INTERVIEW: Knockout Beauty Founder Cayli Cavaco Reck Talks Her Beauty Routine, Makeup And Skincare Trends, And More

Back in 2016, Cayli Cavaco Reck utilized the popularity of her Instagram page, “Knocking on Forty,” to launch Knockout Beauty, a boutique retail space and bespoke skincare consultancy. The beauty oasis now has outposts in Bridgehampton, Locust Valley, and Los Angeles, each of which feature cutting-edge products and a knowledgeable team of beauty gurus.

We caught up with Cavaco Reck about how she selects products to feature, her beauty routine, makeup and skincare trends, the spring to summer skincare/beauty transition, and much more.

Knockout Beauty’s motto is “conscious beauty for the modern-minded.” Tell us a bit about that.

CCR: The skin is the largest organ, and we must be aware of what we put on it – conscious of the overall ingredients and efficacy with attention to potential toxic load. If someone gets Botox, which is a toxin, one might wonder why they would care about ingredients in their skincare, but it’s precisely because they may have already “spent their toxic load.” Bodies respond to environmental toxins differently, each individual has a unique detox process so what might be right for one is not always suitable for all.

You hand pick the items featured at all of your stores – including the Bridgehampton outpost. When researching new products and brands, what do you look for?

CCR: Efficacy is always at the forefront of my mind. We also want to represent, serve, and include our diverse clientele.

What does your beauty routine look like?

CCR: Let me be totally frank, I own skincare stores, so I have the ability to use exactly what my skin needs every time I do my routine. With that said – I always cover the ABCs. I always use a Vitamin A or a Retinol, I always have B3 also known as Niacinamide, and one of the many forms of vitamin C.

These are some of my favorites: Epilogic Double Feature and Retinoil from Instytutem for Retinol, B3 Spray and Vintners Daughter Active Treatment Essence for Vitamin B, and MBR Power Cure Treatment for Vitamin C.

Knockout Beauty has hosted some exciting IG Lives recently, with guests including Brian Oh of VENN Skincare, Philip Berkovitz of Philip B. Botanicals, Lindsey Boyd of The Laundress, Dr. Tiina Meder of Meder Beauty Science, and more. Who else will you welcome in the near future?

CCR: I recently hosted Dr. Timm Goluke of Royal Fern and Deborah Pagani. We are looking forward to welcoming April Gargiulo of Vintner’s Daughter in the near future.

As we ease out of the Zoom world back into the real world, what are some beauty trends to watch out for?

CCR: It is all about the hair and the eyes. Treatments for the scalp are impossible to keep in stock. The scalp is holding up your face! So naturally when you nourish it and it becomes stronger it lifts the face. It’s remarkable.

Since masks are still a must in certain situations, have you found any lip products that don’t smudge while wearing a mask?

CCR: Bossy has a liquid cream that doesn’t transfer! It’s the Bossy Cosmetics Power Woman Essentials.

What are your go-to products and tips for an easy spring to summer skincare/beauty transition?

CCR: Lighten up your make up and nourish the skin! You can do so by using products like the Super Loaded Tinted Highlighters from Westman Atelier which will make your cheekbones rival a Greek god in the sunshine, and Squeaky Clean Liquid Lip Balm, which are beautiful sheer glosses.

When in the Hamptons to check in on your Bridgehampton store, what are some of your favorite things to do and places to visit?

CCR: I have spent every summer of my life on the East End. I love to sit by the fire at the Maidstone and have dinner while sitting on the cozy sofas. Ganeaux is one of my all-time favorite stores. I also love Ruby Beets. I love the sandwiches and the pistachio muffins from Espresso, and the heath bar frozen yogurt from Big Olaf. Of course I also need to enjoy “Summer In A Bottle” from Wölffer. Wölffer Kitchen, Crow’s Nest, and Bilboquet are my husband’s favorite way to spend a date night.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

CCR: We have worked hard to earn and keep our title of the premier beauty store of the Hamptons. We are always striving to bring something special – whether it be treatments or our product assortment. To that end, our master esthetician who has a cult following is always in residency, but has been filling her book out East since March, so now is the time to see if you can snag a spot. We are also the exclusive distribution in the Hamptons for many brands including MBR (Medical Beauty Research), Westman Atelier, and Augustinus Bader.

Knockout Beauty Bridgehampton is located at 2400 Montauk Highway in Bridgehampton. For more information, visit knockoutbeauty.com.