‘素颜’ literally means ‘plain face’ — ‘素’ (sù) conveys simplicity, naturalness, or absence of adornment, while ‘颜’ (yán) means ‘face’ or ‘appearance’. Together, the term refers specifically to a person’s face without any cosmetics: no foundation, concealer, lipstick, or eye makeup. It emphasizes authenticity and natural beauty, often celebrated in skincare marketing, social media trends, and everyday conversation about self-care.

In modern Chinese usage, ‘素颜’ carries positive connotations — it suggests confidence, health, and low-maintenance elegance. People may proudly post ‘素颜照’ (bare-face photos) online to show off clear skin or share their skincare results. It’s also commonly used in contrast with ‘带妆’ (dài zhuāng, ‘wearing makeup’) or ‘浓妆’ (nóng zhuāng, ‘heavy makeup’). While originally neutral, it has evolved into a culturally resonant concept tied to wellness and body positivity in urban China.