What is the Clean Girl Makeup Routine?
The Clean Girl makeup routine is all about embracing minimalist beauty—achieving a clean, natural look that enhances your features without appearing overly made-up. The emphasis is on glowing skin, well-groomed brows, and subtle eye makeup. This look is perfect for those who prefer a more ‘natural’ look without sacrificing sophistication. The key to this routine is skin prep for makeup, using basic makeup products that work well with your natural complexion.
Step 1: Skin Prep for Makeup
Before diving into any makeup application, proper skin prep for makeup is essential. The Clean Girl makeup routine is grounded in achieving a smooth, radiant base. Start by cleansing your skin to remove any impurities and follow with a hydrating toner or serum to nourish your skin. Opt for a light moisturiser that suits your skin type, as this will provide a hydrated base for your makeup to sit on.
- UK Product Recommendations:
- The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 – £5.90
- Nivea Soft Moisturising Cream – £3.99
- The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 – £5.90
Applying a good primer can also help your makeup last longer, especially in the warmer summer months. A lightweight, hydrating primer will keep your skin looking fresh throughout the day.
- UK Product Recommendation:
- Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter – £38.00
- Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter – £38.00
Step 2: Foundation – Where to Apply and How Much?
The foundation is a crucial part of any makeup routine, and with the Clean Girl makeup routine, it’s all about creating a flawless, natural finish. Instead of using heavy foundation, opt for a lightweight, buildable formula that gives a dewy, healthy glow. Apply foundation where necessary, focusing on areas that require more coverage, such as redness or blemishes.
The Clean Girl look is all about looking like you’re wearing as little makeup as possible, so you don’t need to cover your whole face. This is where the question of “Where to apply foundation” becomes crucial. Focus on the centre of your face, and blend outwards towards the jawline.
- UK Product Recommendation:
- Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation – £26.00
- Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation – £7.99
- Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation – £26.00
Step 3: The Power of Blush
Blush plays an essential role in the Clean Girl makeup routine as it brings warmth and life to the face. Go for a soft, creamy blush that melts into your skin for a natural finish. Apply it on the apples of your cheeks and blend upwards toward the temples. This soft flush of colour will instantly brighten your complexion.
- UK Product Recommendation:
- Glossier Cloud Paint – £18.00
- Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush – £22.00
- Glossier Cloud Paint – £18.00
Step 4: Eye Makeup – Subtle but Defined
For the Clean Girl makeup routine, eye makeup should enhance your eyes rather than overwhelm them. Keep things light by applying a neutral eyeshadow in shades like soft browns or champagne to create depth. Use a subtle eyeliner in dark brown or black, just on the waterline, and finish off with a coat of mascara for that wide-awake, fresh-eyed look.
For an easy, cute and easy makeup look, you can skip the eyeshadow entirely and go for a bold mascara look. Just a few coats of your favourite mascara will open up the eyes and give them a fluttery, natural appearance.
- UK Product Recommendations:
- Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara – £22.00
- Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara – £9.99
- Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara – £22.00
Step 5: Eyebrows – Defined Yet Natural
Eyebrows frame your face and can make a huge difference in how your makeup looks. For the Clean Girl makeup routine, brows should be neat, defined, and natural. Use a clear brow gel to tame any unruly hairs and a pencil or powder to fill in any sparse areas. Keep it subtle for that natural look.
- UK Product Recommendation:
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz – £23.00
- Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow+ Volumising Eyebrow Gel – £24.50
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz – £23.00
Step 6: Finishing Touches – Highlighter and Setting Spray
To complete the Clean Girl makeup routine, apply a light highlighter on the high points of your face – the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and your cupid’s bow. This will give you that glowing-from-within look.
Finally, set your makeup with a fine mist setting spray to lock everything in place.
- UK Product Recommendation:
- Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray – £28.00
- NYX Professional Makeup Setting Spray – £7.00
- Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray – £28.00
Summertime Makeup Looks
During the summer months, the Clean Girl makeup routine is the perfect way to keep things fresh while dealing with the heat. Switch out heavier foundations for tinted moisturisers or BB creams that provide light coverage and hydration. Choose waterproof mascara and opt for a more natural lip look with a tinted balm or lip gloss.
Elf Makeup Ideas: Adding Fun to the Routine
Sometimes, it’s fun to incorporate bold Elf makeup ideas into your Clean Girl look. For instance, you could experiment with colourful eyeliner or a bright lip while keeping the rest of the face neutral. This gives you a fun yet chic vibe that works well for both day and night.
Conclusion
Incorporating the Clean Girl makeup routine into your daily routine is an easy way to enhance your natural beauty without overwhelming your skin with heavy products. By focusing on skin prep for makeup and using basic makeup products, you can achieve a fresh, glowing look that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to add a subtle glow to your summertime makeup looks or searching for cosmetics for beginners, this minimalist approach will elevate your beauty regimen.
Remember, the Clean Girl makeup routine is all about simplicity, so don’t feel pressured to overdo it. With the right products and techniques, achieving a natural, polished look is easier than ever. So, take the plunge and embrace this effortless beauty trend, and see how it transforms your makeup routine.
FAQ
- What is the Clean Girl makeup routine?
The Clean Girl makeup routine focuses on a natural, glowing look with minimal makeup. It’s about enhancing your features with lightweight products that allow your skin to shine. - What makeup do I need for a Clean Girl look?
You’ll need basic makeup products like a light foundation or tinted moisturiser, a natural blush, mascara, and a brow gel. A simple highlighter and setting spray will also help complete the look. - Can I achieve a Clean Girl makeup look for beginners?
Yes, the Clean Girl makeup routine is perfect for beginners because it uses simple, easy-to-apply products that enhance your natural beauty. - How do I apply foundation for a natural look?
Apply foundation only where needed, such as over redness or blemishes. Focus on the centre of your face and blend outward towards the jawline. - What are some good summer makeup looks for the Clean Girl routine?
For summer, opt for lightweight products like tinted moisturisers, waterproof mascara, and subtle lip glosses to keep things fresh and natural. - How can I make my makeup last longer?
Start with proper skin prep for makeup, use a good primer, and finish with a setting spray to ensure your makeup stays in place throughout the day. - Where can I find Clean Girl makeup products in the UK?
You can find popular Clean Girl makeup products at stores like Boots, Superdrug, and online at websites like Cult Beauty and LookFantastic. Many of these stores offer delivery across the UK.

