Shay Mitchell on “Mother’s Day,” beauty hacks, and her favorite “PLL” scene
We’ve been watching Shay Mitchell play Emily Fields on Pretty Little Liars for six seasons, and now Shay is in her very first movie: Mother’s Day. The film (directed by Garry Marshall) is wall-to-wall movie stars — Julia Roberts, Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson, Jason Sudeikis — not too shabby for a gal’s first movie. “It was incredible,” Shay told HelloGiggles of the experience. “Everything from getting the call that I got the part, to flying to Savannah and getting to work, and obviously playing opposite Jennifer Aniston. The whole thing was such a dream come true.”
Shay plays Tina, the brand-new wife to Sandy’s ex-husband (FYI, Jennifer Aniston plays Sandy). So not only were the two playing opposite one another, they play opposite one another in a situation built on potential conflict. “You know, it was a little nerve-wracking at first — I’m not going to lie,” Shay told us of working with Aniston. “I was totally scared I was going to call her Rachel.” We totally understand.
In addition to Shay’s acting, a quick glance at her social media proves she’s also a globe-trotting, music loving, beauty product savant. Girlfriend is busy. “I’m having the time of my life. Truly. The best time,” Shay told us.
While we had her ear, we asked Shay to dish on some of her favorite things. By the way, we’ll now be copying all of Shay’s favorites. Like they say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Favorite Julia Roberts movie: Oh my god, Pretty Woman.
Favorite Jennifer Aniston movie: The Break Up. Oh, but also Horrible Bosses. She’s so funny in that. too.
Favorite Kate Hudson movie: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.
Favorite drugstore beauty buy: CoverGirl LashBlast mascara.
Beauty trick: I like to drink beet juice and I also put it on my lips. It gives your lips a natural tint that really is long-lasting, it’s like a really nice lip stain.
Place to go on vacation: Anywhere new! I just love going places I’ve never been before.
Favorite TV show: Does The Bachelor count? I do also love Scandal.
Favorite Instagram account: Humans of New York. I just find it so interesting, it shows all walks of life. If you don’t already follow that one, you should.
Favorite nail color: Nude, just because it’s always a safe bet, or a light cream. Neutral tones.
Favorite book: The Mastery of Love by Don Miguel Ruiz, I’ve read that book so many times. Followed by The Four Agreements, also written by Don Miguel Ruiz.
Favorite charity: together1heart [an organization working to end human trafficking]. I recently did a cycle ride with them to raise money.
Favorite musical artist: I mean, you know. Queen B.
Favorite memory from shooting Pretty Little Liars: It has to be the first scene I ever shot, that will always be the most memorable because I was so terrified. I was working with Lucy Hale and I was truly terrified. It was the scene where I’m walking up to the school and seeing her for the first time after a year. It was the same scene I had auditioned.
Favorite memory from shooting Mother’s Day: I think when we wrapped and I finally let it all out and cried in front of everybody. When they picture wrapped me, Garry was there and so was Jen, and I couldn’t pull it together for the life of me. I just let it all out.
Mother’s Day opens nationwide on April 29.
