Title: The Many Shades of Cantik Toge: How Natural Beauty Became the Ultimate Lifestyle Trend in Schools, Dorms, and Beyond
Byline: Lifestyle & Entertainment Desk
Jakarta – There is a certain magic in simplicity. In a world dominated by heavy filters and elaborate make-up tutorials, a counter-revolution is quietly taking place. It’s called the Cantik Toge aesthetic—a term that affectionately describes someone who is naturally beautiful, even when "plain" (like a raw bean sprout, or toge). Title: The Many Shades of Cantik Toge :
From the bustling corridors of high schools (SMA/SMP) to the humble privacy of a student boarding house (kos siswa), and even onto the red carpets of celebrity events, the toge look is having a moment. Here is how this trend is defining work, lifestyle, and entertainment in Indonesia today.
Socially, the way students look in their uniforms can influence their self-esteem and how they are perceived by their peers. The uniform can be a double-edged sword; on one hand, it creates a sense of unity and equality, but on the other, it can lead to objectification or stereotyping based on appearance. The setting, whether it's a classroom or a garden, can also affect how students are viewed. For example, observing students in a more relaxed setting like a garden might lead to a different perception of their personalities and attractiveness compared to seeing them in a structured classroom environment. From the bustling corridors of high schools (
Life in a kos-kosan (student boarding house) is the ultimate test of the Cantik Toge lifestyle. Sharing a bathroom with ten other people leaves little room for a 10-step skincare routine. Yet, this is where the magic happens.
The mahasiswi (female college student) living in a modest kos embodies the "work" aspect of beauty. She wakes up at 5 AM to study or commute to campus. Her beauty regimen is survivalist: a cold water splash, moisturizer, and a messy bun. The uniform can be a double-edged sword; on
Entertainment Angle: Social media influencers are now romanticizing "Messy Girl Aesthetics." TikTok segments featuring "Pov: Kamu lagi cantik toge di kos sempit" (POV: You look naturally beautiful in a cramped dorm) regularly go viral. Viewers are tired of staged glamour; they want the reality of instant noodles, cramped study desks, and a face that looks good despite the chaos.