For many, skincare is a series of to-do’s we cross off in the morning and night. We scramble to slather and rush off to the next thing, but skincare enthusiast Matt Leavell strongly believes that skincare shouldn’t be a checklist. Rather, it’s a way of showing up for yourself—a gentle pause before the day’s rhythm begins and an intentional wind-down before slipping into bed.
Husband to a pilot, co-host to two spirited doodles, and co-owner of a luxe mountain retreat where travelers come to breathe a little deeper, this 40-year-old has found that slow beauty is an excellent companion we should all embrace. It’s a way of living that values presence, comfort, and the power of daily ritual—all of which are embedded in KNESKO’s DNA, as well.
At The Lodge at Pinnacle Ridge, guests wake to crisp mountain air, swaying pine trees, and sun-dappled trails. They’re invited to embrace slow mornings, find grounding in nature, and immerse themselves in the present moment. For Matt, those same senses inform his approach to self-care: unhurried, sensory-driven, and rooted in the pleasure of ritual.
We sat down with Matt to talk about how simple daily rituals, from the first nourishing cleanse in the morning to evening moments of stillness, help him find joy in every season.
KNESKO: What does a typical morning routine look like for you?
Matt Leavell: My mornings are intentionally slow. I like to wake up without rushing, make a cup of coffee, and give myself a few quiet minutes before the day starts. I usually take a moment to look outside, breathe, and just notice the stillness. From there, I move into skincare—not in a rushed, “check the box” way, but as something I actually enjoy and look forward to.
What is your approach to skincare and how has it evolved over the years?
At the beginning, my philosophy was to throw everything on my face. This was a mistake, and one that a lot of people make, as well. Using too many products just for fun can do more damage to skin than good. Since then, I have really toned down and refined my routine to a few iconic essentials that are best for my skin.
How did you first discover KNESKO?
I received one of the eye masks in a Discovery Set and fell in love with the brand. I then did some research and fell in love with the philosophy and the vision of Lejla, as well. The brand really has helped solidify a more simplified routine with dehydration, and it’s still luxurious.
What’s a mantra that has helped keep you grounded?
Everything happens for a reason, and at the time it is meant to happen in your life. Even though it might be frustrating, you can’t rush anything when it is not meant to be at that moment.
What’s one way you slow down your skincare ritual?
I love to sit at home and do my skin care routine with a candle lit and my favorite music playing in the background. For me, it feels grounding. The soft light, the scent of the candle, and music in the background instantly shift my mood. It becomes less of a task and more of a personal ritual. It’s quiet, calming, and reminds me to care for myself in a way that feels intentional instead of rushed.
Tell us about a KNESKO product you always have on hand.
The Gold Repair Collagen Eye Masks were one of my first loves of the brands. They seem so luxurious, and I love the amount of serum that comes in each package.
Along with at-home skincare, what professional treatments do you swear by?
Throughout the year, I love getting several facials and a couple chemical peels. I also do quarterly Botox treatments. Something I’m excited about in the coming year(s) is skincare tools like the Lyma laser, a tool that penetrates deeper into the skin than typical beauty tools have in the past.
In a world that often equates beauty with hustle, Matt’s story reminds us that joy lives in the routines we return to, the spaces that ground us, and the small choices we make for ourselves each day.
How has hosting others in your mountain home shaped your idea of comfort and care?
Hosting has made me think deeply about what truly makes people feel cared for. I love creating spaces where guests feel welcomed, unrushed, and cozy. That mindset has spilled into my everyday life too, choosing comfort, slowing down, and paying attention to details that make people feel at home.
What advice would you give others who are trying to slow down and find joy in life’s simple pleasures?
Start with small pauses. You don’t have to change your entire life overnight. Pick one part of your day, like a morning coffee, a walk, or washing your face at night, and let it be unhurried. Put your phone down, light a candle, breathe, and allow yourself to fully be in the moment. Joy often shows up when we create space for it.
