<![CDATA[Extra Good]]>https://extragood.substack.comhttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!x9Ju!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3a7616e9-41ca-48f2-8668-beecfd5e75ce_495x495.pngExtra Goodhttps://extragood.substack.comSubstackWed, 02 Sep 2026 15:26:21 GMT<![CDATA[#65: Reforming my content & giving you the info]]>https://extragood.substack.com/p/65-reforming-my-content-and-givinghttps://extragood.substack.com/p/65-reforming-my-content-and-givingFri, 28 Aug 2026 15:18:29 GMTHiii, it’s me, stirring the pot again. But you said you were hungry for soup, so here we go…

Let’s talk about some of the suppliers/factories manufacturing for this popular brand

These are the major ones:

  • STROM (Turkey) Mostly for denim, and Schmeformashun explicitly identifies STROM in Istanbul in public documents.

  • Bossa (Turkey) This is a denim mill rather than simply a sewing factory.

  • River Glory (China… also lolololol Bebe and the brand that messed with me are using basically everything the same via this manufacturer. Yes, that Bebe a la 2001).

  • Jiaxing Senchuang Fashion (China)

  • TAL (multiple factories across Asia)

  • Crystal International–related facilities (also Asia)

  • Esquel-related manufacturing (also Asia)

  • MAS Holdings (mostly Sri Lanka)

  • Simran International (India)

  • Prolet (Bulgaria, specifically for leather bags)

There are a handful of others, too, but let’s talk about the much cheaper options that offer the same/better quality and DEFINITELY better prices.

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If I mention a particular retailer or brand, this isn’t a blanket statement about everything they sell—just a particular style/SKU. Let’s start with denim.

Both of these are coming off the same production lines at Artistic Milliners with the same material composition/washes/cuts as the much more expensive brand.

MY PERSONAL FAVES (samesies/better than the more expensive one and from the same production lines)

…and are we noticing a pattern with specific wool blends here, per chance?! Almost as if the same maker is behind ‘em all and the rest is… stuff like marketing and expensive retail locations.

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Mango, Zara, etc. outerwear are major, major alternatives

Look ma, no d-word! All same materials/production lines. Significantly cheaper.

Believe it or not, a handful of ‘zon finds are heavily inspired by the same cuts/fabric compositions/factories.

I am now somewhat legally required to say “inspired by” …so that’s important for us all to know.

  • A. Essentials Modal-blend V-necks ($11). Size down if you want the fit of the more expensive brand (tighter), or go with your regular if you like more relaxed. These are last year’s style, which honestly is just a basic that is forever good (but that’s marketing, eh?).

  • A. Essentials Tencel-Cotton Blend Long Sleeves ($10). Again, size down if you want the expensive brand’s vibe. Compare the blends. Track the factories. There are differences here—expanded size range via Amazon, different color offerings, sizes marked differently to reflect a more relaxed fit for a typical Amazon shopper, and this particular style is now last year’s at the more expensive brand.

  • $15 fitted baseball tees?! Sorry to ruin the picnic, but a handful of SKUs overlap factories and construction with Forever 21 items. And we all know Forever 21 is a Shein/Amazon brand now, right? This one in particular inverted the colors of the more expensive brand and upped the cotton content. I’m arguing this one is actually BETTER.

Another thing… lolzies.

Their leather bags are made by Prolet in Bulgaria. If you need proof, call ‘em. Ask. And Prolet is not that big of a company. They’re not working with tens of thousands of leathers and hundreds of cutters/designers.

Guess who is making bags at Prolet with all the same materials??? Furla. And Furla is significantly cheaper to buy rn/also offers a quiet luxe vibe.

Some faves from Furla around $200 or less:

And because fashion is ever-moving and fast these days, I’ll update this list from time to time if you’d like. Just let me know!

Other things you should know about right now:

  • 50% Off Clinique Almost Lipstick (including Black Honey!!!). That makes full sizes $12.50. Loads of other 50% off beauty items here, too.

  • This video outlined the weight limits mattress salespeople never really tell you about—and they’re important. This Titan mattress model is my fave for people over 230 pounds.

  • I really, really like these mostly-organic-cotton socks from Doublesoul, and they’re currently an extra 25% off right now. Everything on the site is, actually, and nothing against Alo, Nike, Lulu or any of those other brands—I just think these are prob my fave socks for sneakers/active days. Mild arch support, they hold up to repeated washes really well, and they’re just… soft.

  • A lovely person on Instagram special-requested oversized duvet covers and inserts for her king-size, extra-deep bed. Standard king covers/inserts just don’t have enough material or draping, so here are some suggestions: This KK oversized king Egyptian cotton cover (zip closure!) is under $70 and nicely made. Also, this down/baffle duvet insert is under $200, well-made and ALASKA-sized (literally, that’s what it’s called when the measurements for king beds are extra big). Could be a good option! I’ll do a video on this topic for everyone soon, but didn’t want you to wait!

  • Cremo PS cologne smells almost very, very similar to Le Labo Santal 33… except it’s currently on sale under $20/free shipping on Prime. It’s marketed for men, but honestly feels pretty gender neutral to me.

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For the new subscribers, you may be looking for these links:

I keep newsletters open and free for the first month they’re published, but after about 4.5 weeks, they end up in the paid-access-only archives (this prevents bots and copycats from stealing my work, which, yes—has become a bit of an issue.)

More bedding & beauty talk, because I had a lot of questions roll in!

You know this is one of my favorite topics, and I’m even more excited because several of you asked very specific questions about pillows and duvets after I published this video on my fave foam pillows last week. So let’s get into ‘em.

But let’s start with the beauty one bc it’s quick/easy. Bedding is a deeper talk that you might want a cuppa coffee for.

“In the spring you told me about a few VERY cheap beauty products that totally changed my life. Any more gems like that?”

YES, GIRL!!!

  • Essence Tubing Mascara ($5ish). This is real tubing technology at essentially throwaway-mascara pricing: polymers form lightweight tubes around individual lashes, giving excellent length and greatly reducing raccoon-eye issues. It removes with warm water rather than requiring aggressive rubbing around the eyes. Beats more expensive ones IMO!

  • NYX Bare With Me Concealer Serum ($11ish). Unusually sophisticated texture for drugstore concealer: thin, hydrating coverage that looks much more like skin than the thick matte formulas that dominate this price point. Very good for mature skin and compares directly to the Ilia formula, IMO.

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]]><![CDATA[#64: Gucci Quietly Lowered Prices (+ way more)]]>https://extragood.substack.com/p/64-gucci-quietly-lowered-prices-wayhttps://extragood.substack.com/p/64-gucci-quietly-lowered-prices-wayFri, 21 Aug 2026 15:18:33 GMTThere’s SO much to share this week, so forgive me if I end up breezing through a few things. Substack gives me a word/length limit, so, ya know…

Gucci really did lower prices (but not on everything)

If you’re wondering why Gucci would do this to begin with, I covered a few of the reasons in the video, but the main considerations are:

  • The marketplace is incredibly crowded with high-quality leather bags now (what a blessing, eh?)… and some of them are similar or better quality at much lower prices (see newsletter #60 for more on this topic)

  • Consumer demand for $5k bags, whether it’s trend-driven or economy-based, has plummeted

  • People don’t care about logos the way they used to, and the overarching sentiment from luxury buyers is now subtle signals rather than overt look-at-my-double-Gs

  • The vintage items were made better and are still holding up incredibly well. The resale market is plentiful and your mom’s bag from 20 years ago is still in excellent condition.

And if you’re wondering if these reductions are just cleverly marketing sales/clearance items, the answer is no. Sales/clearance imply limited-time offers, whether a week or a quarter.

Gucci just slashed prices for the long term in an effort to draw existing customers back in and lure younger, less logo-driven new faces into stores and their website.

The reductions + what I’d buy instead

New/Gucci boutique

Vintage options

Almost all the vintage options have a “make an offer” option that means the price is somewhat negotiable. Usually 10-20% below ask is enough to make it yours.

Btw, there are lots of other luxe brands quietly re-working pricing structures. More on that below, but you can browse the Vestiaire website I suggested above to filter by brand/country. That’s important if you don’t want to pay import fees. Everything I showed is inside the US, but you can also filter by Canada, etc.

As requested, best pillows of 2026

I spoke about mattresses a lot (and more on that soon, will also rank some of the best budget-friendly options under $1k next week, because no, most of the cheapie Amazon/Target ones aren’t great).

Full longform on the best pillows here but this list is just for hypoallergenic options. I’ll work on down separately because they’re really very different categories.

What to look for in excellent quality hypoallergenic/foam pillows:

  • Excellent quality fill (no polyfoams, and ideally cooling memory foam or natural latex-based foam). Polyfoam will make you sweat like a beast, is more likely to offgas and traps more heat/odors. Most of the foam pillows under $50 are poly, which is why they’re so cheap, but you’ll throw those stinkers out after a year or so or just wonder why they don’t feel/look/smell so great.

  • The right loft levels! This is your cheat sheet for online AND in-person shopping. Side sleepers need a higher loft to cradle the space between the spine and shoulders, back sleepers need a medium-ish loft and belly sleepers need the lowest. This is the info you need for reduced neck and back pain if you suspect your pillows are messing with your peace.

  • Good return periods and warranties. You want a brand that stands behind the products they make and has customer service you can actually reach. Your sleep is very, very important. Everything I mentioned below has at least 30 days to try/return and at least 1 to 3 years of warranty protection.

  • Certifications! Look for things like OEKO-Tex (no harmful or toxic chemicals in the production process) or GOLS for organic/natural options. If you prefer in-person shopping, I would actually steer clear of Home Goods for well-certified pillows and look at Costco. I do not think the Purple pillow is worth its price, and I can get into that at a later point if you want.

  • And… a removable/cleanable cover and loads of ventilation.

My top hypoallergenic pillow picks for 2026:

Things you should know about this week:

  • Alo is currently having a secret, unpublicized sale through this weekend. Pieces are up to 40% off. The outerwear, like this 40% off trench coat, is where the value is. I’m less excited about leggings, etc.

  • Walmart marked down a bunch of good (popular!) things and almost nobody is talking about it. Free, quick shipping that rivals Amazon. This Garnier bundle is $6.47 (genuinely a good budget option if you’re dealing with major frizz), these clear Madewell dhoupes are $20, and Secret Clinical deos are under $10 + instant extra coupons (final price under $7 each). And these cotton blend women’s sweatpants have the same basic cut as the Aritzia ones for $12.

  • For the 35+ gals, I spoke a bunch about how HRT helped improve my skin/hair/mood/sleep dramatically, and then I showed you here how I personally use my excess estriol cream. I am NOT suggesting this to anyone else, just sharing that it’s been very helpful for me. It’s a rx hormone—it’s serious stuff you need to chat with a doctor about and weigh carefully. But, if for whatever reason you’re having a hard time getting your doc to chat about patches/creams, there are virtual visit options like this one you can get Estradiol creams from (also Tretinoin for $30/month, etc.). I do not personally use this company, as my doctor was quick/easy with me, but I do have friends using this platform with success and happiness. I’ll do an explainer video on that later!

  • Annnnnd several people asked for intel on how to get discounts on RMS Beauty. It’s one of the best clean beauty brands out there (truly, a lot of brands say it—RMS really lives up to the promises they make). Anywho, a few of my faves here and use code “BRYCE20” at checkout for 20% off literally anything/everything on the site. Works through the end of August.

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For the new subscribers, you may be looking for these links:

I keep newsletters open and free for the first month they’re published, but after about 4.5 weeks, they end up in the paid-access-only archives (this prevents bots and copycats from stealing my work, which, yes—has become a bit of an issue.)

Gucci isn’t the only luxury house lowering prices right now… + still-secret 50% off high-end beauty deets

You’d be shocked to know some of the other major-name designers are following suit and trying to recreate their early 2000s success benchmarks when items were expensive, but not necessarily INSANE. And yes, I do think $11k for a purse is silly.

