Makeup that was once used as a tool for expression for many has now been shaped entirely differently. It’s now considered ‘cringe’ or weird to experiment
with a new eyeshadow look or wear so much as a bold lip to school. Now, research suggests that doing your makeup or skincare regularly can provide a
sense of gratifying consistency for your mental health. In any case, the Clean Girl Aesthetic may be something we should keep in 2025, especially given the numerous internet theories suggesting 2026 will mirror many of the trends and focuses from 2016, one of which is bolder, more personalized looks.
A reminder we all could use as we move forward into this new year is that we need not redefine ourselves for the sake of ‘fitting in’. Originality is becoming less and less common; Anxiety and a fear of being perceived are holding everyone back from pursuing the objectives they wish to. Perhaps the real trend worth exercising is a pledge to authenticity and individuality, even in the face of societal pressures. As the internet continues to shape beauty and lifestyle standards, it gets increasingly important to resist the urge to conform at the expense of one’s own well-being. Ultimately, continued self-acceptance and the courage to express our unique identities may be the most powerful way to move forward, both for ourselves and for the generations that follow.