Before Bed: Alana O’Herlihy Unwinds With Campy ’80s Films and Her “Glazed Donut” Skin-Care Routine

“In the beauty world, there seems to be one agreed upon, minimalistic approach to marketing and packaging that I, of course, want to interrupt,” says O’Herlihy, whose debut campaign for Isla finds her slipping into an array of fantastical alter-egos and riffing on ’90s/Y2K style, vintage beauty ads, and beauty ritual-centric sleepover memories. The ads are designed to emphasize individuality and encourage people that “their future is free and theirs to construct.” 

For O’Herlihy, tending to her own surreal glow is far more than just a utilitarian act. “It’s a ritualistic pause that’s one of the few moments I have where there’s no blue screen glaring into my eyes,” explains O’Herlihy of what motivates her to cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize with intention. “It’s a moment to just be myself, and appreciate the two eyes staring back at me in the mirror.” This is especially true at night, when she’s unwinding at home in Los Angeles. “It’s nice to check in with myself at the end of the day, see how I am doing, and just take care of me (no one else and nothing else) for a brief 5 to 10 minutes,” she continues. “Skin care allows me that time, and that is a large part of why I have grown so fond of the routine over the years.”

Here, O’Herlihy reveals all that happens before she tucks into her linen sheets for the night, from her “glazed donut” skin strategies to her sexy bedside must-haves.

What’s on your bedside table?

1. My Isla Dream Dish

2. My Radiant Love lube

3. My vibrator bag *it’s Dior*

4. Handcuffs

5. My Hatch

6. White sage