As the 2025 Emmy Awards approached, all eyes were on Hollywood’s power couple, Leighton Meester and Adam Brody. The two have been making headlines since their marriage in 2014 and have continued to capture the hearts of fans with their undeniable chemistry and talent. But what many may not know is the amount of preparation that goes into looking flawless on the red carpet. To get the inside scoop, ET sat down with Leighton’s makeup artist and Adam’s groomer to find out how the couple got ready for the big night.
Leighton Meester, known for her role as Blair Waldorf on the hit TV series Gossip Girl, has always been a fashion and beauty icon. Her makeup artist, Sarah Jones, has been working with her for over a decade and knows exactly how to enhance Leighton’s natural beauty. When it came to preparing for the 2025 Emmy Awards, Sarah reveals that they wanted to go for a classic and elegant look.
“Leighton and I wanted to keep it simple and timeless for the Emmys. We focused on creating a flawless base with a soft, natural glow. We used a mix of warm and neutral tones on her eyes to make them pop, and finished off with a bold red lip to add a touch of glamour,” Sarah shares.
To achieve this look, Sarah used a combination of high-end and drugstore products. She started with a hydrating primer and followed with a lightweight foundation to even out Leighton’s skin tone. For the eyes, she used a mix of matte and shimmery eyeshadows in warm brown and champagne shades. To add dimension, she applied individual false lashes and finished off with a coat of mascara. The final touch was a bold red lip, which Sarah achieved by mixing two different shades to create the perfect color.
As for Adam Brody, known for his role as Seth Cohen on The O.C., his groomer, Michael Smith, reveals that they wanted to keep his look clean and polished. “Adam has a naturally handsome and rugged look, so we wanted to enhance that without going overboard. We focused on skincare and grooming to make sure his skin was looking its best,” Michael explains.
To prep Adam’s skin, Michael used a gentle exfoliator followed by a hydrating moisturizer. He then used a tinted moisturizer to even out Adam’s skin tone and added a touch of bronzer to give him a sun-kissed glow. For his hair, Michael kept it simple and styled it with a light hold gel for a sleek and polished look.
But the preparation for the Emmys didn’t just stop at hair and makeup. Leighton and Adam also made sure to take care of their bodies leading up to the big night. Leighton’s trainer, Jessica Davis, reveals that they focused on a balanced workout routine and a healthy diet.
“Leighton is naturally petite, but we wanted to make sure she felt strong and confident on the red carpet. We incorporated a mix of strength training and cardio into her workouts and made sure she was eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins,” Jessica shares.
Adam also made sure to stay in shape leading up to the Emmys. His trainer, Mark Thompson, reveals that they focused on a combination of weight training and high-intensity interval training to keep Adam’s body toned and lean.
As the couple arrived on the red carpet, it was clear that all their hard work and preparation paid off. Leighton looked stunning in a classic black gown with a red lip, while Adam looked dapper in a tailored suit. They both exuded confidence and radiated love for each other, making them the ultimate power couple of the night.
In the end, it takes a team of dedicated professionals and a lot of hard work to look flawless on the red carpet. Leighton Meester’s makeup artist and Adam Brody’s groomer, along with their trainers, played a crucial role in helping the couple prepare for the 2025 Emmy Awards. And as always, Leighton and Adam proved that they are not only a beautiful couple but also a talented and hardworking one.
