The Beauty Lessons Gossip Girl Originals Taught Us!

GLOSSYBOX blog here, your one and only source into the marvellous world of skincare and beauty.

Spotted. It’s 2021 and Gossip Girl is back after nine years! Yes, you heard that right, the new season starts tonight (well, in the US anyway, we’ll all have to find a way of getting it over this side of the pond…).

Like everyone else at the start of this year, I binged watched Gossip Girl – for the hundredth time! – before it left Netflix in January. (I still haven’t forgiven you Netflix!). Following that, we all then had a real mix of emotions over the news that Gossip Girl was coming back, BUT not with the same cast… I of course did what every OG fan would do, and took to Twitter to tweet that the show won’t be as good as the original… I mean Chuck and Blair were iconic!

Gossip Girl was a one of a kind series that incorporated what ‘social media’ was at the time. But not only that, the characters gave us unforgettable moments and perfect captions for our Instagram posts.

To celebrate the new season, I thought it only fair I delved into our favourite female characters to share the timeless beauty lessons they’ve taught us all.

So put on your favourite headband, grab a yoghurt from the fridge and sit on your doorstep. And before you say to the postman “move down a couple of steps”, let’s take a trip down memory lane… You might even pick up a trick or two ready for your next socially distanced kiss on the lips party!

Serena Van der Woodsen

We cannot talk about Serena without talking about her beautiful, effortless hair. I think she may have invented beachy wave. Serena taught us all that we can pull off a loose wave with any outfit, for any occasion, whether that’s a debutante ball or a weekend away at the Hamptons. We’re stepping into the summer season so this hairstyle is a must!

Create this look by using the Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray. Spray it evenly onto damp hair, let your hair dry naturally and say hello to sexy, tousled beach waves.

Blair Waldorf

The day headbands came back in fashion was the day my love for Blair’s style and flair came back. I brought every headband possible and dressed like I was heading into Constance for my first day! – sorry not sorry.

B taught us that a headband is the extra accessory we need. Matching your lip colour to your hair accessory was Blair’s go to look and we all lived for it. So, put on your favourite headband and pair it with the L’Oréal Paris X Elie Saab Bridal Collection, Limited Edition Colour Riche Lipstick! True fans will know this lipstick is perfect for Blair too, as her blue wedding dress was designed by Elie Saab herself! High pigment, satin finish, long-lasting… It’s perfect for a big day running through the streets of whichever fabulous city you live in! With four shades to choose from and its Instagram worthy packaging, you don’t need to be a bride like Blair to enjoy this lipstick.

Lily Bass (Van Der Woodsen)

The most glamorous, graceful woman of the Upper East Side. I mean her house was named The Palace, the word boujee was invented by Lily, and oh how I longed to own the Prada Marfa print and her entire wardrobe!

Just like Ariana Grande with her infamous ponytail, Lily Bass was known for her signature low bun, which added a touch of class to her looks. As I’m sure you know, a fabulous hairstyle can elevate an outfit and highlight a good makeup look. A slick hair look requires work though! So why not make it easier by using Giovanni L.A. Natural Styling Gel? What Lily would love about this is its long-lasting hold and it’s Pure Organic Technology which adds to your hair’s shine! So whether you’re going on a date with an ex lover or hosting a Thanksgiving meal, your hair will stay in place all day.

Jenny Humphrey

Lil J. Sister to Lonely Boy. Sister to Gossip Girl. (Whoops, spoiler!).

Blair’s frenemy turned enemy went on a fashion and beauty makeover in Gossip Girl. She lived all our dreams too; being invited to Blair’s sleepover, dating Nate Archibald and having Serena as a step sister. I loved her fearlessness, her tenacity and that she was never afraid to sport a dark lip. Whether you’re going to a masquerade ball or your brother’s wedding, a dark lip is a statement we all need to try!

Coming from a girl who loves a pink lip and rosy cheeks, I tried a dark lip recently and now it’s my new go-to for an evening out! My favourite product right now? The Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip Mousse. This product offers a handful of dark shades; my two faves being Dusk and Earthy. What I love most though, is that even though the mousse is matte, it’s not drying! Also something to note, the scariest part of a dark lip for me is the application… Will it smudge? Will it look too thick? Well the answer with this one is no! This mousse is lightweight and doesn’t budge!

Georgina Sparks

Even after all these years I still get goose bumps when I hear the name Georgina Sparks! Don’t know about you, but I had a love-hate relationship with Georgie. I wanted to protect Dan and Serena from her, yet wanted her deceiving skills when it came to ‘it girl’ Poppy Lifton. Can you believe she ends up with Jack Bass? (Again, spoiler. Sorry!).

Well, one thing you can believe in is her beauty lesson – that a cat eye is a look every woman should pull out of the bag for special occasions. Georgina always pulled off a great scheme with a cat eye! To me, sporting this eye look is the same as putting on a pair of killer heels – you’re nothing short of fierce!

Too Faced (fitting for Georgina) is my go-to brand for the perfect eye look. For a quick and stress free application ,go for the Too Faced Better Than Sex Easy Glide Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner – it’s as dramatic as a Georgina, Blair run in! This jet black, flexible brush liner works with a single stroke. Pair it with the Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara for an intense, dazzling look too!

Vanessa Abrams

Vanessa – our home schooled, filmmaking, Brooklyn babe. When she teamed up with Juliet, she went from my new best friend to my enemy, and I will confess, I was completely jealous of her when she dated Nate! Who wasn’t? He’s the Zac Efron of the Upper East Side.

What I loved most about Vanessa was her ability not to be sucked into this crazy, expensive world. She didn’t change her style, her morals – most of the time – and always said what she thought, putting people in their place. She was the girl next door. She didn’t wear fancy designers and didn’t spend lots of money either, therefore she taught us you don’t need to break the bank to look gorgeous.

In today’s world, I know Vanessa would love a good dupe from an affordable brand. I think Revolution Beauty would be a go-to for our social activist. I think she’d have loved the Revolution Pro Brightening & Tightening Under Eye Concealer for instant coverage. Light-reflecting pearl fragments in this concealer highlight your under eyes, to give you luminous skin. This Revolution marvel is a dupe, for me, of many high end concealers (I won’t name names). It offers great coverage, great packaging and comes with some serious brightening qualities!

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Sophie Page

Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

You know how people say putting on your favourite clothes can instantly boost or change your mood? Well that's how I feel when I put on my favourite makeup. Makeup isn't to cover up, it's to show off our personality - and I love how everyone does their makeup in their own unique way! I never leave the house without a tinted lip balm in hand, and just like everyone right now, I love a good dupe!