Of all the batshit-crazy things on Pretty Little Liars that make no sense, there’s one above all that’s always bugged me: How can so many teen girls have such incredible skin? Like, is the water in Rosewood secretly filtered with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide? Is “A” rubbing down their faces with a makeup wipe when they pass out after a long night of scheming? The designer clothing I can rationalize: It’s a pretty wealthy town, and the girls’ parents have money. But with all the pressure of trying not to be murdered and still graduate high school, you’d think at least one of them would get a stress zit.
The reason, along with many of the show’s greatest mysteries, will probably never be answered. But at a recent event to celebrate Bioré’s new Citrus Crush Pore Strips, which hit stores this month, Shay Mitchell (who’s been a longtime face of the brand) was at least able to share the secrets behind her personal skin care routine. Being close up with her, I can attest that there’s no post-production trickery happening when you see her on TV—her skin really is that good. Here, she answers our Big Beauty Questions, a rapid-fire assortment of beauty-related things you never knew you wanted to know.
What beauty rule do you think is bullshit?
Honestly, I think they’re all kind of true! Going to sleep, taking off your makeup, drinking a lot of water. They really make a difference.
What’s one beauty rule you always swear by?
Having a routine is key. Be sure to wash your face off—all your makeup, gone—completely every night. I love the Bioré Charcoal Cleanser. It’s my go-to. And then I make sure to exfoliate at least once a week. It doesn’t matter how much makeup you have on top, you need to start with a good clean canvas. Oh, and wear sunscreen all the time. You need it whether you’re inside or outside!
Fill in the blank: I love my skin __________.
I love my skin right before I go to bed. It just feels so clean and rested. Plus, I don’t have to put on makeup. I have to wear so much of it for work [that] it’s refreshing at night and in the morning to have nothing on.
What is one beauty trend you love but would never try?
I don’t really know if there’s any that I wouldn’t try to be honest. I’m kind of down to try whatever. I loved when people were accentuating their freckles. I heard the new skin care thing to do is “glass skin“—I’ve been reading about it on different blogs. K-beauty is really on point with trends. Eyebrow makeup is also cool. I’m game to do anything that isn’t permanent.
What’s one beauty trend you wish you’d never tried?
Going completely blond. It damaged my hair so much, and getting back from it took forever. I think it was also out of insecurity at the time. I was still in high school and wanted to look exactly like my friends—you know, blond hair, blue eyes. Now my lesson is accentuate what you were born with. Or have fun with wigs! There are so many options you can use now, like, why would I [dye my hair]? You can get an instant color change and don’t have to make a commitment.
What’s your favorite color to wear on your nails right now?
I don’t have it on right now, but I’m going to the beach soon, so I’m going to do a very bright, vibrant orange color—something bright, for sure. That’s just summer! It looks great in pool shots and with a tan. It’s just fun.
You have $20 and free rein of a drugstore. What do you buy?
Pore strips, coconut oil, a nail file, and gum—the mintier, the better.
What is your favorite way to take a moment for yourself?
Go to the gym, hands down. Boxing is my favorite thing. I have my own custom ShayButtah gloves! I’ve been doing it for a pretty long time, but I mostly love it because you’re forced to be in the moment. I’m also into spin classes.
What’s your go-to getting ready song?
Pretty much anything by Beyoncé, so right now it’s her [and Jay Z’s] new album. I can’t help it. The music video? Don’t even get me started. It’s so good.
What is your best travel skin care advice?
No makeup on the plane. When you’re flying, the air isn’t as clean and it’s dehydrating, so I keep my cleanser in my bag and take my makeup off right before I get on-board. I’ll usually put it back on before we land—I’ll set up a little mirror situation—or I’ll just wait until I get to where I’m going.
It’s Self-Care Sunday! What’s your routine?
I love to have my own at-home spa day. I’ll start by steaming my skin over a big bowl of hot water with lemon. I’ll throw a towel over my head. Then I’ll do a one-minute self-heat mask. I set the environment so it feels like I’m re-creating a spa at my house, too. I’ll light candles, spritz a little bit of lavender in the air, and make my space feel warm and cozy to be in. It’s a lot cheaper. It’s easier to get to. Sometimes I’ll have some friends over, have a little wine, and I’m good to go.
What’s your favorite emoji?
The salsa girl dancing or the pizza emoji. Those are the two I use the most because I’m always happy when I get pizza. I basically do that exact same dance.
Screw, Marry, Kill: Pore strips, bubble masks, zit cream. Which do you choose?
Marry pore strips. With all the makeup, dirt, and oil, and all that gross stuff from even being outside, they’re a must. Kill bubble masks, and screw zit cream.
What is the last beauty-related thing you Googled or searched on YouTube?
Witch hazel. I used it back in the day, but it’s popping up in products again. [Editor’s note: Bioré has new witch hazel pore strips coming out this fall.] It’s been a top-searched ingredient for a while now. I wanted to brush up on what the benefits of it are, which now I know! It decreases redness and helps give an overall clean feel.
If there were one thing you could change about beauty perceptions in Hollywood, what would it be?
If I could change one thing about Hollywood beauty perceptions, it’s that women have to be perfect. All the filters on social media we use, everybody is so concerned about looking like that in real life. I think those are fun, but let’s all realize that they’re filters. It’s actually beautiful when you can see lines and different things that set us apart. Having everybody be themselves is something that should be celebrated.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
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