What Is Clean Girl Beauty? A Skin-First Routine for a Radiant, Natural Look
There’s been a lot of talk lately about the “clean girl beauty” trend but what does it actually mean, and is it relevant for women juggling real life, real hormones, and real skin concerns?
As a beauty and nutritional therapist working with women navigating hormonal changes, low energy, and skin that no longer behaves the way it used to, I’m here to tell you that this trend might be one of the most realistic and refreshing shifts we’ve seen in beauty for years.
What is Clean Girl Beauty?
Clean girl beauty is a minimalist approach to makeup and skincare that focuses on glowing, healthy skin and a polished but natural appearance. It’s not about a full face of heavy makeup. It’s about skin that looks fresh, hydrated, and cared for, paired with simple makeup that enhances rather than masks your features.
Key elements of the clean girl beauty trend include:
Hydrated, glowing skin
Brushed-up brows and natural lashes
Cream-based makeup (light blush, neutral lips)
Smooth, pulled-back hairstyles
Neat nails and minimal fuss
It’s the look of someone who takes care of herself from the inside out and that’s where it really aligns with the way I work.
Why This Trend Matters for Women Who Want Real Results
Clean girl beauty isn’t about being younger. It’s about feeling and looking well, which makes it especially empowering for women who are noticing changes in their skin, energy, and overall wellbeing.
This is beauty that starts with skin health and skin health starts with nutrition, hormone balance, good sleep, hydration, and the right skincare routine. If you’re dealing with dullness, dryness, fine lines, or breakouts that never used to be there, this trend is your reminder that beauty doesn’t come from a bottle, it comes from how you care for your body.
How to Achieve the Clean Girl Look at Any Stage of Life
Here are some of the ways I help my clients achieve that effortless, glowing look through realistic, sustainable routines:
1. Prioritise Skin Health
Your skincare routine should support hydration, barrier repair, and gentle exfoliation. I always recommend:
A hydrating cream cleanser
A quality hyaluronic acid serum
Hydrating moisturisers
Broad-spectrum SPF daily (yes, even in winter)
Regular facials or skin-boosting treatments can also support your skin’s natural glow, especially during perimenopause and menopause when skin becomes thinner, drier, and more sensitive.
2. Support Your Skin from the Inside
Healthy skin is a reflection of internal health. That means:
Eating a nutrient-rich diet high in colourful vegetables, healthy fats, and protein
Reducing sugar and processed foods that trigger inflammation
Supporting hormone balance with the right nutrients (think magnesium, B vitamins, zinc, and omega-3s)
Staying hydrated throughout the day
A tailored supplement plan can make a huge difference, especially when you’re dealing with the hormonal shifts that affect skin elasticity, collagen production, and hydration.
3. Simplify Your Makeup Routine
There’s a freedom that comes with wearing less makeup and it often looks more youthful, not less. A clean girl makeup routine might include:
A sheer, glowing base or tinted moisturiser
Cream blush in a natural pink or peach tone
Tinted brow gel and a swipe of mascara
Lip balm or gloss in a neutral tone
The result? You’ll look like you’ve just come from a weekend spa break, not spent an hour in front of the mirror.
4. Sleep, Stress, and Skin
Let’s not forget the invisible beauty killers: poor sleep and stress. Both raise cortisol levels, which can wreak havoc on your skin and leave you looking tired and inflamed.
My advice? Build a wind-down routine, manage stress with practices like breathwork or journaling, and prioritise rest. Skin regenerates overnight, and that inner calm shows up on your face the next day.
Clean girl beauty might be trending, but the principles behind it are timeless and very much aligned with what I teach every day. You don’t need a dozen products or a complicated routine to look radiant. You just need to support your body, nourish your skin, and simplify your approach.
The result? A fresher, more confident version of you, one that looks well and feels good,
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Questions and Answers: Clean Girl Beauty and Skin Health
Q: Is clean girl beauty only for young women?
A: Not at all. While the trend started with younger influencers, the real essence of clean girl beauty—glowing skin, simplicity, and looking after yourself, applies to every age. In fact, for women dealing with hormonal changes, this approach can feel refreshingly doable and confidence-boosting.
Q: My skin feels dry and dull lately. Can I still achieve that clean, dewy look?
A: Yes, absolutely. Dullness and dryness are common symptoms during perimenopause and menopause. Focusing on hydration (both inside and out), eating anti-inflammatory foods, using nourishing skincare, and getting enough sleep can help restore that natural glow.
Q: Do I need to invest in expensive products to get the clean girl look?
A: No. It’s more about consistency than cost. A few high-quality essentials, like a hydrating cleanser, moisturiser with ceramides, and a good SPF, can go a long way. The same goes for makeup: a tinted moisturiser, cream blush, and brow gel can completely transform your look without overcomplicating things.
Q: How is this different from ‘no makeup’ makeup?
A: Clean girl beauty takes the no makeup look a step further by emphasising overall wellbeing. It’s about healthy skin, a simple routine, and a lifestyle that supports how you look and feel, rather than just mimicking the effect of not wearing makeup.
Q: How can nutrition help my skin look more radiant?
A: Your skin is your body’s largest organ and reflects what’s going on inside. Nutrients like omega-3s, vitamin C, zinc, and collagen-boosting amino acids play a big role in keeping skin firm, bright, and hydrated. Balancing blood sugar, reducing processed foods, and staying well hydrated also makes a big difference.