Some of the other major designers walking a similar path:

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]]><![CDATA[#63: Some cool *secrets* you should know about ]]>https://extragood.substack.com/p/63-some-cool-secrets-you-should-knowhttps://extragood.substack.com/p/63-some-cool-secrets-you-should-knowFri, 14 Aug 2026 15:18:05 GMTA lot of expensive beauty products are surprisingly simple

…and when there’s a simple formula, it’s easy to reduce the excitement of the packaging and additives like higher-end fragrance (often just fluff in cosmetics, for example) and silicone fillers, etc.

And I know everyone’s going to be shocked when I say it, but Walmart and Target have some very surprising options that compare directly to the expensive items.

Here are some of my faves right now:

  • This $6 hair thickening spray/volumizer (seems to be a Walmart exclusive (shipping is free for $35+ orders or Walmart members). It uses the same polymer technology as the $26 Color Wow Raise the Root system. They’re both excellent, the functional differences, IMO, are packaging, marketing and fragrance.

  • $10 L’Oreal highlighting product has the same formula backbone as the lookalike CHANEL baume that’s $49. The packaging on the cheaper one is meh, but the product itself is excellent and is very hard to tell apart from the high-end one. I personally like the “glassy pink ballet” shade.

  • This $13 Dove body wash is an absolute dream for very dry skin thanks to a 50% glycerin formula. It’s a direct riff, in my opinion, on the Prequel Gleanser that’s about $20… except I think Dove actually improved it and made it a bit better. And if you want to go even cheaper, this giant $10 bottle of Dove uses a similar concept but lightens it up a bit. Also excellent.

  • These $11 Vitamasques lip balms from Target (almost impossible to find elsewhere rn) mimic the formula and texture of the $24 Eadem balms everyone’s currently obsessing over. Buy whatever you like, but a $24 lip balm is silly to me.

  • Under $20 for an excellent peptide serum? Yes, this $19 L’Oreal formula rivals the Khiel’s serum (they both come from the same parent co and ingredients libraries, btw), but actually goes harder in my opinion thanks to the added peptides. The Khiel’s version is about $80+, btw.

  • $9ish for one of the best sulfate-free moisturizing shampoos I’ve seen… and not enough people are talking about it. Safe for color/chemically treated hair, directly rivals the Pureology Hydrate like ($38 for those shampoos!). Again, same parent company and ingredients libraries. Biggest differences, in my opinion, are packaging, fragrance and a handful of botanical additives that may/may not have meaningful impact on hair.

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A Bottega leather queen stepped aside and is doing her own thing now

And if you like the classic, often minimalist design of Bottega Veneta, you’ll love these options (and their prices). A little background here:

Pieces designed by Valeria:

Please note these pieces are good quality leather, but NOT the same grades/finishing as Bottega. You’re buying good quality and great design, which is how you’re getting far more affordable price points.

My biggest gripe? The website doesn’t offer pics of the interiors, but the bags I’ve seen in person have been worth their price. I cannot vouch for every single bag though, because frankly, I haven’t seen all of them.

NOT Valeria’s pieces, but also excellent Bottega-like pieces from Quince (continuing last week’s convo):

Important towels note

Wayyyy back in newsletter #42, I explained what to look for in high-quality towels and how to care for them properly. I learned some pretty cool stuff during my time as home editor at Reader’s Digest, and I love sharing those tidbits with you. (Obviously feel free to request topics!)

Anywho, the big things to look for (if we’re making it super simple):

  • Extra long staple or long staple cotton (Turkish, Egyptian, Pima and Supima are automatically extra long staple)

  • Good GSM numbers. GSM =grams per square meter, a measurement of the towel’s overall weight (and that translates to thickness, fluffiness and often the fiber quality)

Towels that don’t specify cotton origin/type or GSM are typically junk, IMO. And please NEVER go for the blend towels (sorry, Target shoppers… they’re sneaky with towels!). They’ll get ruined quickly and they tend to STINK because synthetics trap and hold odors. More on that another time.

Anywho, some of my absolute faves are on sale right now so I’m sharing:

  • TOP PICK: Brooklinen Super Plush (bundles are currently 30% off, each large towel is well below $40/free shipping). 100% Turkish cotton, wildly high 770 GSM. The name “super plush” is incredibly accurate. These also put most Frette options to shame (which is wild bc those start at about $200/each).

  • Runner-up: Lands End Supima Cotton Towels (on sale for 40% off with code DENIM at checkout). These come in tons of colors, can be monogrammed, are made from excellent quality American-grown Supima extra long staple cotton and hold up for years. They’re medium weight and fairly easy to care for.

Discount codes for you

If you’re new here, you’re welcome to request topics or get me to do the dirty work of begging brands for discount codes for you. They don’t always do it, but they often will because they know this newsletter is positive press for ‘em, so yay!

I started a master collection here and you can keep checking it to see what’s updated each day (I try to add new ones every day or so), but here are some of my personal faves:

  • Additional 15% off at Perelel. Use code “BRYCE15” at checkout. I personally love the perimenopause vitamins/supplements, but they can be expensive, so the code is great <3

  • $75 off literally any mattress/pillow purchase at Leesa. Can be stacked on top of sale items! Use code “BRYCE75” at checkout. The Chill mattress is excellent if you’re a hot sleeper and want some additional back support!

  • 10% off anything/everything at Organic Basics. Can be stacked on top of sale/clearance. Use code “BRYCEGRUBER10” at checkout. You know I’m wildly in love with the organic cotton underwear, but the tops/tanks are also 10/10. And the “LAST CHANCE” section is a treasure trove right now, but also I want to tell you I own this cotton blend cardigan. Love it more than I can express. Currently under $50 with the coupon code. It was much more expensive when I got it in May, agh.

  • 15% off at Dedcool. Code “BRYCE15” is the ticket. The Mineral Milk perfume is definitely having a moment of stardom. Very clean/fresh (and currently trendy).

  • 30% off at Brooklyn Bedding. Can be used on top of sale prices to get you steeper discounts (so if the sale is 20% off, the code will bring you higher to a total of 30%… it’s their biggest available discount and I basically peed on myself when they let me have it). Use it on anything, but I love the cooling Aurora mattress and the very affordable Signature Hybrid (compares to much more expensive hybrids and has an excellent warranty/return policy/sleep trial).

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  • Newsletter #60 explored the leather bags from The Row and viable alternatives that are way cheaper/formidable quality.

  • And several of you wrote to me saying “THANKS!” for the tip on this mattress topper—worth every penny. If you need a whole new mattress though, this Helix is my personal fave and one that I own <3

  • From newsletter #63, the cotton-linen quilt set (from $160/set): Easily worth twice the price. 100% natural fibers, well-made, comes as a bundle and is perfect for warmer months, transitional seasons, etc. Machine washes with ease. NO POLY FILL!

  • This Splendid Puff top from newsletter #53 is a direct riff on the Doen broderie pieces that start at about $300. This one, even at full price, is over 60% less expensive, more versatile and super cute. (Make sure you use the extra 15% off code that pops up on the site for a steeper discount). And not that anyone asked, but I just think this brand is reliably wonderful in terms of styles and quality.

I keep newsletters open and free for the first month they’re published, but after about 4.5 weeks, they end up in the paid-access-only archives (this prevents bots and copycats from stealing my work, which, yes—has become a bit of an issue.)

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Ahead of everyone else… this is important! Mason Pearson alternative <3

I’ll make a video on this in the coming few days, but I got a reader request for an alternative to the very popuular but also very expensive Mason Pearson brush (like $200-500 per brush).

I’m going to do a full video next week on why that brush line is so expensive and what you’re looking for, but I have a feeling I’m going to sell out the MUCH cheaper alternative when I post it.

So, ahead of that story, I’m giving everyone first dibs on this functional alternative that offers ALL THE QUALITY but under $40.

Same boar/synthentic bristle mix, but the handle is machine finished (does that really matter to you or your hair?). The end result is pretty much identical for tresses.

  • Natural boar bristles and nylon pins: Same fundamental mixed-bristle concept as Mason Pearson’s popular mixed models, and that’s what you’re looking for.

  • Air-cushioned pad: Same basic pneumatic/cushioned brushing concept (this is part of why it feels nice as you brush!).

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]]><![CDATA[#62: Honest Quince breakdown, Emi Jay, + more]]>https://extragood.substack.com/p/62-honest-quince-breakdown-emi-jayhttps://extragood.substack.com/p/62-honest-quince-breakdown-emi-jayFri, 07 Aug 2026 15:18:23 GMTAs promised, a full breakdown of what I think is worth buying and what’s not from Quince—because honestly, I think of this retailer as a single-brand TJ Maxx. There are excellent gems; you just have to know what to look for, because not everything is 10/10. (Also, I love TJ Maxx so don’t come for me in the comments, k?)

For starters, some things I don’t score well from Quince:

But if you love ‘em, keep buying them. Your happiness comes before my product nitpicking and dissection.

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  • The $50 cashmere. Consider these “doorbuster” style marketing-first deals. The cashmere is short-fiber (the cheap stuff, though it’s real) and won’t last as long as others on the market that are a bit more expensive. As we get closer to fall, I’ll do a whole explainer on good cashmere and what to look for—loads of EXCELLENT options in the $100 range. The cheap ones tend to tear, pill or feel rougher against the skin.

  • Some of the bedding. A lot of items are excellent, but some are finished with poor quality synthetics and they’re sort of snuck in to reduce costs (understandable, but disappointing). This includes some of the “organic cotton blankets” that are loaded with polyester fill. Btw, go back to newsletter #57 for a deep dive on quality bedding.

  • Some of the pants: The ponte pants are advertised as work-friendly pants that compete with Spanx, Eileen Fisher and in some cases, trendier brands like Ruti. IMO, they don’t. The fabric lacks recovery and the fit is inconsistent. I’ll get into work attire later this month if you’d like!

  • There are also lots of others that I find to be mid-level quality, and you know I love buy-it-once types of things, so I won’t suggest them to you.

What I LOVE from Quince (have tested extensively with good results!):

FYI: yes, they also sell/ship to Canada, but prices may be a bit different.

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  • These linen sheets (bundles $144). Excellent for cooling/temperature regulation, made of high-quality midweight European flax (likely a blend of Belgian/French). Again, see newsletter #57 for the cooling bedding deep dive.

  • Cotton-linen quilt set (from $160/set): Easily worth twice the price. 100% natural fibers, well-made, comes as a bundle and is perfect for warmer months, transitional seasons, etc. Machine washes with ease. NO POLY FILL!

  • Organic cotton coverlet set (under $200): Punches way above its weight—100% organic cotton, loads of colors, machine washable. They’re coming for West Elm and outpacing ‘em with this one.

  • Giza cotton sateen bedding bundles ($124): Extra long staple cotton, silky-smooth finish, easy to machine wash and care for. ELS cotton has longer fibers that are generally more durable and feel smoother against the skin.

  • 100% wool handmade rugs ($279 and up): Turkish-style looming, made in India (part of where you’re saving the money), but excellent overall feel and design. No synthetics. I want to be clear that these do not rival high-end Persian rugs, but are a wonderful alternative (and you’d pay closer to $600-1,500 if you walked into a store for these). DO NOT GET THE INDOOR/OUTDOOR RUGS—cheap polyester, those are Home Depot-ish.

  • Cotton-velvet curtains ($80). Put these against Restoration Hardware and report back to class, please. Better quality, appearance and durability than you’d expect for the price. Choose from light filtering all the way through heavy blackout. The sheer linen curtain sets (2-pack from $80) are also excellent buys that rival Pottery Barn.

  • Organic brushed cotton sheets ($90): Brushed cotton is a fancier way of saying flannel, and that’s exactly what these are. If you need an ultra-cozy, warming bedding bundle this one exceeds the similarly-described LL Bean sheets in my personal opinion (something I shared a while back in Reader’s Digest when I worked there!). You probably don’t need these in August, but if you live in a cool climate they’re fall’s best friend.

