(Cover) - EN Star Style - Leighton Meester regrets not realising how pretty she was when she was younger.

The 24-year-old American actress is famed for playing Blair Waldorf in hit US television series Gossip Girl about a group of wealthy youngsters living in New York.

Leighton is also considered somewhat of a style icon, and is praised for her natural beauty and laidback-yet-chic attire.

The gorgeous actress admits she didnt always look so fresh faced though, and laments the fact she used to cover herself in cosmetics because she didnt feel attractive.

I didnt see myself as pretty when I was 18, so I went too far with my make-up, she told the British edition of Cosmopolitan magazine.

I look back and wish Id thought I was pretty. I wouldnt have worn so much.

Leighton seeks style and beauty inspiration from 50s movie icon Audrey Hepburn. The star thinks the late screen legend epitomises elegance. She also admires her own mothers natural beauty and fashion sense.

Audrey Hepburn...and my mom I used to rummage through all her products, replied the actress when asked who her beauty icons are.

She had really big hair when I was growing up. I loved that look. (C) Cover Media