Let’s be real for a second. If you’ve spent more than five minutes on K-pop Twitter or TikTok, you’ve seen the discourse. Ricky, the "Young and Rich, Tall and Handsome" charisma boss of ZEROBASEONE, is basically the human embodiment of a high-fashion editorial. He’s known for that razor-sharp eyeliner, the "vampire" foundation, and a commitment to his aesthetic that would make a Victorian aristocrat look lazy.
But then there’s the flip side. Every time a grainy photo surfaces of ricky zb1 no makeup, the internet goes into a collective meltdown. Some people act like they’ve seen a ghost, while others are busy screaming about how he’s actually "human."
It’s weird, right? We’re so used to his "perfect" idol persona that seeing his actual skin texture or a slight dark circle under his eyes feels like a leaked state secret. Honestly, the obsession with his bare face says more about our expectations of idols than it does about Ricky himself.
The "Vampire" vs. The Reality
Ricky is a bit of an anomaly in the 5th generation. While most groups are leaning into the "boy next door" or "clean" look, Ricky is out here serving full Douyin-style glam. We’re talking heavy contour, sharp wings, and often very pale base makeup. In a September 2025 interview with Teen Vogue, he literally told the world he doesn’t care if people don't like his makeup. That’s a level of confidence you don't see often in a rookie (or near-rookie) idol.
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When he wipes it all off, the change is definitely noticeable. But "uncanny"? No.
If you look at the rare moments he’s appeared bare-faced—like during some behind-the-scenes rehearsal footage or those early morning airport runs where the sunglasses just aren't enough—he looks... young. He’s 21. Without the sharp lines of his signature liner, his eyes are softer. He has that classic "flower boy" bone structure that actually gets hidden under all that "vampire" styling.
Why the Bare Face Polarizes Fans
- The Contrast: He goes from 100 to 0. Most idols have a "natural" stage look, so the jump isn't huge. Ricky’s stage look is a character.
- The "Uncanny" Allegations: People love to throw around the term "uncanny valley" because his makeup is so precise it looks filtered in real life. Seeing him without it breaks the illusion.
- The Skincare Standard: He’s an ambassador for brands like Urban Decay and has done collaborations with Uniskin. People expect his skin to be made of glass 24/7.
Let's Talk About the Skincare and the "Whitewashing"
There’s a huge misconception that Ricky is naturally "vampire white." In reality, a lot of that comes down to stage lighting and the specific foundation shades chosen by stylists. Fans who have seen him in person at events like KCON have noted that in normal sunlight, his skin tone is much warmer and more natural than it appears on a music show stage.
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He clearly takes care of his skin—you don't get a deal with a brand like Uniskin (remember that 2025 Uniskin 2.0 collab?) if you aren't diligent about your routine. But even the best skincare doesn't eliminate the fact that idols are human beings who get tired.
What We Actually See in Ricky ZB1 No Makeup Photos
- Softened Features: The "mean" or "intimidating" look he often gets credited with? That’s 90% eyeliner. Without it, he has a much more approachable, "soft" vibe.
- Skin Texture: Yes, he has pores. Yes, he occasionally has a blemish. It’s almost refreshing to see, considering how much the K-pop industry tries to airbrush every single frame of content.
- Youthfulness: The heavy makeup makes him look older and more sophisticated. Bare-faced Ricky looks exactly like the Gen Z kid he is.
The Pressure to Always Be "On"
It’s gotta be exhausting to be Ricky. He’s curated this specific "Loveticky" brand so well that any deviation feels like a scandal to some people. There was that whole mess where people were dissecting his jawline, claiming he’d had work done because his face shape looked different in "natural" photos versus stage photos.
Spoiler alert: It’s contour and camera angles.
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If you’ve ever tried to do Douyin makeup, you know it literally reshapes your face. Ricky is a master of using his face as a canvas. When he chooses to show his bare face, he isn't "failing" to meet a standard—he's just taking a break from the costume.
Why We Should Stop Obsessing Over It
At the end of the day, ricky zb1 no makeup shouldn't be a "gotcha" moment for haters or a "bravery" moment for fans. It’s just a face. He’s a guy who loves fashion, loves looking "expensive," and also happens to have a life outside of the makeup chair.
The fact that he’s so secure in his choices—makeup or no makeup—is actually the coolest thing about him. He knows he’s handsome. He knows he’s talented. Whether he’s wearing a full face of Urban Decay or just rolled out of bed for a flight to a concert in 2026, the charisma is still there.
What You Can Do Next
If you’re interested in achieving a look that balances that "idol" glow with actual skin health, you might want to look into the products Ricky has actually endorsed. Check out his Uniskin collaborations for heavy-duty hydration, or look into the "blurring" tints he’s been spotted with if you want that Douyin look without the heavy weight of stage makeup.
Stop zooming in on 144p photos looking for "flaws." Instead, appreciate the fact that we have an idol who isn't afraid to lean into high-effort visuals while staying grounded enough to show the real person underneath when the cameras (mostly) stop rolling.