Women’s fashion

  • Cashmere cotton tees ($29): Mostly organic cotton with a some added viscose and cashmere to add loads of natural movement, elegant drape and an ultra-smooth feeling. Worth every penny as a wardrobe staple. Machine washable, and the $39 cardigans made of the same material are so good it hurts.

  • Organic Turkish long staple cotton waffle robe ($52): A lot of major spas are currently white labeling this one and charging you over $200. So, there’s that. Lots of sizes, easily machine washed and extra durable thanks to the LS fibers.

  • Baby cashmere 1/4 zip ($250): The baby cashmere is a major step up from Quince’s standard Mongolian cashmere line (the $50) stuff, and you can feel it instantly. Wears better, lasts longer, pills less. More expensive, though (and now you know why). If you bought this exact sweater somewhere else, you’d probably pay $370-500 though, so it’s a good deal overall. Also the $200 baby cashmere crewneck.

  • Euro linen long sleeve shirt ($42): If you’re looking for the Eileen Fisher/The Row minimalist, natural fiber vibe, this is a solid quality option with loads of color options. I don’t like the stitching as much as EF’s, but for the price? Pssh. It’s worth it!

  • Organic cotton cropped cardigan ($50): Nicely made, cute buttons and yes—100% organic cotton fibers. No synthentics or blends. It’s well worth the price (good luck finding anything 100% organic cotton at this price elsewhere) and comes in plenty of colors.

  • Linen high waist shorts ($32): For me, 10/10 and no notes. I own a few of these. They’re cheap, easy to care for, have deep pockets and the elasticized waist is a dream. Very beach vacay appropriate!

  • Washable silk skirt ($70): Excellent for work, dressed up, or for whatever. 100% Mulberry silk in 19 momme (I explained momme measurements in a previous newsletter if you want to go back into the archives). Lots of colors, super versatile. I hate the polyester satin stores are currently flooded with—this is MUCH better!

  • Bella jeans collection ($50+): For the price, these are good—they have a little more stretch and synthetic fibers than I typically like to see, but the fit, construction, washability and PRICE make up for it, IMO. I’ll do a full what-to-look-for-in-denim video next week or the following, though.

Accessories/footwear

I have a lot of thoughts on the jewelry, but I think I’ll save that for another newsletter/video if you want it.

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I’m running out of space for this to fit into a standard email, so I’m going to put more accessories/men’s/maternity/kids at the end. I’ll also include a few more in the next email bc I don’t want to run out of lines to share other goodies!

If you’re spending a fortune on hair items… please see this

Bookmark or save this email, because I’m going to give you a big rundown of inside info. Some of these I’ve shared before (and now loads of TikTok accounts are copying that content… how do I stop that? Anyone have any ideas on how I can protect my work?), but most I haven’t published before, so enjoy!

First, if you’re spending a lot on Emi Jay hair clips (they range from $36-38 each for the big ones), you probably want to know about this. The designs and precise measurements are somewhat unique (ruffled edges, laser cuts, colors) but the materials and construction are NOT.

Watch this video (IG) or the longer YouTube for details and original manufacturer info to really get into it.

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But also, there’s more hair info you should know about (videos coming soon):

Sales/codes you should know about now

I didn’t post one of these last week, so I’m doing it now… forgive me! If you’re new here, you’re welcome to request topics or get me to do the dirty work of begging brands for discount codes for you.

They don’t always do it, but they often will because they know this newsletter is positive press for ‘em, so yay!

Also, very important:

NONE OF THESE BRANDS PAID ME TO INCLUDE THEM HERE. Lots of brands offer to send codes/deals, but I don’t share things unless I think they’re worth sharing. Nobody needs more piles of crap they don’t use in their homes.

  • Tarte Cosmetics: Take 15% off everything on the site with code “BRYCE” at checkout. Yes, includes this secret clearance section where stuff is cheaper than drugstore.

  • DedCool: OMG this one is big! I didn’t think they’d give it to me, but they did. Take 15% off everything on their site with code “BRYCEG” at checkout. Perfumes, hand creams/washes—all of it. I love the Milk fragrance!

  • Leesa Mattress: Remember I told you how good the Leesa Sapira Chill hybrid mattress was? If you need a refresher, go back to older newsletters—but basically it’s excellent for both back support and cooling. Use code “BRYCE75” for an additional $75 off ANY mattress on their website. Can be stacked with other sales!

  • Aurate Jewelry: Everyone’s asked about my pearl necklace. Honestly, it’s vintage (like 100 years old!) but Aurate copied it with gorgeous pearls here. I’m flattered. And they’re giving 20% off literally anything/everything on their site with code “BRYCEG20” at checkout.

  • Brooklyn Bedding: Take 30% off all full-priced items with code “BRYCE30” all month long. If an item is already on sale (let’s say 20% off), they’ll give you the higher discount if you use the BRYCE30 code. That’s cool considering the prices are already pretty budget-friendly on most of the beds!

  • M. Gemi: I told everyone I own/love/use this leather bag and then they made me a code for 15% off everything on the site. I will personally use it to get these shoes for fall, tbh. Use code “BRYCE15” at checkout. Also, I heard the brand is looking for a new social media manager (can be based in New York, Miami or Florence, Italy… let me know if you want the info!).

  • Harper Wilde: Use code “BRYCE15” to take 15% off everything on their website, even sale items. The Cloud Cotton collection is their best offering, IMO.

  • CurrentBody (my fave LED red light masks): Take 10% off literally any order/any product with code “BRYCEG” at checkout.

  • Giant box of Crest White Strips, $34.99/free shipping. Currently the cheapest I’ve seen ‘em this year, even Walmart has the same box for $10 more.

  • If you like Clinique Black Honey, you’ll love the tint/application of this $5 CoveGirl balm. Remember, I’m not calling anything a dupe. I’m just saying this has very similar color/delivery in a different-shaped tube and it’s under $5!

  • Mrs. Meyers cleaning concentrate 2-pack ($15.11/free shipping). Highly concentrated, makes a total of 32 gallons of multi-purpose cleaner!

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For the new subscribers, you may be looking for these links:

  • Here’s how to get super cheap tretinoin (click here) and then watch this explainer video. You can also use this system to ask for Tarazotene!

  • And several of you wrote to me saying “THANKS!” for the tip on this mattress topper—worth every penny. If you need a whole new mattress though, this Helix is my personal fave and one that I own <3

  • Newsletter #59 offered loads of makeup dhoops with identical/nearly identical formulas coming from the same factories. If you like Hourglass Voyeur Waterproof ($29), try this Julep pencil ($12.99) with all the same attributes/same South Korean production facility. If you like Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat ($28), try this $13 Kiko formula (you’ll notice the packaging looks almost identical, same manufacturer and a clever renaming of waxes so the ingredients look different).

  • Newsletter #60 explored the leather bags from The Row and viable alternatives that are way cheaper/formidable quality.

I keep newsletters open and free for the first month they’re published, but after about 4.5 weeks, they end up in the paid-access-only archives (this prevents bots and copycats from stealing my work, which, yes—has become a bit of an issue.)

Quince continued + inside info about Shmeformation (and why I don’t think you should be paying full price there… ever)

Men’s:

I don’t want to overdo it with men’s stuff here because I think most of you are women, but if I’m wrong and you want more… just email me! I’ll do a follow-up.

Maternity/baby/kids:

Because Shmeformation didn’t withdraw the platform complaint against me exposing better options…

They even followed up with a second one. I’m going to double down because I don’t love bullying, and frankly, I’m too old for this nonsense.

In the end, you win. I genuinely don’t care if they throw some sticks at me—I’m not letting my friends overpay for meh-level stuff even if it’s trendy and the brand has a very important Wall Street IPO.

I’ll share their main factories/sourcing and where you can get better alternatives here. This could become a bigger video series soon, but only the paid friends here are getting every nitty-gritty detail right now.

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]]><![CDATA[#61: From the archives + what's actually worth it]]>https://extragood.substack.com/p/61-from-the-archives-whats-actuallyhttps://extragood.substack.com/p/61-from-the-archives-whats-actuallyFri, 31 Jul 2026 15:18:12 GMTThis tight-knit little community has grown tremendously over the last several weeks, and while that’s a wonderful thing, it also means I’ve taken a little heat from brands gettin’ their feathers ruffled.

So now we’re going back through the archives for a fun midsummer, no-frills list of what’s worth it and what’s not… and I won’t necessarily call something a dhoop. I’ll explain if it’s worth it/better than expensive versions when appropriate.

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And if you’re wondering why this is coming up, here’s the tea:

Under-$20 items worth every penny:

  • A $5 giant box of washing soda + a scoop of this Oxi powder (the one with bluing dots!) is your ticket to the whitest, brightest laundry of your life. It’ll last months and is the secret to easy alkalinity boosting. Cannot recommend this enough, and if you’ve benefitted from my laundry tips, please shout it out in the comments so people understand how important washing soda is! Read newsletter #34 to fully understand how to use it or I can happily remake a video.

  • Garnier Diamond Sleek ($7.64/free shipping) is not a 1:1 dhoop for ColorWow’s humidity shield, but it’s close enough if you’re working with a tight budget. Same overall technology, same parent company/manufacturer and ingredients library, and the main differences are ingredient concentrations of specific polymers and quats. If you live in a total jungle, I’d stick to ColorWow because it’s a bit stronger, but if you live with only moderate humidity? This is great.

  • Under $12 azelaic acid suspension?! This one is great if you’ve got redness, acne, anti-aging concerns, etc. I can get into this in a whole video if you want, but it’s a cheap way to get a 10%, no-frills concentration without getting a Rx (normally for 20%). And a little goes a long way!

  • 60-pack of velvet hangers under $20/free shipping.

  • Dove Palo Santo & Sage deo (currently on sale under $5): Nothing out of the ordinary with formula, per se, but the scent? Pssh. Excellent. It’s a damn shame this is a limited edition World Cup deo (honestly no idea what Fifa has to do with women’s deo, but whatever, it smells great). Will likely be off store shelves very soon, so scoop ‘em up. Showing it to you here.

  • Leather Honey ($17/free shipping). I use this on my leather club chairs, jackets, bags… you name it. Unsung hero. A little goes a long way and improves the quality of most leather items in a matter of seconds.

Quick note before we keep going… if I say a particular product is great, I mean that product. Please don’t use my recommendations as blanket statements/approval for entire brands.

I investigate each item individually, and many brands source from multiple places/manufacturers, so it’s nearly impossible for me to 100% love everything from everywhere (and I’d hate for you to spend your hard-earned cash on things that aren’t necessarily EXCELLENT).

Fashion:

  • Better than Reformation: This snug ON boatneck top ($8.49). Easily one of the best out there (ahem, newsletter #49), it’s made with a nearly identical blend of cotton and a tiny bit of spandex to give it a body-hugging fit that flatters sizes XS through 4X. And these linen shorts ($14.99): Loads of colors, sizes XXS through 4X. This is a linen blend that’s resistant to wrinkling and washes easily. This $8 (!!!) Amazon tank is also a direct pattern riff (different fabric composition/same stretch factor). Should I keep going with these? The $300ish European linen button-front dresses? They sure do look a lot like these $69 dresses made of the better materials in alternative color palettes. I own one of these btw, size down if you’re between sizes—and the neckline is semi-low, so be prepared to either be busty or add a little tank. I’ll follow up with more fall/winter items ASAP.

  • From newsletter #58: These reasonably-priced organic cotton thongs and organic cotton briefs, as well as this Amazon Basics offering that’s super cheap but surprisingly well-made with the right cotton/spandex composition (and under $2/pair!). If you’re going for the organic option, use code “BRYCEGRUBER10” at checkout for an extra 10% off (on top of sale prices/discounts). They did NOT sponsor me, I just requested a code for everyone bc I talked about the brand so many times!

