Kit Chat: Leighton Meester Beauty Secrets
She’s status-obsessed socialite Blair Waldorf on "Gossip Girl," now in its fourth season; has just wrapped four movies; and travels the globe with hairstylist and friend Charles Baker Strahan as Ambassador for Herbal Essences. “I’ve been a bit busy, but happily busy,” says Leighton Meester, as we chat in the back seat of an SUV enroute to Pearson after a Toronto event. Here she shares key Leighton Meester beauty secrets.

Leighton Meester in Country Strong: "Big hair, lots of fake eyelashes, fake nails, lipliner... the works!"
Country Strong, in which the 24-year-old appeared alongside Gwyneth Paltrow and Tim McGraw, saw Meester playing a Texas beauty queen singer. “Big hair, lots of fake eyelashes, fake nails, lipliner, lipstick, blush, eyeshadow —the works!”
And when it comes to red-carpet beauty, Meester’s look ranges from fresh-faced to smokey siren. But for personal pretty days, the star, who has distractingly flawless skin, keeps things simple. "I like to wear little or no makeup when I can."
leighton meester beauty secrets
Herbal Essences ($4.99, well.ca) "I love Hello Hydration and I love Long Term Relationship," says Meester. "As far as styling goes, I love it when Charles uses Tousle Me Softly. The finishing cream is really good for defining your hair but keeping it soft."
Evian Mineral Water Spray Duo to Go ($15, sephora.com) Refreshes and boosts moisture in dry times; Meester calls it "a life-source." Spray face generously, wait a few seconds, dab off excess, then load up on moisturizer.
Tom Ford Private Label Lip Color in Pure Pink ($52, holtrenfrew.com) “Tom Ford makes a really pretty fuchsia lipstick — and you can put a little bright lipstick on your cheeks, too.”
Smith’s Rosebud Salve ($7 and $7.50, sephora.com) "If you put a little colour under it, it's nice and moisturizing," says Meester.

Leighton Meester's beauty favourites: Smith's Rosebud Salve, La Mer Creme de la Mer, Tom Ford Lipstick, Evian Mineral Water Spray, and a lash curler
La Mer Crème de la Mer ($165, holtrenfrew.com). The bio-fermented brew of sea kelp, minerals, natural oils and vitamins B12, C and E garners loyal devotees.
Shiseido Eyelash Curler ($22, thebay.com). On rare days off, Meester says her routine is “eye-lash curler, lip balm and a smile.”
A version of this story appeared in the Winter 2010 issue of The Kit and on Divine.ca.