A core cast member of Ladies of London: The New Reign, Margo Stilley embodies modern, transatlantic beauty. A former model and indie actress, she stepped away from the spotlight for 13 years after realizing she had “lost touch” with her purpose. Now a new mom and sober, she returns to television this week with a refreshed perspective and a grounded sense of self. Splitting her time between Malibu and London, Stilley takes a thoughtful, understated approach to skin care and wellness, focusing on streamlined staples like Augustinus Bader, magnesium baths, cold exposure and a deep respect for the power of good sleep (preferably on a hand-dyed silk sheet).
You stepped away from acting for 13 years. What prompted that break, and how has that time shaped who you are today?
"You know, if I’m honest with you, I had lost touch with who I was, what I wanted and how I wanted to get there. I had been so driven in my 20s, running from something in my teens, that when I got to my 30s, I realized that I had no idea what my purpose was anymore. I had already achieved what I set out to achieve, and I decided to take some time away to do some soul seeking. I was surprised to find that I am as much of an introvert as an extrovert, and I really wanted a family."
Returning to the spotlight now with Ladies of London: The New Reign, how does this experience feel different from your early career in modeling and indie film?
"Reality TV is new for me, but the genre as a whole has changed so much! It’s got so much nuance now, so much fun and sophistication, and the best fans! I’ve never seen anything like it! But also, in the last 13 years, the entire industry has changed. How we communicate has changed completely, and there is a lot more freedom to express ourselves than before."
How do you balance motherhood with work in such public and creative spaces?
"Entertainment is a great industry to have a family in. I work for intense periods of time, and then I have lots of time to be completely present with my family. I think I actually get more time with them than I would in a normal 9-to-5 job."
Your lifestyle splits between Malibu and London—how do the energy and culture of each city influence your wellness practices, fashion choices and even your skin care?
"Oh, this is a great question! The most important thing to know if you’re preparing to travel between London and Los Angeles, or anywhere really, is the difference in water pH! It completely changes the efficacy of my skin and hair care! In LA, I have a full-house water filter and softener, so I need much less product for soft skin and hair, but in London, I need so much more to keep it supple and shiny!
And London is much more fun, fashion-wise. Less is more in LA, but in London, more is more! It’s so fun to play around and dress up in London."
What’s one ritual or habit you swear by that keeps you grounded?
"A magnesium bath is a game-changer for me. A blackout eye mask and custom-made earplugs for sleeping, and I always, always sleep with a natural, hand-dyed silk sheet from Lucia LaFerme. It’s so thin I can pack it in a carry-on with everything else."
How would you define your beauty philosophy?
"I like to keep my skin care streamlined while keeping some tried-and-true products and changing it up with others. I love Augustinus Bader The Cream, but I like to combine it with peptide serums from The Ordinary. And beauty does come from the inside out, so I never miss my Nutrafol!"
Are there any unexpected products or treatments you rely on that you think most people overlook?
"Cold exposure will take 10 years off your face! I was on a month-long road trip once, and I accidentally camped at an unknown high altitude. When I woke up, all the water in the van had frozen solid! And when I looked in the mirror, I couldn’t believe it: I didn’t have a pore or a line on my face! I looked a full decade younger. You can find ice and water almost anywhere. USE IT!"
Has becoming a mom changed the way you approach your routine?
"I had some pregnancy pigmentation that I wasn't able to address until I stopped breastfeeding, and it comes back when I have sun exposure. I was delighted to find ISDIN Eryfotona Ageless Mineral Tinted Mineral SPF 50 because it protects the skin while also addressing existing sun and age-related issues. And of course, I can't live without my most important new-mom edition to my morning skin-care routine: a 20-minute Ms. Rachel video!"
How would you describe your personal style—does it lean more Malibu casual or London chic, or a mix of both?
"I look awful in Malibu style. It doesn’t suit me at all! Some people make sweats and yoga clothes look chic, but I look like I slept outside! When I get to London, I feel really free and comfortable experimenting. I wear tailored clothes that really suit me and would look very strange in Los Angeles."
What are you most excited for as you enter this new chapter of reality TV?
"I really love my cast, even the ones I don’t always love. Everyone is so charming, witty and well-dressed. Even when we’re in tense moments, it’s been amazing to spend more quality time with everyone than I would normally be able to."
