bare face

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bare face" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to someone's face without makeup, or with minimal makeup, and presupposes an underlying contrast with someone wearing more makeup. For example, you could say "She appeared for the interview with a bare face, confident in her natural beauty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

"It was seeing him sitting there with his bare face hanging out".

The New Yorker

Her spikes of corn-colored hair didn't suit her bony bare face, but it didn't matter.

The New Yorker

"A metre-high, giant flightless pigeon, with this absurd large bill and a bare face?

The New Yorker

"I know it's going to be there a long time," he said of his bare face.

The New York Times - Sports

With a bare face and glasses, she looks like a major force in world politics, like lots of her peers.

Independent

It wasn't done for thinking women such as her to focus on their appearance – Susan's bare face and cheesecloth shirts signalled her seriousness of purpose.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

No Bare Faces.

The New York Times

They have bare faces and glasses, they just happen to be men.

Independent

When you look at hundreds and hundreds of bare faces, without the benefit of Photoshop or professional lighting, bare faces start to look pretty good".

The Guardian - Books

There are pimples and oily skin, plucked eyebrows and lip fuzz, lipstick and mascara as well as bare faces.

The New Yorker

The bare faces are usually accompanied by the hastags #nomakeupselfie and #cancerawareness, as well as nominations for their friends to follow suit and continue the chain of photos.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bare face" to emphasize a contrast with a face that typically wears makeup, such as describing a celebrity's appearance without makeup.

Common error

Avoid using "bare face" when simply describing someone who doesn't usually wear makeup; "natural face" or "makeup-free face" may be more appropriate to avoid unintended implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bare face" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as an adjective to describe a state of lacking makeup. It is used to denote the absence of cosmetics on someone's face, as suggested by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bare face" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase, denoting the absence of makeup. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, to describe someone's natural appearance. While synonyms like "makeup-free face" and "natural face" exist, "bare face" is often used to highlight a contrast with a more made-up look. Remember to consider the connotation; avoid using it when simply noting that someone isn't wearing makeup. Use "bare face" to emphasize a deliberate choice or a notable departure from a typical made-up appearance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

makeup-free face

Emphasizes the absence of makeup.

natural face

Highlights the inherent features without artificial enhancements.

unadorned face

Stresses the lack of any embellishment.

unembellished face

Similar to unadorned, but slightly more formal.

undecorated face

Focuses on the absence of decorative elements.

plain face

Highlights the simplicity of the face.

unpainted face

Directly refers to the absence of facial paint or makeup.

clean face

Implies a face free from any applied substances.

fresh face

Suggests a face that looks clean, healthy, and untouched.

nude face

A more modern and fashionable term, emphasizing the natural look.

FAQs

How can I use "bare face" in a sentence?

You can use "bare face" to describe someone's appearance without makeup, as in, "She went to the store with a "bare face" and comfortable clothes." or "The actress surprised everyone by appearing on the red carpet with a "bare face"."

What's a less common synonym for "bare face"?

A less common, but still accurate, synonym for "bare face" is "unadorned face", which emphasizes the absence of embellishment.

Is it always appropriate to use the term "bare face"?

While "bare face" is generally acceptable, consider the context. Terms like "natural face" or "makeup-free face" might be more suitable depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "bare face" and "natural face"?

"Bare face" typically refers to the absence of makeup, while "natural face" implies a focus on the inherent, untouched qualities of one's face. The latter is broader and may include skincare and overall health.