Low-maintenance Leighton Meester

Leighton Meester insists she is quite low-maintenance when it comes to her beauty regime.

The `Gossip Girl` actress says she is laid back about her look and prefers not wearing a lot of make-up because she has to wear so much for work.

She said: "I get serious make-up every day; it`s like playing dress-up! But it takes its toll because you`re being touched constantly. If I`m not working I`ll wear a tinted moisturiser.

"When it comes to my hair, I`m wash and go! When I want to look like I`ve made an effort I leave it down. When it`s up, people think you don`t want to show it off! It`s a good trick."

While she is quite low-maintenance now with her beauty regime, Leighton admits she used to have self-confidence issues so would wear a lot of make-up to compensate for it.

The 24-year-old beauty - who is regarded as one of the world`s most beautiful women - told Britain`s Cosmopolitan magazine: "I didn`t see myself as pretty when I was 18, so I went too far with my make-up. I look back and wish I`d thought I was pretty. I wouldn`t have worn so much."

The full interview appears in the January issue of Cosmopolitan, on sale December 9.

sections: Celebrities