The Clean Girl Aesthetic: Makeup-Optional Skin in 3 Easy Steps

The “Clean Girl Aesthetic” is seemingly everywhere, and as lovers of all things skin care, it's certainly something we can get behind. This skin-forward trend focuses on fresh from the spa skin, healthy, simple hair, and minimal makeup for an effortlessly put together look. To achieve the healthy glow of this aesthetic, skin prep is essential, and you will want to reach for a routine that will give you immediate results as well as enhanced benefits over time. Here's our go to minimalist SkinCeuticals morning routine to give you fresh, healthy skin for a makeup-optional look with that “It Girl” glow.

1. Prevent future damage while brightening the complexion.

Healthy skin is the crux of the Clean Girl Aesthetic, so naturally we want to start our routine by preventing environmental damage from wreaking havoc by dulling our skin and making us look older than we are. C E Ferulic is the gold standard when it comes to daytime vitamin C antioxidants. With 40+ beauty awards and recommendations by professionals across the globe, its synergistic combination of 15% pure vitamin C, 1% pure vitamin E, and 0.5% Ferulic Acid provides the skin with superior protection against environmental damage. The sun's UV rays, pollution, and heavy metals are all environmental free radicals that damage our skin cells, accelerate visible signs of aging, and dull our skin. C E Ferulic is the gold standard when it comes to helping prevent this damage and improving the appearance of wrinkles, increasing firmness, and brightening the complexion. To use, apply in the morning after cleansing and toning (if you use a toner) apply 4-5 drops to a dry face and neck.

2. Correct out-of-balance skin to improve brightness, texture, and clarity.

Hydration is critical to skin health and essential for a bouncy glow. Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment goes beyond hydration and delivers correction with 3% azelaic acid, 2% alpha arbutin, and a 5.75% blend of botanical extracts that work together to visibly minimize the appearance of pores for enhanced clarity and brightness. Its lightweight gel texture is super soothing and instantly refreshes the complexion, and over time, this oil-free formula targets and improves key factors of surface imperfections and dullness for all skin tones and skin types-even sensitive. To use, apply 1-2 pumps to face and neck.

3. Protect your skin while instantly enhancing radiance for a lit from within glow.

Instant glow, sun protection, and hydration in one: yes please! Daily Brightening UV Defense SPF 30 is a lightweight, hydrating sunscreen that features a potent blend of discoloration-correcting ingredients for brighter, more even skin. It delivers all day hydration with 7% glycerin, while mica instantly illuminates the complexion for a “your skin but better” finish. This formula makes the perfect glowy base for makeup application but is undoubtedly beautiful all on its own. Apply 1-2 pumps to face and neck. Follow up by slicking back your hair, groom brows and lashes, swipe on some lip gloss, and reach for a perfectly flushed shade of blush. Et voilà; your inner IT GIRL has been activated.