Leighton Meester's Beauty Essentials

It's been three years since Leighton Meester first donned a headband to play the posh Blair Waldorf on Gossip Girl. But ask the 24-year-old actress about her own high school days, and she readily admits she wasn't exactly an Upper East Side sophisticate. "I had glasses, unplucked eyebrows, and I wore hemp necklaces!" she confesses. "It's only recently that I've gotten comfortable in my own skin."

No doubt, Leighton's newfound confidence is bolstered by an impressive list of upcoming credits: She'll be on the big screen alongside Gwyneth Paltrow in the drama Love Don't Let Me Down this December and also stars in the horror flick The Roommate (out early next year). Loyal GG fans can take heart, though—despite her booming film career, she has no plans to step out of Blair's platform pumps anytime soon. "I'm still enjoying myself [on the show]. It's been fun going deeper into my character and seeing that even with her perfect exterior, she's flawed like anyone else," Leighton observes.

Certainly, Blair's impeccable appearance wouldn't be complete without those ultraglossy chestnut locks. Unsurprisingly, hair-care megabrand Herbal Essences took notice of Leighton's enviable mane and signed her on as its new global ambassador. "When my hairstylist, Charles Baker Strahan, first began using their hairspray on me, I was like, 'That smells good.' Then I discovered their Hydralicious line, which is great for my heat-styled locks," she says. She also uses L'Oréal Paris Bare Naturale Mascara, Smith's Rosebud Salve, and Clarisonic's skin brush every day. Her go-to scent—composed of vanilla, white tea, and fig notes—is truly one of a kind. "I mix my own perfume," she reveals. "I must say, my current creation is very pretty!" Her fans wouldn't expect anything less. Click "view slideshow >>" to see Leighton's beauty essentials!