Spotted: ‘Gossip Girl’ reboot is a lesson in post-pandemic beauty

Hello Upper East Siders! The much-anticipated reboot of Gossip Girl on HBO Max is finally here.

While there are mixed reviews from diehard fans of the original series and many missing the glamour, over-the-top fashion, original characters and headbands of the Queen Blair Waldorf, we are here for the Gen Z spin on the much-loved series as well as the post-pandemic beauty trends that have subtly made their way into the show.

Though the general mood of HBO Max’s Gossip Girl reboot is more understated and goes for an effortlessly “cool” vibe, we can’t help but crave a little more in the beauty department. Call us spoilt from the endless jaw-dropping moments from shows such as Euphoria, but we do hope the beauty looks step out of the subtle realm. But we have to give props where they are due: the show stays relevant by setting the timeline in a post-pandemic, post-isolation world and they have hit that aesthetic right on the money.

THE TREND

Buzzcuts

As seen on: Julien Calloway and Aki Menz

As the Gossip Girl reboot is set in a post-pandemic world where everyone is coming out of isolation and lockdowns, it makes perfect sense that a buzzcut or two would feature on the show. Both Julien Calloway (dubbed the “new Serena van der Woodsen”) and Aki Menz (dubbed the “new Nate Archibald”) made their entrance back to the Constance Billard and St Jude school stamping grounds in supercool fashion sporting buzzcuts in natural and vibrant hair colours. 

THE TREND

No makeup

As seen on: Zoya Lott

Though most of the female characters’ day-to-day makeup is pretty understated and natural (they are high schoolers after all), Upper East Side newcomer and outsider Zoya Lott (dubbed the “new Jenny Humphrey”) is the queen of the no-makeup, natural look that has become a staple of stay-at-home culture and more women wearing less makeup and paying more attention to their skin. Though Zoya does switch it up and give us some noteworthy makeup looks when attending events, we love her unapologetic fresh-faced staple that features polished skin that is not too perfect and still shows some realistic texture paired with her natural, curly-textured hair.

THE TREND

Pink hair

As seen on: Aki Menz

Thanks to the pandemic, dyeing your hair pink has become all the rage among celebrities and your average man or woman alike. According to colour therapy, pink induces feelings of wellbeing, calm and self-love. We love how this trend was carried into the Gossip Girl world by way of Aki’s pastel, faded pink buzzcut that not only lends itself to his cool, alternative skater-boy persona but also his more sensitive, emotionally aware, innocent personality.

THE TREND

Tangerine eyes

As seen on: Zoya Lott

Bright, uplifting colours have been a firm favourite during the pandemic and, with everyone’s need for some excitement from the mundane, the runways have been loving a splash of tangerine and so does Zoya. Showcased on recent runways, we were happy to see the zesty hue make an appearance on the eyelids of Zoya Lott when attending a party and fashion show in the Upper East Side. Whether it’s a soft, coral-undertone tangerine that is diffused during the day or a gold metallic eye with a slight tangerine undertone worn in a graphic shape for the night, the juicy hue is a staple we’re happy to see again and again.

THE TREND

Black liner

As seen on: Julien Calloway and Monet De Haan

We would have been surprised if we didn’t see any swipes of black eyeliner on the show. A sultry beauty staple that has become a symbol of empowerment, we love how black eyeliner is worn by Julien Calloway and Monet De Haan when they are out on the town or are about to do something rebellious. As the most experimental with her beauty looks, Julien is not afraid to sport black eyeliner as a bold, graphic eye look paired with glitter or a thick, smudged-up winged liner. We can expect to see even more black liner across lids as Julien deals with her breakup andMonet’s devious plans to restore hierarchy continue.