1.
bare face, face without makeup
A face that has no makeup or cosmetics applied. A natural, unadorned appearance.
素顔がきれいだ。
She has a beautiful bare face.
休みの日は素顔で過ごすことが多い。
On days off, I often go without makeup.
素顔と化粧後の差が大きい。
There's a big difference between her bare face and her face with makeup.
2.
true character, real self
A person's genuine personality or nature, as opposed to the public image or persona they project.
有名人の素顔に迫る。
To get close to a celebrity's true self.
カメラの前では見せない素顔がある。
There's a real side of them that they don't show in front of the camera.
インタビューで監督の素顔が垣間見えた。
The director's true character was glimpsed in the interview.
USAGE:
In sense 1, often used as a no-adjective (素顔の + noun). In sense 2, commonly used in media and entertainment to talk about the private side of public figures.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 素顔に迫る: to get at someone's true self
- 素顔を見せる: to show one's true face
- 素顔が美しい: to be naturally beautiful
- 素顔のまま: as-is, without makeup/pretense