  • Walmart is directly copying Doen styles in 100% cotton!!! I know, I know. Not every Walmart style is as excellent, but these particular SKUs are winners: midi cotton racerback dress ($27). Holy moly, the dress is GOOD, but you may need to size down in all these pieces because Walmart’s sizing scale is roomier than Doen’s. Cotton flutter sleeve sweater top ($24, comes in XS through 4X) and this cotton-blend puff-sleeve cardigan for $34 look more like it belongs on a high-end boutique’s rack.

  • This Splendid Puff top is a direct riff on the Doen broderie pieces that start at about $300. This one is below $100… but more versatile and gorgeous. And not that anyone asked, but I just think this brand is reliably wonderful in terms of styles and quality. More in newsletter #53.

  • FitFlop Delicato ballet flats, $100ish depending on color/size. Love these, have done 30k steps in a single day. Lots of support and cushy rubber bottoms! I think I might’ve sold out the best colors and sizes on ‘zon though, so you can also find ‘em here if you need more options with loads of other colors! Note: also love the MJ style, sizes 5 through 11.

  • Peche loafers, $138/free shipping. Currently the it-girl shoe of editors in New York—comfy, classic, really nice quality leather and suede. Easy to pair with denim and walk 20k steps without wanting to die. No half sizes. Moderately priced.

  • And these major Bottega dhupes: woven leather satchel ($154) and the handwoven tote ($154), which is available in loads of colors and either suede or leather.

Beauty:

  • This $10 citric acid hair mask is a dhoop for the $44 Redken (from the Glass Hair newsletter, number #38). Same parent company, manufacturer and ingredients library. The differences are so minor you’d have a hard time telling ‘em apart. If you need a refresher on how to use it, please watch this. I don’t love the bottle instructions.

  • If you like Hourglass Voyeur Waterproof ($29), try this Julep pencil with the same attributes/same South Korean production facility. The Julep is cheaper thanks to a bit more silica filler, etc. but it really makes no difference with the finish or wear—just clever labeling, IMO. Need more eyeliner dhoops? Read/bookmark newsletter #59. And try this $5 NYX formula if you like VB liners (same production lines and delivery, slightly different pigment levels and fillers).

  • If you like Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat ($28): Try this $13 Kiko formula (you’ll notice the packaging looks almost identical, same manufacturer and a clever renaming of waxes so the ingredients look different).

  • If you like Anastasia BH Brow Wiz ($26): I want you to give this $11 NYX a whirl and report back :)

  • If you like Charlotte Tilbury’s Flawless Filter ($50!?), this ELF Halo product is $14 and nearly identical in every way except cheaper packaging and slightly more reflective particles. Test ‘em side by side and report back.

  • NIOD peptide serum is $62, but it’s a very, very, VERY close match to this serum from The Ordinary ($32). They’re both owned and produced by the same company with the same ingredients libraries (Deciem). The more expensive one has a slightly more sophisticated slip texture, but if the actives are your main concern (as they should be!), the cheaper one is 10/10.

  • I made a whole video about Trader Joe’s beauty dupes that may serve as a sort of cheapie bible. And a part 2 with even more dupes!

Home:

  • Upholstery solution cheaper than the Bissell Oxy stuff! If you have a Little Green Machine or similar device, you don’t need to buy the expensive Oxy solution (although it’s a nice product). This generic one is less than half the price and uses the same surfactants/ingredients system. Video on this here.

  • 100% Egyptian cotton bedding sets ($85ish/free shipping). In prior newsletters, I explained that Egyptian cotton is extra long staple. That’s the good stuff that feels better against the skin, wears better over time and is more durable. Thread count is just marketing hype. It’s the material type and subcategory you want to focus on! More on that in newsletter #29.

  • Brooklinen luxe (from newsletter #52, under $200/free shipping. Feels like butter with loads of colors and prints to choose from, deep fitted sheets. Easily matches the texture, quality and material content of bedding 4x the price. Also LE Supima Cotton Set ($119 on sale/free shipping). Another sleeper hit from LE! (See what I did there?). Supima is extra long staple, smooth-to-the-touch, washes and wears exceptionally well and easily lasts for years. You can also monogram these.

  • Walmart cotton-linen blend quilt ($70ish/free shipping): Made of 89% cotton and 11% linen, this is a surprisingly high-end find from Walmart. Multiple neutral shades and sizes available.

  • ZEP for grout (large 2-pack for about $18/free shipping). If your grout looks dingy, off-color, or just… musty, a little bit of ZEP and a cheap brush like this will get everything looking fresh and crisp again in seconds.

  • From newsletter #48 (worth reading if you have time!), the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress (currently on sale from about $1800). This is basically the luxury hotel bed version of a modern hybrid mattress, thanks to a pressure-relieving top with supportive zoned pocket coils in the lower portion and reinforced lumbar support. I personally own one of these and love it. Brand offers free delivery/set-up, 120-night sleep trial, free returns, and oodles of other benefits. The brand’s mattress topper is also excellent, and pretty much just the top slice of the mattress if you want a much-cheaper upgrade to your existing bed. Plan your sheets accordingly because this adds a few inches!

  • These generic silicone baking mats are very comparable to Silpat, though slightly thinner. Under $7 each on sale rn, free shipping. I wrote about these endlessly when I was at Reader’s Digest and Taste of Home. Video coming soon.

  • Many people think this ena\meled cast iron dutch oven is supposed to be a dupe of Le Creuset. It’s not, though it obviously can be used the same way. It’s actually a GREAT alternative to the Lodge Cast Iron version—but like 60% cheaper. Please note both Lodge and AB have slightly thinner enamelwork compared to Le Creuset, which is why I didn’t compare ‘em to the French brand.

  • If you have hard water, it’s probably making your laundry look and feel a little weird. Faded colors, stiff fabric… the works. Read newsletter #54 and then try this specific Tide powder (higher alkalinity than other detergents on the market, lots of anti-binding agents and added enzymes) or this Charlie’s for sensitive skin (less anti-binding agents, but a good choice for those with sensitive skin thanks to a clean-rinsing, low-residue formula).

  • These $15 sheet pans rival Nordicware (easily) and are kitchen staples

  • Bear Hybrid mattress ($800ish for a queen, free shipping) is an excellent functional construction dhoop for the Casper Hybrid, which is about 60% more expensive. I talked about mattresses a lot in prior newsletters, so it’s worth digging through the last few from #48 and on to get loads of info.

  • Cuisinart mixing bowls w/lids ($40/set) are a direct dhoop for the $90ish Le Creuset set.

  • This Lands End Supima cotton towel bundle was my favorite overall value from newsletter #42 and is currently on sale under $84. Features 650 GSM, several pieces per set, loads of color options and excellent customer service/returns. And you can monogram!

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Bougie Hotel Secrets:

For the new subscribers, you may be looking for these links:

I keep newsletters open and free for the first month they’re published, but after about 4.5 weeks, they end up in the paid-access-only archives (this prevents bots and copycats from stealing my work, which, yes—has become a bit of an issue.)

Reminder: because I talk about bedding so much (and what’s actually worth spending on), the people at The Mattress Shop partnered with me to give everyone a free month of paid newsletter access. That means you can use it to go back in the archives/deep dive, or just enjoy what’s to come.

This expires tonight though!

Get 30 day free trial

I went over the word limit, but I’ll keep going…

Obviously come back to this when you have some time, because this list should save you oodles of cash.

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]]><![CDATA[#60: The Row quality, but less $$$? + More beauty dhoops]]>https://extragood.substack.com/p/60-the-row-quality-but-less-morehttps://extragood.substack.com/p/60-the-row-quality-but-less-moreFri, 24 Jul 2026 15:18:16 GMTUnpacking high-quality leather bags… starting with The Row

I explained that The Row was sourcing its leather from a select group of Italian suppliers and tanners. In fact, they’re the same ones doling out hides to Hermes, Jil Sander and Loro Piana… but also slightly lower-notch brands including Savette and Khaite.

And yes, even cheaper Italian brands getting second and third picks over leathers.

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A little cheat sheet on the suppliers in case you find yourself in Italy this summer… they won’t sell you directly, but plenty of excellent stores/designers exist on the outskirts of each factory’s area:

  • Mastrotto Group: Premium pebbled and smooth calfskin (more on those below!)

  • Conceria Faeda: Soft, full-grain calf and semi-aniline leathers.

  • Conceria 800: Vegetable and semi-vegetable tanned hides.

  • Conceria Tempesti: Vegetable-tanned leathers for more structured pieces.

You’ll see “Made in Italy” on these bags, but the majority of high-end offerings are really just coming from the Florence area, Veneto and Emilia-Romagna.

Now let’s talk about gorj minimalist, high-quality bags that don’t cost $3,500 (including some from The Row, just pre-owned):

From the former designer at The Row:

Under $500 options:

Under $1,000 options:

  • Il Bisonte ($600 or less, most around $400): Similar sourcing/factory situation as mentioned above, slightly more earthy/rugged in design. Personally LOVE the leather tote bags (under $500) and hobo bag under $600.

  • Coach: The Soft Empire bag is about $750, but lordy, she’s well made. The leather isn’t from the same suppliers as The Row, but one cool thing about buying from this brand is their promise to clean and polish your leather bag forever. Seriously, buy from them and then pop into a store whenever you want—forever—for a cleanup and polish. No receipts necessary, just has to be authentic!

  • Polene: This $748 large leather shoulder bag is straight out of the minimalist-who-wants-some-attention’s playbook. Polene is currently trendy, but the quality is there to back it up. I also like this under $600 style that’s a bit spicier.

From The Row itself, pre-owned (way lower prices):

Also, I know someone is going to bring up Portland Leather in the comments. It’s cute! The quality/leathers are NOT comparable. I can get into that at another point if you’d like. Re: Quince, also some lovely bags, but not in the same category here, per se. I can get to what their bags are closest to in another video/newsletter, if you’d like.

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Other things you need to know about right now:

Last week, I told you I started reaching out to the brands I’ve mentioned here to ask if they can share discount codes for my newsletter readers. And OMG, several came through. I’ll keep adding, but here’s the list so far:

Not sponsored content, just good info!

  • Brooklyn Bedding is offering 30% off literally ANY full-priced item on their site, or if something is already on sale, they’ll give you the additional percentage until it’s discounted by 30%. I am SO excited about this one because I told everyone in newsletter #57 the Aurora Cooling Mattress is a game-changer for hot sleepers. Use code “BRYCE30” at checkout. Good now through August.

  • Kizik sneakers (the slip-on ones I’ve mentioned loving in the past because I’m lazy with laces) is offering 10% off literally anything, even sale items, with code “BRYCE10” at checkout. These are the ones I personally own.

  • Sacheu Beauty is offering 15% off literally whatever you want on their website now through August. Stack it however you want; use code “BRYCE15” at checkout. Includes the peel-off lip stains, which are under $12 each with the code.

  • Tarte is running a major sale (a lot of items are cheaper than the drugstore). You can stack the clearance prices with code “BRYCE” at checkout for an additional 15% off!

  • The organic cotton underwear brand I mentioned in newsletter #58 was so excited about how many people clicked on their undies that they’re offering you an additional 10% off literally ANY purchase from them this month with code “BYCEGRUBER10” at checkout. These are my faves, but the code works on anything and stacks on top of sale prices!

  • My fave LED mask is expensive, but damn it, she’s worth it. Use code “BRYCEG” for 10% off literally anything on their website. I love the series 2 face mask in particular. Plastic-surgeon approved for quick grafting recovery.

If there are other companies you want me to ask for codes from, just let me know in the comments or you can use the “reply” button here to email me. You know I’m nosy enough to do it.

For the new subscribers, you may be looking for these links:

I keep newsletters open and free for the first month they’re published, but after about 4.5 weeks, they end up in the paid-access-only archives (this prevents bots and copycats from stealing my work, which, yes—has become a bit of an issue.)

Reminder: because I talk about bedding so much (and what’s actually worth spending on), the people at The Mattress Shop partnered with me to give everyone a free month of paid newsletter access. That means you can use it to go back in the archives/deep dive, or just enjoy what’s to come.

