I completely disagree that it’s not interesting to hear about someone else’s dreams. In fact, I find the conversation as stimulating as another favorite topic: a celebrity’s natural hair color. I will never tire of learning that Marilyn Monroe was actually brunette or Emma Stone is a blonde. Of course Bella Hadid has naturally light locks—that’s why her current color looks so good on her!

Today’s lesson—and this is one I’ve probably dreamed about discussing!—is Leighton Meester‘s famous head. As it turns out, Miss Blair Waldorf is also a natural blonde. She dyed her hair dark for Gossip Girl (I guess that town, ie. Manhattan, was only big enough for one blonde best frenemy??) and the look stuck.

Until recently, at least.

Leighton Meester’s Blonde Y2K Highlights

For the last year or so, Meester has been leaning into red hair, appearing on red carpets with her strands dyed a gorgeous shade of auburn. And now, she appears to be going back to her pre-GG roots.

In a video posted to her Instagram account on September 21, the actress went full Y2K with chunky blonde highlights, a glittering outfit, and a purple eyeshadow look (we’ll get there in a second).

When she appeared at the Emmys last weekend, the 39-year-old’s hair was medium length and red as can be, falling past her shoulders in soft layers thanks to an expert bouncy blowout. This time around, it cut off at lob length and featured a cool dirty blonde base with chunky golden highlights. Clips pinned her bangs back while the rest of the light hair fell in natural, air-dried waves.

The Rest of the Look

Meester posted the video to raise awareness for Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome, partnering with the CCHS Network on a fundraiser where every $5 donation gives fans a chance to win a virtual coffee date with Queen B herself. Due to the specific (and important!) nature of the post, she never touched on the new hair color… so I guess we get to speculate what it’s for?

Knowing her proclivity for a classic red carpet look, I’d have to guess she was all Euphoria‘d out for a role. It’s not that you can’t wear eye gems and stamp hearts on your cheekbones for an everyday look!

For now, we’ll wait for more information (and make our own hair appointments in the meantime).

Everybody wants this glow! Leighton Meester and Adam Brody turned heads at the 2025 Emmy Awards at Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, California on Sept. 14, and ahead of hitting the red carpet, the couple indulged in pre-show rituals that set the tone for the night. 

Celebrity makeup artist Bethany McCarty and groomer Kim Verbeck spilled all the behind-the-scenes details on the pair’s prep with ET, which was equal parts fun and equal parts glam.

Before the actor, 45, and actress, 39, slipped into their coordinating Prada ensembles, with Brody in a pale blue suit and Meester in a baby pink gown, the beauty pros perfected radiant looks for the duo.

“With Leighton, we used the Bubble cleanser, layered serums, cream, and eye cream for a fresh, dewy base,” McCarty explains. “If we have time, I’ll do some light lymphatic drainage massage while applying cream to de-puff and wake up circulation. If not, I keep the application gentle but intentional.”

For The O.C. star, the approach was just as thoughtful. “I always like to start with the cleanest skin possible and then move into the most moisturized,” Verbeck shares. “After applying the Enhanse Super Moisture, I use a couple massage techniques to get rid of tension and add some lymphatic drainage.”

Their meticulous pre-show routines ensured both shined on and off camera while they celebrated Brody’s Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series nomination for his portrayal of Noah Roklov on Nobody Wants This.

“Good skin prep is everything. It keeps makeup seamless, fresh, and youthful without any heaviness or creasing,” McCarty says. “The better the skin looks, the less makeup you need.”

Verbeck adds, “The entire grooming process is usually around 30-40 minutes and ultimately, I get the skin to a matte finish for the event.”

Once their luminous skin was set, the Gossip Girl star went on to fully embrace a retro prom aesthetic.

“Leighton’s ’60s inspired gown alongside Adam’s tux led us to a classic cat eye, rosy cheeks, a matte lip, a hint of shimmer to echo her dress, and a soft nod to Brigitte Bardot with her hair,” McCarty shares.

And the energy in the room was just as vibrant as their get-ups.

“It’s always a fun vibe with our whole crew,” Verbeck dishes. “There’s always music playing and we’re all making each other laugh and having good conversation.”

McCarty continues, “It honestly feels like playing dress-up with a friend. We have at least one major laughing attack, catch up about life and our kids, and just have fun.”

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