(Cover) - EN Star Style - Leighton Meester loves topping up her tan in Los Angeles.

The 25-year-old US actress is famed for playing Blair Waldorf in teen drama Gossip Girl, and is regularly praised on and off screen for her fashion-forward attire.

Leighton says she loves having breaks from the hit show because she gets to work on her tan.

"I loved being in LA during the show's break and I was spending so much time outdoors with my dog," she explained in Glamour magazine. "I like getting a bit of colour as I'm normally pale for filming, but I always wear sunscreen."

Leighton favours a more casual look when she's not in character. The brunette beauty is often in sophisticated attire when portraying the popular socialite, but insists she rarely gets recognised on the street.

"I hardly get recognised when I go out it's not as if I wear a headband and pearls on a daily basis!" she smiled. "I enjoy playing around with my make-up for red-carpet events. I love a strong lip or a smoky eye." (C) Cover Media