Get 30 day free trial

More beauty dhoops (lip products)!

This came heavily requested after last week’s newsletter and videos explaining the origins of most of our favorite eyeliners, lip liners and eyebrow pencils. Now want to get into lip glosses and sticks… starting with the Hourglass Phantom Glossy Balm everyone loves, but is $38.

If you watch this video, you’ll understand it’s a stock formula with a little extra wax and minty-fresh sensation. Worth it if you have a specific shade you’re committed to, but otherwise, these alternatives would suit you well:

Let’s go deeper into lipsticks and their factories, though… shall we?

If you’re seeing “Made in Italy” on your lipstick or gloss, it’s likely only coming from a handful of OEMs… and they typically sell stock formulas with the major upgrades being added pigments, occasional silicones/wax conditioners… and packaging.

There are some exceptions, but not that many. These are the big players making most of the good lipsticks you see at Sephora, etc.

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]]><![CDATA[#59: A major dhoupes guide]]>https://extragood.substack.com/p/59-a-major-dhoops-guidehttps://extragood.substack.com/p/59-a-major-dhoops-guideFri, 17 Jul 2026 15:18:49 GMTI do these from time to time because I know everyone loves the inside info (and money-saving), but I guess I made a big enough internet splash this week that I upset a handful of big beauty brands. So, to protect my work (and sanity!), we’re wording this very carefully.

These are dhoopsies, k? And we’ll move beyond just liners in a minute, but let’s start with those first.

The summary is that pretty much all the eyeliners, lip liners and eyebrow pencils on the planet are coming from a small number of manufacturers, and most of the major beauty brands are using Schwan and/or Faber-Castell to produce their pencils.

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There are a handful of outliers coming from South Korea (ahem, Hourglass), China, etc—but the majority of the brands you know and love are popping out of the first two factories. And both of the European options have begun operating new facilities in additional countries to help protect the beauty brands they’re manufacturing for, because everyone’s scared out of their minds right now about schmucks like me sharing that formulas aren’t special—supply chains are.

Anywho, I’m going to dig into this (and other items like lipstick, not just pencils) at the bottom of the newsletter. But let’s save you some cash and start with pencils.

Eyeliners:

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Lip liners:

Eyebrow pencils:

If I missed any, obvi feel free to shout ‘em out in the comments here or on the videos themselves. I’ll do my best to get to everyone!

Other things you need to know about right now:

OMG! This list has grown so much and you all click on so many things that I’ve started asking the companies I’ve spoken about for discount codes. And some of ‘em came through because I’m nosy!

If there are other companies you want me to ask for codes from, just let me know in the comments or you can use the “reply” button here to email me. You know I’m nosy enough to do it.

  • My fave LED mask is expensive, but damn it, she’s worth it. Use code “BRYCEG” for 10% off literally anything on their website for the month of July. I love the series 2 face mask (I used it for post-grafting recovery and the plastic surgeon agreed it’s good!) and the neck/chest panel. The bundle offers more of a discount, btw, and the promo code stacks on top of it!

  • Turns out Tarte is running a major sale (a lot of items cheaper than drugstore). This concealer is $8! You can stack the clearance prices with code “BRYCE” at checkout for an additional 15% off! Not sponsored content, just good info.

  • The organic cotton underwear brand I mentioned in newsletter #58 was so pumped about how many people clicked on their undies that they’re offering you an additional 10% off literally ANY purchase from them this month with code “BYCEGRUBER10” at checkout. These are my faves, but the code works on anything and stacks on top of sale prices!

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For the new subscribers, you may be looking for these links:

I keep newsletters open and free for the first month they’re published, but after about 4.5 weeks, they end up in the paid-access-only archives (this prevents bots and copycats from stealing my work, which, yes—has become a bit of an issue.)

Reminder: because I talk about bedding so much (and what’s actually worth spending on), the people at The Mattress Shop partnered with me to give everyone a free month of paid newsletter access. That means you can use it to go back in the archives/deep dive, or just enjoy what’s to come.

More bedding& fashion content next week. btw!

Get 30 day free trial

Speaking of dhoupes…

And I may turn some of these into videos next week or the following, but I wanted you to have the info. There’s going to be a lot here, so consider saving this newsletter in a little folder in your inbox to come back to later <3

  • 100% cotton muslin throw blankets are on sale right now under $25—easy Pottery Barn dhoops. The throws come in lots of colors and measure 50” by 70” for an oversized natural fiber cuddle.

  • This Cremo cologne is about $22 and a direct dhoope for Viktor & Rolf Spice Bomb ($168). Is it for men? Yes, but honestly, this one is pretty gender-neutral if you like warm, spicy notes. And this $20 Cremo Palo Santo is a direct rip from Le Labo.

  • Sunday Riley Good Genes is $85 (this one was requested by one of my fave longtime subs here!) but can be dhouped two possible ways for the active ingredients (not 100% on texture or packaging). The money you’ll save makes it easy-peasy to smile. One option is this Good Molecules serum ($6!), which relies on the same mashup of AHAs (mostly lactic acid). Though, honestly, I think this $12 Amlactin bottle is the best overall value because it has 12% LA (slightly higher levels) and moisture built into a single formula. Nothing against the face-specific formula they recently came out with, I just think this one is a better value on a per-ounce basis, and the texture is nicer. Btw, nobody at Amlactin paid me—just genuinely an excellent product (also on heels and backs of arms!) which is why I keep talking about it.

  • Parachute Percale bedding sets are about $299+. I very much don’t want to get in trouble, so I’ll phrase this with TLC, but if you like this exact feel/texture and are ok with different colors/prints, this set is $80. Free shipping. Also, I should note that a lot of people think Brooklinen is the dhoop. It’s not! That’s a different fiber/stitching scenario—wonderful, but not the same.

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]]><![CDATA[#58: Underwear secrets, K beauty that WORKS + more]]>https://extragood.substack.com/p/58-underwear-secrets-k-beauty-thathttps://extragood.substack.com/p/58-underwear-secrets-k-beauty-thatFri, 10 Jul 2026 15:19:04 GMTMaybe it’s just my algorithm, but it seems like social media is inundating me with ads and content (ahem) for underwear that’s made of glorified plastic—and aside from it being tragically overpriced for what it is, poorly-made synthetics could leave you with lady parts nightmares.

I want everyone to have excellent underpants. Use this info whenever you’re shopping in stores (you’ll be able to identify things by touch/feel after this) or online.

The good underwear

What to stay away from:

  • Polyester (per the usual)

  • Nylon (also called polyamide, which is what almost all the ‘seamless’ stuff is made from)

  • Microfiber

  • Acetate

  • Acrylics

  • Polypropylene

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Fabrics that are GOOD

These promise better airflow, moisture and odor reduction, longevity through years of washing… and some even have mildly antimicrobial properties.

  • Cotton

  • Wool (especially soft, thin Merino)

  • Silk

  • Tencel (some, not all)

  • Modal (some not all)

Something to note: silk isn’t automatically the “best” fabric for everyone. It’s luxurious, breathable and naturally temperature-regulating, but if someone wants maximum durability and easy care, a high-quality cotton or merino wool underwear may be a more practical everyday choice.

Brands/styles for every budget that are GREAT

  • Organic cotton: I own a lot of pieces from OB because the prices are super reasonable (some under $10), the styles are cute and they’re easy to wash/dry without worry. Everything is also on mega sale right now. Faves include these organic cotton thongs and organic cotton briefs. The matching organic cotton bralettes are also $20 right now.

  • Super budget-friendly: If you want to spend the bare minimum, you can totally get decent-quality cotton construction with good cotton gussets under $2/per pair. Most people don’t realize this specific style from Amazon Basics is a white-labeled higher-end brand that normally sells for about $7 each, and this Walmart option is made with the same materials/same production facility as a mainstream mall store brand that’s 4x the price. Both are 7.5-8/10 quality for me, but 10/10 on price. Please note I am not vouching for ALL styles from these brands, just these specifically.

  • High-end modal (better quality, gorgeous design): For everyday basics that are super soft, the cotton-modal blends from Harper Wilde are super smooth and easy to wear/wash. Please note, I don’t love EVERYTHING from this line… lots of synthetics. Just this particular sub-line, Cloud Cotton. For a sexier, higher-end take on everyday basics, these micromodal blend pieces by Negative are 100% positive and OMG I love ‘em as pajamas too. This is an under-the-radar underpinnings brand that I believe could be one of the next trends.

Negative women’s boxer, micromodal blend

  • Merino wool: Moisture-wicking, mildly antimicrobial but should NOT go in the dryer. Wash on gentle cycles, but otherwise, these last for years and only get softer and better with time. Current fave styles: Wooly briefs (around $30, runs roomy so consider sizing down if you’re between sizes), Unbound Merino underwear—slightly more expensive, but the quality is 10/10.

  • Tencel: Cooling, breathable and soft. Probably the best-known brand for women’s Tencel underwear is Stipe & Stare. I’ve had several of their pieces for YEARS (starting from a Reader’s Digest review I did in 2022 when the company was pretty fresh) and they keep holding up through washing/drying/repeating. About $15/pair, but lots of cute styles and feminine details. Personal faves are this original knicker style and the thong multi-packs (slightly better prices in bundles). This specific style by Jockey is also made from good-quality Tencel and is $10/pair.

  • Silk: Please read labels carefully! “Satin” silk is usually polyester or a terrible mix with a low silk percentage. You want silk with a 100% cotton gusset and ideally 19-22 momme (if specified). I’ll get into silk education at the end of this email though. These Intimissimi silk thongs are $20 each and 95% silk/5% elastane—also only $20 each—which is fantastic for the quality. And these Mulberry silk hipster panties (no major brand) are $15 each.

K-beauty products that are worth every penny (and are affordable!)

A few days ago, I posted a video about visiting Ko’llection, a Korean beauty outlet store in New York City. It was SO good and SO worth visiting if you’re in or around New York, but if you can’t make it there, you can still find some of the best items for affordable prices online.

Some things I nabbed (and why they’re good):

  • Skin1004 oil cleanser ($13/free shipping): I double cleanse—oil first to remove makeup and sunscreen, then a low-pH foaming cleanser (see below). This one is lightweight, a large bottle for a great price, easy to use and non-irritating. Breaks up tubing mascara like a champ! VERY close to the Tatcha cleaning oil, btw!

  • CosRx low pH cleanser (under $10 on sale/free shipping): I’ve spoken about this one a lot in the past, because most people don’t realize a low pH cleanser (mildly acidic) before your retinoids/serums is the magic trick for getting ‘em to really get into your skin. This one is cheap, GOOD and just the right amout of frothy.

  • Kundal protein hair mist ($16/free shipping): Protects from heat, adds subtle shine, reduces frizz (slightly!) and smells great. Use on wet/damp hair. You have to shake the bottle! If you can find it in stores, which is rare, it’s usually about $24. If you like OUAI, you’ll want to try this.

  • Anua brightening pads ($22/free shipping online): Great for discoloration and overall brightening thanks to TXA (tranexamic acid) and niacinamide. Video showing how to use ‘em here, but I think the newsletter link actually has a better price right now. Similar vibe to the Medik8 brightening pads, but way cheaper.

  • Anua hydrating pads ($22/free shipping online): Same packaging and delivery system as the brightening pads, but loaded with hydrating ingredients like PDRN and hyaluronic acid. Super soothing for dry skin and/or after sun exposure. Better quality and price than the Medicube version, IMO.

  • Cica Face Masks ($2 each/free shipping): Got these mostly as gifts for my friends and fam—they’re easy to pass out and ultra-hydrating. My teenage daughter loves these and they’re really soothing after a hot day if you put ‘em in the fridge for a bit first.

I got a few other fun things and put ‘em in this longform Youtube video if you’re interested.

