A Step-by-Step Guide to TikTok’s Clean Makeup Look

If you’re on BeautyTok, chances are you’ve seen the “clean look” all-over your For You Page. If you haven’t seen the influx of viral TikTok videos based on achieving the look, here’s the 411: the clean look is characterized by a no-fuss makeup routine, including fresh skin with minimal makeup, fluffy brows and a sleek, low bun. 

Variations of fresh, minimal makeup are always trending in some form so consider TikTok’s clean makeup look Gen Z’s take on this timeless style of makeup. It embodies a less-is-more approach and with the help of a few affordable faves from the drugstore, consider it a quick, easy and on-trend upgrade for your everyday makeup routine. Discover our step-by-step guide to achieving TikTok’s trendy, clean makeup look, below. 

TikTok Clean Makeup Tutorial

TikTok’s clean makeup look could be the much-needed upgrade your daily makeup routine seeks. With the priority on natural-looking skin and highlighting your features, there’s no denying it’s a great natural-makeup look for many different occasions. Check out our eight-step routine to nail the TikTok clean makeup look.

1. Cleanse Your Skin 

It should come as no surprise that double-cleansing is the first step because the basis of this look is natural, well-cared-for skin. Start by washing your face with a micellar cleansing water, like the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof, to remove every last bit of pore-clogging buildup from your complexion. Then, follow up with a rinse-off cleanser like the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Radiant Smoothing Cream Cleanser to remove any leftover residue and impurities.

2. Apply Your Serums and Moisturizer

Serums are great for addressing specific skin concerns and they help to give your skin a noticeable glow. First, apply the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift 12% Pure Vitamin C + E + Salicylic Acid Serum, a brightening serum formulated with Vitamin C and salicylic acid to targets fine lines, pore size and uneven skin tone. 

For a boost of hydration, follow that up with a few drops of the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum and gently pat it into your skin. This hydrating serum plumps the skin with each use, reducing wrinkles over time and offering a dewy, hydrated glow.  

No morning skin care routine is complete without moisturizer and SPF so finish with the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Collagen Expert Day Moisturizer With SPF 30, an intensely hydrating face cream formulated with powerful collagen peptides and niacinamide to tighten and moisturize skin. This moisturizer with SPF is a great way to condense your skin care routine without skipping on the essentials. Plus, it wears well underneath makeup and you won’t have to worry about your complexion looking cakey.  

3. Create a Slick Bun 

A slick bun is a cornerstone in the clean makeup look, but with that said, this look is built upon being versatile, low-maintenance and easy. So, if slicking your hair back isn’t possible or you don’t love the look, feel free to make your own adjustments here. 

If you do want to give the slick bun a go, grab a comb or an edge brush and a maximum hold hair gel like the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Mega Gel. Gently pull your hair back into a sleek, low bun, ensuring that the front pieces of hair are laying flat against your crown. Then, smooth a dime-sized amount of the hair gel onto your strands to keep your hair slicked into place. Or, use an edge brush and a pea-sized amount of gel to lay your edges and style your baby hairs.

4. Apply Foundation

A natural-looking foundation with light coverage and a radiant glow is exactly the thing you want to reach for to achieve a clean makeup look. If you have dry skin, a hydrating, lightweight base like the L’Oréal Paris True Match Hyaluronic Tinted Serum is the perfect complement for your skin. With a serum-like texture and a hydrated slip thanks to hyaluronic acid, expect natural, glowing coverage that looks and feels like skin. 

Additionally, the L’Oréal Paris 4-in-1 Tinted Face Balm Foundation offers lightweight, buildable coverage infused with firming serum to smooth fine lines, conceal imperfections and even skin tone. A single swipe of this creamy, balm foundation melts into the skin for a comfortable finish that lasts all day.  

5. Brighten Your Under-Eyes

While this step is totally optional, reaching for an under-eye concealer will instantly make your eye area look brighter and bring the whole look together. If you want to skip foundation, applying under-eye concealer is a great way to refresh your complexion without all-over coverage. 

Dot the L’Oréal Paris True Match Eye Cream in a Concealer 0.5% Hyaluronic Acid underneath your eyes using your finger or a beauty sponge. Buff the product in an upward motion from your outer corner towards your brows for a naturally lifted look. 

6. Set Your Eyebrows

The clean look calls for brows that appear as sleek as your hair. To do so, you’ll need a clear eyebrow topcoat to keep your brows fluffy and locked into place. We recommend the L’Oréal Paris Unbelievabrow Longwear Brow Topcoat, Waterproof Universal Transparent for a waterproof, smudge-resistant and transfer-resistant finish that leaves brows sealed for up to 30 hours. 

7. Give Your Lashes Some Love

Finish up your bright-eyed makeup look by coating your lashes with a volumizing and lengthening mascara like the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara. With just a few swipes, the brush lifts and elongates every single lash for instant definition.  

8. Finish With Tinted Lip Balm

Top off your fresh complexion with a tinted lip balm for a your-lips-but-better look. The L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Balm-in-Lipstick with Pomegranate Extract melts on contact to hydrate your lips for a glowing, pillowy pout. 

Next: Does Concealer Go Before or After Foundation?

Edited by: Reece Andavolgyi, Photography: Chaunte Vaughn, Associate Creative Director: Melissa San Vicente-Landestoy, Art Director: Hannah Packer, Associate Creative Producer: Becca Solovay, Associate Content Director: Shalwah Evans, Makeup Artist: Jonet Williamson, Hair Stylist: Akihisa Yamaguchi, Wardrobe Stylist: Alexis Badiyi, Digital Tech: Erik Dalzen, Photo Assistant: Sam Kang, Model: Alexandra Van Zant