In a candid Instagram reveal, actress Blake Lively has shared one of her most regrettable beauty secrets from her teenage years—using chili peppers in lip gloss to achieve a plumper pout. The “Gossip Girl” star took to social media to document her pre- and post-CFDA Awards beauty routine, providing a glimpse into her evolving approach to makeup over the years.
Lively first posted a glamorous selfie showcasing her red carpet-ready look, complete with a smoky eye and a glossy, voluptuous lip. She credited her makeup artist, Carolina Gonzalez, for using the latest “Gen Z eyeshadow lip trick” to create the effect.
However, the actress quickly acknowledged that her current makeup techniques are significantly different from the “painful” beauty hacks she used as a teenager. In a follow-up post, Lively revealed her makeup-free face, confessing:
“You wash off your makeup and accept that you are a millennial girl who, in high school, used to wear lip gloss with alarming amounts of chili peppers inside for a plump because we were THAT committed to bad ideas.”
Lively went on to joke that “eyeshadows are way less painful than Carolina Reapers,” referencing the world’s hottest chili pepper. She thanked her makeup artist for not turning her “mouth into an episode of Hot Ones.”
The actress’s candid confession provided a lighthearted glimpse into the beauty trends of her youth, when young women were often willing to endure discomfort in pursuit of the perfect pout.
At the CFDA Awards, Lively stunned in an all-white ensemble by designer Michael Kors, pairing a tailored blazer with a sequined maxi skirt. She accessorized with Lorraine Schwartz diamonds and Christian Louboutin heels, completing the glamorous look.
Lively’s willingness to share her “millennial” beauty secrets stands in contrast to the current “Gen Z” makeup trends she referenced, which often prioritize a more effortless, natural-looking aesthetic.
By opening up about her past beauty experiments, the actress not only entertained her fans but also highlighted the evolution of makeup culture over the decades. Lively’s journey from chili pepper-infused lip gloss to professional-level artistry serves as a testament to the ever-changing beauty landscape. As Lively continues to grace red carpets and share her personal style, her fans can undoubtedly expect more candid insights and relatable beauty confessions from the beloved actress.