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Other things you need to know about right now:

  • Nordstrom Rack is marking realllly good stuff down RN online: I found Madewell suede loafers and calf hair loafers for about $30 each. Splendid 100% cotton gauze pants for $35 and Joe’s Jeans in chic wide leg fits for around $30. These will likely sell out today/tomorrow, so if be quick if you have a popular size!

  • Bamboo sheet dhoupes! If you’re into Cozy Earth bamboo sheets, they’ve been duped very nicely for about $72 per set. Lots of colors. If you’re going for cooling (see last week’s newsletter!), I like cotton and linen better, but bamboo has a major fan club and I wanted to honor that.

  • If you live in/around NYC or just don’t have central AC (most NYC buildings don’t!), these window units are about 50% off right now, super quiet, and take up almost no interior space/window light bc they’re U-shaped. They’re currently the bestselling AC unit across most NYC zip codes so I felt like I’d share because it’s hot and steamy out there and I have access to the data (and sadly, the publishers I work with aren’t planning to share this one).

For the new subscribers, you may be looking for these links:

I keep newsletters open and free for the first month they’re published, but after about 4.5 weeks, they end up in the paid-access-only archives (this prevents bots and copycats from stealing my work, which, yes—has become a bit of an issue.)

Reminder: because I talk about bedding so much (and what’s actually worth spending on), the people at The Mattress Shop partnered with me to give everyone a free month of paid newsletter access. That means you can use it to go back in the archives/deep dive, or just enjoy what’s to come.

If you’re an OG subscriber, I already added a free month to your account last week <3

Get 30 day free trial

Let’s talk about silk, shall we? What to look for/how to care for, etc.

Nobody really discusses what’s worth buying and how all silk isn’t really created equal. And it’s one of the best natural fibers out there in terms of texture, longevity and temperature regulation—so you should know.

Washing silk requires a little finesse

You don’t have to be over the top with this, but no, I wouldn’t use your extra-heavy-duty Tide when washing silk.

You don’t have to use a detergent marketed specifically for silk, but you should use a detergent that’s gentle enough for protein fibers. Silk is made of natural protein (like wool), so harsh detergents can gradually damage the fibers, dull the sheen, and shorten the garment’s life.

Good choices

  • Detergents specifically labeled for silk and wool

  • Mild, enzyme-free liquid detergents

  • pH-neutral detergents

Some popular options include:

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]]><![CDATA[#57: Cooling bedding, sleep sales + a gift for you!]]>https://extragood.substack.com/p/57-cooling-bedding-sleep-sales-ahttps://extragood.substack.com/p/57-cooling-bedding-sleep-sales-aFri, 03 Jul 2026 15:18:59 GMTHappy July 4th weekend, friends—aside from the BBQs and beach days ahead, I have a little Extra Good news. Because I get so many bedding-related questions and the archives are typically locked to opt-ins only, I’m opening up a freebie for everyone who wants it. More on that below!

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Bedding/sleep info you need (including cooling gear!)

It’s a zillion degrees out there for most of us, so we’re going to start with cooling bedding you’ll feel a noticeable difference on (or under). And then I’m going to move on to other much-requested sleep products because the July 4 sales on all these items are significant and worth taking advantage of!

Cooling gear (tried and tested) that is WORTH your money:

As I mentioned in the video, anything listed as polyester/microfiber is definitely not worth your time, will leave you hot and sweaty and is simply a marketing gimmick. Stay away. These items are GOOD:

  • Best cooling mattress: BK Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress. Moderately priced, LOADS of cooling layers, free delivery/returns/sleep trial. Hybrid construction. More about this one in a short video here. Stays cool all night—GREAT if you’re fighting hormonal fluctuations and the HRT patch shortage is really messing with your sleep.

  • Best cotton/light wool blanket: Moon Australian Wool/Cotton Blanket. On sale under $85/free shipping. Most people don’t realize a thin layer of natural wool is one of the best temperature-regulating materials on the planet! It also resists bacteria and stink if you’re sweaty.

  • Best 100% cotton lightweight quilt: Brooklinen Wash Blanket. Currently marked down!

  • Best budget cotton-linen blend quilt: Walmart Cotton-Linen Quilt. One of the retailer’s best-kept secrets and looks/feels better than far more expensive brands. $70 for a queen size, lots of colors and 89% cotton with 11% linen. Good quality box stitching.

  • Tencel/silk combo blanket: Cuddle Dreams Blanket. Filled with natural silk, a temperature-regulating material that’s just as soft as it sounds, this one is a bit more expensive than the others, but worthwhile for a cool-to-the-touch Tencel cover and luxe fill. The cover is also machine washable/removeable. About $150 for a queen-size.

  • Best cooling pillow: BK Bedding Cooling Memory Foam. Currently on mega sale and worth WAY more than the $139-ish price tag (free shipping) if you compare it to other pillows on the market. Layers of cooling gel grids (rather than a flat design) wick heat away while sending back a cool-to-the-touch sensation. Choose your size and profile height.

  • Bonus ultra-affordable option: Amazon Cotton-Bamboo Muslin Blanket. Under $50 for most sizes and colors, 65% natural cotton and the rest is cooling bamboo. Bamboo isn’t my absolute fave because it’s heavily processed, but this one is a really good, budget-friendly option that feels cool and is easy to machine wash.

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Mattress toppers (all on sale and excellent!):

  • Best overall: Helix Premium Mattress Topper. It’s like the top slice of my personal fave mattress, the Helix Midnight Luxe, but at a very affordable price because it’s just the cooling and responsive foam portion (no encased coils, etc.). If you’re looking for an upgrade without investing in a whole new mattress, this is a great start.

  • Best down-alternative topper style: Waldorf Astoria Topper Dhoupe. Under $80/queen, less supportive than other options on the list but genuinely feels like a cloud. Designed to mimic the exact experience of sleeping on the WA beds (which have nearly identical toppers).

  • Best organic: Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper. Organic cotton and organic latex (the good stuff, not synthetic!) make this a great option if you’ve been eyeing a Talalay latex bed but haven’t been ready to plunk down the cash. Feels like being hugged by the bed and is very supportive. Adds two inches to the bed so choose your sheets accordingly! Pricier than the others but worth it for the GreenGuard Gold certified, free shipping.

  • Best for back pain: Helix ErgoAlign Mattress Topper. If you saw my whole video on the best mattress for back pain in 2026 but weren’t quite ready to take the plunge on a whole new bed, this topper offers some of the best benefits with a lower commitment level (and you know I think the brand is excellent overall). Loaded with added pressure point support, lumbar support, clever straps that keep it in place and a cooling cover. Again, adds inches to the bed—plan your sheets wisely!

Pillows:

  • Best natural down/feather value: Pacific Coast Down 3-Chamber. Generally speaking, multiple chambers are necessary for a good-quality down pillow to prevent product shifting. This is the same pillow model most of the big luxury hotels are using (inside the US) and an overall excellent value if you like natural fill. Not cooling, but great for year-round use.

  • Best budget-friendly: Beckham Down Alternative. At about $30 each, these are an excellent value if you want a hypoallergenic pillow that’s easy to maintain and wash. Also nearly identical to the one Marriott uses in US hotel rooms.

  • Best Memory Foam: Bear Pillow. It’s definitely not the only memory foam pillow on the market, but there are SO many types of foam on the market and this one happens to be made of a higher quality latex than you’d typically find at most stores (or online). Also has added ventilation channels and a cooling cover.

  • Best cooling: Brooklyn Bedding Cooling Memory Foam Pillow. We covered this one at the top of the newsletter <3

  • Best adjustable: Helix ComfortAdjust Pillow: Choose your height and choose your fill for a customizable sleep setup that suits your head and neck perfectly. Excellent quality memory foam that contours perfectly to your head and spine. Cooling cover so every side is the cold side.

Sheets you may love (I do!):

  • Birch Organic Cotton Sheets. It’s hard to find 100% organic cotton sets under $200, but here we are. Soft feel, easy to maintain and very breathable.

  • CDD Egyptian Cotton Sheets ($76/queen with free shipping). Extra long staple cotton, lots of colors available. Budget price for nice quality that’s designed to last for years.

  • Brooklinen Crisp Percale ($127 bundles/free shipping). Currently on sale, loads of colors and prints and 100% cotton percale-weave fibers. Great airflow, crisp feel and easy to maintain. If you don’t want the percale feel, the slightly thicker sateen has a place in my heart and is also on sale.

  • Quince Linen ($144 bundles/free shipping): 100% European flax linen, soft-washed texture, loads of colors and prints and a very close approach to Cultiver that’s twice the price. And linen is downright delightful in summer heat.

  • CoolShift Sheets ($137/free shipping): 100% Tencel-derived (a fabric made of plant pulp that has cooling properties and a silky texture). If you’re already considering a Helix mattress or topper, adding these into the mix is easy-peasy and they rival some of the much more expensive Tencel options on the market (ahem, Shmottery Schmarn and Schmest Shmelm).

Some entertaining stuff to get you through the weekend:

Not mine, just made me smile <3

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For the new subscribers, you may be looking for these links:

I keep newsletters open and free for the first month they’re published, but after about 4.5 weeks, they end up in the paid-access-only archives (this prevents bots and copycats from stealing my work, which, yes—has become a bit of an issue… bleh).

But because I talk about bedding so much (and what’s actually worth spending on), the people at The Mattress Shop partnered with me to give everyone a free month of paid newsletter access. That means you can use it to go back in the archives/deep dive, or just enjoy what’s to come.

If you’re already a paid member, I’ll extend a free month to you comped as well—watch your account for that to hit later today!

Get 30 day free trial

It would mean the world to me if you hit the “restack” button, though <3

Other important info:

The good stuff you requested!

I’ll turn these into videos this week with even more details, but I know everyone got excited about the money-savers (and semi-secrets) at J.Crew, Madewell, etc. So let’s give you some more!

  • Patagonia: Also offers a great trade-in program. Trade in old Patagonia gear (even stuff you thrifted!) for store credits ranging anywhere from $5 to about $50. Also offers free repairs, so you can score a cute Patagonia jacket on eBay super cheap because it has a broken zipper and then bring it into the store. They’ll fix it for you! They won’t fix fabric tears though, so please read the list of what they’re willing to cover.

  • Coach: All Coach leather items are eligible for free cleaning and polishing in store. It doesn’t matter if you purchased the item 10 years ago or got it as a hand-me-down from Grandma. You don’t need a receipt. Just bring it in (and yes, it must be authentic). Works on bags, belts, jackets, wallets, etc.

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]]><![CDATA[#56: The Beauty Industry's Big Secret]]>https://extragood.substack.com/p/56-the-beauty-industrys-big-secrethttps://extragood.substack.com/p/56-the-beauty-industrys-big-secretFri, 26 Jun 2026 15:18:09 GMTI’m really hoping this newsletter saves you a ton of cash over the course of your lifetime—because the information is rich, deep and sort of wild.

You’re overspending on sunscreen

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This is one of the American beauty industry’s best-guarded secrets, and there are obviously exceptions to the rule… but not many.

Because SPF is considered a drug in both the US and Canadian markets, very few manufacturing facilities exist to produce these items.

Most beauty companies simply go to one of really only a few manufacturers (mostly Empack) and choose from a pre-existing catalog of ingredients, fragrances and finishes. Even the bottles are often exactly the same (except colors and design, of course) because the factory equipment is pre-set to handle and fill very specific dimensions.

So which affordable sunscreens ARE worth every penny?

Glad you asked, I’m going to give you a bunch of options that are genuinely excellent and very, very cheap. A lot are also on sale right now for Prime Day, so scoop ‘em up while they’re cheaper than usual.

In no particular order!

  • BB Sheer Sensitive SPF 50 Body Spray ($6.64 on sale): If you can’t find the Trader Joe’s spray I mentioned in this YouTube video, this is a good option that ships right to your door for about the same price. Excellent formula!

  • Neutrogena Ultra Sheer 45 (under $7/bottle): Truly sheer, layers well with makeup, travel-friendly, absorbs quickly.

  • Skin 1004 Centalla SPF 50 (about $13 on sale rn): Korean formula, goes on like butter, absorbs quickly, excellent for layering makeup over, no white cast at all. Added centella for dry skin/bonus moisture. Glowy/dewy effect.

  • Biore Aqua Rich SPF 50 (under $15): SO GOOD I AM SCREAMING. I talk about this one all the damn time and wear it on repeat. Japanese formula, no white cast, layers with ease, leaves skin plump and dewy. There’s also a slightly shimmery version that’s GORJ and a couple of bucks more here. Most people have no idea this one exists. I wish they’d sponsor me already bc I won’t stop yapping about my love for it.

  • Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF 50 Stick ($10 on sale): Mineral formula, easily packed in a carry-on or purse (no liquids!), deodorant-like dispensing and magically almost no white cast at all. Pretty much all the boutique beauty brands with SPF sticks are copying this at 3-4x the price. Good for sensitive skin!

  • Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch SPF 30 ($5.69 on sale—cheapest on the list): Lighter sun protection, but a great, hydrating formula with a pleasing mango scent. No white cast, small amout of shimmer (you know which brands are repackaging this for over $30!), and water-resistant up to 80 mins. Also available in higher SPFs. If you like a little shimmer, load your cart up with this while it’s on Prime Day sale!

  • Coco & Eve SPF 45 Tan Boosting Body Oil ($36 but truly an unusual formula): The only body oil that made the list because it’s SPF 45 but also has a tan-boosting peptide that encourages skin to darken while still getting full-spectrum skin protection. FYI, you need to use it generously to work and get enough protection!

  • LRP Anthelios SPF 60 Clear Skin (about $20 on sale rn): A great formula if you’re breakout-prone thanks to a dry feeling and matte finish. It’s also oil-free (a rarity in the sunscreen world!) and works to absorb the existing oil on your face. Neat, eh? Not the cheapest on the list, but the cheapest in its category for what it does.

  • Hawaiian Tropic Brush SPF 30 Powder ($12ish with clippable coupon): I looooove this stuff for hair parts and reapplying SPF after you’ve already got makeup on. Fits nicely in your purse, and yes, the expensive one at Sephora is a direct rip-off.

  • Purito Sun Day SPF 50 Face Sunscreen ($11 on major sale rn!): This Korean option is delightful, but I normally don’t love the idea of a sunscreen over $20… but hello, Prime Day is still going, and it’s currently 49% off. No white cast, no oils, safe for sensitive and acne-prone skin and has a very smooth texture. Travel-friendly.

  • CeraVe Invisible Mineral Sunscreen (under $14 on sale w/clippable coupon): I did a whole YouTube video on this, but CeraVe and Kiehl’s are both owned by L’Oreal.

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Btw, if you’re more of a YouTube type, I did a full in-depth explainer with suggestions here.

Other important things:

  • De-influencing you! If you’re thinking about buying an AWAY suitcase while it’s on Prime Day sale, please consider the dhoupe. It’s EXACT (even the color offerings) and about half the price. I have the dupe in bright blue, travel with it often, and have compared it with the AWAY piece I purchased a few years ago. They’re indistinguishable. Video with images of both here.

  • A while back, I told everyone about how cadaver fat (yes, dehd people) was being used in plastic surgery settings to fill in everything from ass dimples to aging, leathery hands (and yeah, boobs). And people in New York are desperate to get it, but the laws make it difficult. So there’s now a totally wild smuggling situation going on through the borders. A post-mortem fat mafia situation, if you will. More on that in the end of today’s newsletter, because GASP.

  • I’ve had LOADS of questions roll in about the facial grafting procedure I did in New York two weeks ago, and TikTok keeps banning my videos (which is wild bc to me, but whatever). Also, to be clear, this is my own very-much-alive fat. No smuggling rings were involved. You can see the full procedure with all the details here (zoom ahead to minute 2).

  • The SPANX bathing suit I mentioned in this morning’s Tiktok video is here. Mild-to-medium smoothing and sucking in. Wearing on repeat. Swapping on/off with this Kitty & Vibe swimsuit that is also super flattering! (Harbor stripes color)

  • Alsoooo… last week I dropped some fairly wild rich girl secrets that are floating around NYC right now. Do we need some follow-ups? Perfumes everyone’s wearing? Makeup? Shoes? Didn’t realize we’d all love that content so much. I’ll start out small with this divine-smelling Cyklar body lotion being a big deal rn and this scented body oil. Prices are not insane, packaging is minimal and quality is high-end. Also found the body oil discounted slightly for PD here (not the lotion though, boo). And everyone’s wearing this organic cotton underwear brand (also not expensive, just niche!) right now. I’ll dig into that next week!

Entertaining things to get you through the weekend:

(Not my stuff, just things that made me smile!)

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For the new subscribers, you may be looking for these links:

I keep newsletters open and free for the first month they’re published, but after about 4.5 weeks, they end up in the paid-access-only archives (this prevents bots and copycats from stealing my work, which, yes—has become a bit of an issue… bleh).

And because I know so many of you have been so generous, I give a bit of extra access from time to time with bonus content. (Next week I’ll send a newsletter with a little gift!)

It would mean the world to me if you hit the “restack” button, though <3

Fat smuggling ring + vintage bags are in, new expensive bags are dead

According to court filings, New York state alleges that the manufacturer of Alloeclae (the cadaver fat plastic surgeons are currently obsessed with for everything from boobs to butts), Tiger Medical Holdings, knowingly bypassed state regulations after being denied permission to distribute within New York.

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]]><![CDATA[#55: What's actually worth buying on Prime Day]]>https://extragood.substack.com/p/55-whats-actually-worth-buying-onhttps://extragood.substack.com/p/55-whats-actually-worth-buying-onTue, 23 Jun 2026 15:19:32 GMTAs promised, your bonus newsletter for this week—and hopefully it’ll save you lots of cash today. Scroll down for things I found under $5 as well!

Some things to note: this is NOT the best sales week for furniture, generic fashion (name brands are discounted now—the cheapie stuff is hardly on sale), and most books. Televisions and major electronics are a…

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]]><![CDATA[#54: Laundry secrets, cheaper alternatives galore + more]]>https://extragood.substack.com/p/54-laundry-secrets-dupes-galore-morehttps://extragood.substack.com/p/54-laundry-secrets-dupes-galore-moreFri, 19 Jun 2026 20:51:41 GMTI’m getting right into the good stuff today because I have two newsletters for you next week (saving you a ton of cash on the good stuff), so we’re getting into popular requests.

And don’t worry—I’ll do a whole lineup for Prime Day shopping (what’s worth it and what you should pass on) in time for the big event.

Stiff laundry/fading colors?

I know I’ve covered laundry whitening and brightening at length in the past (will recap briefly below), but I got a question from someone about their fabrics never rinsing well. And there are two main culprits I expect.

First, the machine itself may need a good cleaning. This is a five-minute project (tops!).

  • Empty/rinse the machine trap drawer (every 2 weeks, takes just a couple of minutes). These little drawers overfill and trap all sorts of junk faster than most people realize, and when they do, they tend to push gunk back into the main basin.

  • You may have hard water. More people have hard water than they realize, and mineral build-up leaves fabrics feeling stiff and unclean while also fading colors quicker than ever. If your black tees turn to a sort of fuzzy gray-black after a few washes, this is likely one of the issues.

Solving hard water in your laundry system:

  • Get an entire house water softener (expensive, a few thousand dollars and requires experts to install)

or

  • Switch detergents (and use a bit less than you think you need).

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Best detergents for hard water (in my opinion, and no, I have not been sponsored by these brands)

  • This ‘Hard Rock’ detergent that is unscented. It’s difficult to find unscented options in the mineral-fighting detergent space, and this one ticks all the right boxes. Built and designed specifically for hard water with the most intense anti-binding agents. Rinses clear and clean!

  • This specific Tide powder. Higher alkalinity than other detergents on the market, lots of anti-binding agents and added enzymes. Widely available at bulk retailers like Sam’s Club as well!

  • Charlie’s for sensitive skin. Less anti-binding agents than the first two, but a good choice for those with sensitive skin thanks to a clean-rinsing, low-residue formula.

Another good thing to have on hand:

Alternatives you should definitely know about right now:

Not related to laundry, just the other goodies you know I love to share!

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Other important things:

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For the new subscribers, you may be looking for these links:

I keep newsletters open and free for the first month they’re published, but after about 4.5 weeks, they end up in the paid-access-only archives (this prevents bots and copycats from stealing my work, which, yes—has become a bit of an issue… bleh).

And because I know so many of you have been so generous, I give a bit of extra access from time to time with bonus content.

It would mean the world to me if you hit the “restack” button, though <3

Let’s talk about cooling mattress toppers

This topic has come up SO many times and the weather is finally demanding cooling options, so let’s discuss. Let’s start with the basics.

Most “cooling” mattress toppers do not actually cool you. They either help heat escape, reduce heat buildup or wick away moisture. The best ones do this passively through materials rather than gimmicks—and that has a value. They do make you feel a bit cooler throughout the night.

What to Look For

The most affordable options are at the end, so feel free to skip ahead if that’s what you’re looking for.

1. Latex (often the best overall choice, specifically talalay)

Why it’s good:

  • Naturally breathable with an open-cell structure

  • Doesn’t trap heat like memory foam

  • Durable (often lasts 8–15 years)

  • Doesn’t develop deep body impressions easily

Best for:

  • Hot sleepers

  • Combination sleepers

  • People who want pressure relief without the “stuck” feeling

I like Talalay better than Dunlop for cooling and temperature regulation, so please keep that in mind if you’re looking in stores at latex options. If you missed my mattress newsletter that explained the types of latex foams and why they’re good, here’s a refresher.

My recommendations:

This GOLS-certified organic talalay latex topper (under $200/queen) or this Adagio topper ($549/queen) which is honestly GREAT but may just be worth it to invest in a new mattress if you’re spending that much. My overall choice for a temperature-regulating mattress is this Helix model

.

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]]><![CDATA[#53: Doen style, but better/less expensive? + MUCH more]]>https://extragood.substack.com/p/53-doen-style-but-betterless-expensivehttps://extragood.substack.com/p/53-doen-style-but-betterless-expensiveFri, 12 Jun 2026 16:13:08 GMTI promised everyone a few weeks ago in the Reformation dhoopes newsletter that we’d cover Doen, because honestly, the line is gorgeous. The prices and fits don’t suit everyone, though, which is why I’m giving you this little cheat sheet.

My fave Doen lookalikes (and why they may be better):

  • Old Navy (as promised, and the prices are SO good). Again, not every style at ON! Don’t run in there and scoop everything up assuming it’s all 100% cotton Doen vibes. These pieces are excellent though. 100% cotton gauze flutter sleeve dress ($9.99, loads of colors and sizes), linen blend halter top ($30), fit & flare linen blend midi ($35, consider sizing down).

  • Walmart is directly copying Doen styles in 100% cotton!!! I know, I know. Not every Walmart style is as excellent, but these particular SKUs are winners: Eyelet buttondown shirt ($18), ruffle chambray sleeveless ($26), midi cotton racerback dress ($36). Holy moly, the dress is GOOD, but you may need to size down in all these pieces because Walmart’s sizing scale is roomier than Doen’s.

  • This Splendid Puff top is a direct riff on the Doen broderie pieces that start at about $300. This one, even at full price, is over 60% less, more versatile and gorgeous. (Make sure you use the extra 15% off code that pops up on the site for a steeper discount). And not that anyone asked, but I just think this brand is reliably wonderful in terms of styles and quality.

  • Amazon has one seller who dhoupes almost allllll the dresses in 100% cotton. The colors are not the same, though, which is why I put this lower on the list, and the cotton quality isn’t quite on par. Still REALLY good if you want natural fibers and are there for the styles vs. quality. This cotton maxi dress is $36 and this sheer cotton one is $37 (gorgeous beach cover!!!!).

  • Paige has noticeable DOEN vibes in some of their recent tops, and maybe better quality. I LOVE this brand’s denim (I wear these on repeat, light wash size 28—tiny amount of stretch just to hug curves), and the Pasadena blouse is a not-cheap-but-far-better quality take on some Doen styles.

  • Quince makes these high-waist European linen shorts ($32) that are EXCELLENT and washable silk pants ($90). The pants are a little delicate for my lifestyle, but you can see how much I love the shorts here.

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Things you need to know about right now:

  • I posted a loooong guide to excellent brand-name beauty dhoupes you can find at Trader Joe’s on YouTube. If you have a TJ’s near you, these are all worth exploring. Also, the vitamin C serum is a slightly weaker version of the Skinceuticals, but if you want the full-strength dhoupe—it’s about $36 on Amazon here. (20% vs the TJ 15%) …before anyone asks, no, TJ’s didn’t sponsor me and they even yelled at me for filming in the store.

  • The sulfur ointment I mentioned in this video is currently $2 for travel sizes! It’s a no-frills, really-works pimple solution that I swear by for my teenagers. Heads up though, it does stink for the first few mins of using it. The store also has loads of other great prices on supplements, etc. (I take these Omega-3 fish oil capsules from them as well, $12/bottle and no weird burps bc they’re tilapia-based).

  • Some exciting news that the US finally approved a new sunscreen filter (it’s been ages since that’s happened), so we’ll be able to get more Asian sunscreens on the market here and the US brands will be able to compete with the really good Korean and Japanese brands. FDA announcement here. Expect sunsreen prices to come down a bit. Really good formulas will be accessible under $20 now because the market will have loads of options available.

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For the new subscribers, you may be looking for these links:

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I keep newsletters open and free for the first month they’re published, but after about 4.5 weeks, they end up in the paid-access-only archives (this prevents bots and copycats from stealing my work, which has become a bit of an issue… bleh).

Facial fat grafting deets & info on cooling sheets

Well, Tiktok suppressed/refused to distribute the video on my facial fat grafting procedure (I didn’t even show anything too wild, the word “fat” is apparently enough to get you in trouble there, which is wild because I’m preserving my fat… not suggesting anyone lose theirs. I am very pro-fat cells!).

So, I uploaded a very extensive and detailed video of the procedure to YouTube here instead and a slightly less-intense/shorter version to Instagram here. Thank goodness those are still visible.

Why did I do it? What’s the point?

Fillers/sculptra/radiesse, etc. need to be repeated every couple of years or so, and each syringe is well over $1,000 depending on who you go to. And for hollowed temples, you could easily spend $3,500 for a single session and be back a few months and thousands later for touch-ups.

And for a lot of people it looks unnatural, is a foreign substance—and just gets time-consuming and expensive. That’s the camp I’m in. I already have the natural resources and it’s a bit more expensive upfront (not dramatically), but lasts indefinitely.

Btw, I went to Dr. Jaime Bernstein in New York. She’s a delight of a human, no-BS and will tell you what’s realistic and achievable for your face. She won’t upsell you (she even refused Sculptra for me, bc that’s what I initially asked for).

And faces are her specialty… deep planes, facial balancing, neck lifts… all that. She’s not the queen of b00bs or butts, so don’t waltz in asking for a BBL.

How long??? How expensive? Does all the fat survive?

Let’s do this math, and I’m glad you asked… because you’re right to wonder.

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]]><![CDATA[#52: The Linen & Cotton Bedding Issue (plus more)]]>https://extragood.substack.com/p/52-the-linen-and-cotton-bedding-issuehttps://extragood.substack.com/p/52-the-linen-and-cotton-bedding-issueFri, 05 Jun 2026 15:26:30 GMTProb one of my fave newsletters to write in a while—a love song dedicated to natural fibers and sleep, because honestly, the idea of sleeping on synthetics is a nightmare.

If you’ve been here for a while, you may already know some of the cotton info, so I’ll start with linen :)

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Linen 101

If you’ve never slept on linen sheets before, know that the fiber is extraordinarily breathable, temperature-regulating, sturdy if done right and softens with repeated use. But every brand and store seems to be marketing products as “linen” and “linen-like” even if they’re cheap blends or downright synthetics. So let’s get into what makes good linen… great.

Both sheets and clothing live by similar ideas here, with the important factors being (more in the video):

  • Fiber origin

  • GSM

  • Texture finish

  • and certifications like OEKO-Tex, etc.

High quality linen bedding at a variety of price points:

  • Sferra (): Belgian linen with Italian finishing; this is the high-end bedding you consider an investment if you’ve got the highest standards and a budget to match. Not necessary IMO, but if you demand the best, this is it.

  • Cultiver ($$$): Clearly listed GSM, flax origins, loads of colors available and feeling that softens with every sleep and wash. Expensive sets in the $500 range.

  • Quince ($$): Excellent overall value on specific items (I wouldn’t go for all of them, but some are really well done at affordable price points). Mid-level GSM, 100% European flax.

  • Amazon brands ($): Under $100, lower GSM and overall durability, but excellent breathability and color selection. A good entry-level starting point, but please see the video for notes on stitching (for this price point you’re not getting Italian-level stitching, sorry).

Cotton bedding (sateen & percale):

I love, love, loooooove cotton bedding with more passion than I can express. When it’s done right with extra long staple cotton? Psssh. Heaven! Some cotton bedding education/what to look for:

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Sateen:

Watch this cotton explainer first if you have a minute…

Percale:

I’ll do a whole video on what to look for in percale bedding soon, but I don’t want to leave you hanging because it’s hot out and the feeling of crisp, cool percale is downright delightful.

  • Brooklinen Washed Percale (under $300/full set): Crisper than a Diet Coke on a hot afternoon. Washes and wears well. Fabric is 9.5 out of 10 for me, stitching is done in Portugal (8.5 out of 10 for me). I sleep on these routinely and don’t feel like leaving the bed.

Lightweight quilts:

I’m going to do a whole video on what to look for in summer quilts, but I know a bunch of people requested good affordable cotton options… so here we go as a starting point :)

And cooling bedding will come soon too!

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Info you need right now:

For the new subscribers, you may be looking for these links:

I keep newsletters open and free for the first month they’re published, but after about 4.5 weeks, they end up in the paid-access-only archives (this prevents bots and copycats from stealing my work, which has become a bit of an issue… bleh).

Is Sculptra…in the past?

Before I get into this stuff more deeply, know that I’m sharing it because my recent posts got loads of views—so I know it’s a topic plenty of people are curious about. I am NOT in any way/shape/form advocating for any of the things I am sharing below though.

Just giving you some info about what’s out there, what I’m doing next week and what I think is a total crock of crap/waste of cash. Obvi chat with your doctor about this stuff though.

So let’s answer some questions about it. But don’t worry, I’ll film how it’s done/my results/healing next week.

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]]><![CDATA[#51: Major home & beauty product secrets (shhh!)]]>https://extragood.substack.com/p/51-major-home-and-beauty-producthttps://extragood.substack.com/p/51-major-home-and-beauty-productFri, 29 May 2026 15:18:53 GMTWow, so many of you were excited by that cookware dhoope post…I didn’t expect pots and pans to be such a hit, but I guess it’s a universally appealing topic (everyone’s gotta eat)!

So let’s get into a much bigger list of home essential dhoopes that are genuinely EXCELLENT.

Kitchen, home & decor item aLTeRnaTiVes, lookalikes & better…

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  • Organic European linen sheets for $144/bundle that rival Cultiver (you cannot feel or detect any difference except colors/prints, and Cultiver is $480+)

  • Bear Hybrid mattress ($800ish for a queen, free shipping) is an excellent functional construction dhoupe for the Casper Hybrid, which is about 60% more expensive. I talked about mattresses a lot in prior newsletters, so it’s worth digging through the last few from #48 and on to get loads of info.

  • Cuisinart mixing bowls w/lids ($52/set) are a direct dhoupypoo for the $90ish Le Creuset set.

  • This 650 GSM LE towel set made with SUPIMA COTTON! You need to see this video to understand why these are so great and easily rival Restoration Hardware, etc. Also on sale right now for under $85/free shipping for the bundle. I’ve spoken about these endlessly. Please also reference Newsletter #42 for a towel deep dive that’ll save you wads of cash.

  • Lodge enameled Dutch oven (under $70) is an EXCELLENT functional djoupe to the Le Creuset version ($400ish). I do love the LC pieces and colors, but not everyone wants to drop that on cookware. I covered this one a lot when I contributed to Taste of Home.

  • H&M linen curtains are flat-out Pottery Barn Belgian Flax Curtain dhoupes. Do we want more window dressing dhoupes? I’ve got oodles.

  • This Ninja blender ($129) is genuinely BETTER than the $500 Vitamix it was designed to copy.

  • These cheap velvet hangers ($18 for 50, free shipping!) are a better option if you don’t want to spend Container Store Slimline cash.

  • Couldn’t find ‘em online, so you’ll need to go into the store, but select Kirkland chef’s knives at Costco are PERFECT examples of Wusthof construction and quality.

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Unsexy, super cheap beauty products nobody talks about

These are loaded with high concentrations of ingredients that really work, but the packaging is meh and the marketing just isn’t sexy. You should know about ‘em anyway (and just holler if you want follow-ups with how to use ‘em).

I also did a longer video on YouTube if you want to see that, but anyway, here’s a good list:

Some entertaining stuff to get you through the weekend <3

Not my stuff, just things worthy of reposting!

For the new subscribers, you may be looking for these links:

I keep newsletters open and free for the first month they’re published, but after about 4.5 weeks, they end up in the paid-access-only archives (this prevents bots and copycats from stealing my work, which has become a bit of an issue… bleh).

Reminder: OLAY paid for everyone’s upgraded subscription through May, so you’re able to go back into the archives with ease <3

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The fuller IKEA list + why Asian sunscreens really are better

First, I want you to know that, as much as I love IKEA, not every product in the store holds up to more prestigious brands. If anything, it’s a hit-or-miss situation, but when it hits… it really hits.

And I want to tell you about more of the excellent quality items there. You can find these online, but it may also be fun for you to head into the store to touch/see/feel some of these in person to get a better idea of the quality.

Btw, IKEA didn’t reach out to me. This IS NOT sponsored. Just years of research!

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]]><![CDATA[#50: Shoe dhoupes, MDW sales + bedding secrets]]>https://extragood.substack.com/p/50-shoe-dupes-mdw-sales-bedding-secretshttps://extragood.substack.com/p/50-shoe-dupes-mdw-sales-bedding-secretsFri, 22 May 2026 15:18:53 GMTI hope you’re reading this at the beach with a frosty drink in your hand. Let’s get into some dopamine, shall we?

And if you want a follow-up on Sunday/Monday with a really long list of the best MDW sales (appliances, clothes, beauty, etc.), just let me know in the comments or use the “reply” button to send me an email with your requests.

High-end shoe dhoops nobody’s talking about (so I am)

Shoe dhoopes worth exploring (several are on sale rn):

Should we do bags next week? I feel like we should.

Just to be super clear: the styles, silhouettes, colors and materials are the dhoop factors here. You’ll obviously have a very different customer experience at Hermes vs Steve Madden, and there’s little resale value on the latter if that matters to you. There are also subtle differences in things like stitching, but if your goals are to wear leather pieces with a distinctly designer style, these are good.

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Sales worth shopping right now (it’s MDW!)

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Before you buy any mattress! Safety/skin issues:

I posted a couple videos recently about the risks of some of the very expensive mattresses out there as well as some of the best budget-friendly mattresses that are fiberglass-free.

And then the questions came flooding in about other concerns with mattresses. These should all be checkpoints on any new bed you buy (it doesn’t matter if it’s a cheapie or a top-of-the-line model).

Make sure your new mattress is:

  • Fiberglass-free. More on that at the bottom of the newsletter, but most people have no idea many of the cheapie bed-in-a-box brands often use fiberglass coatings and/or encasements to skirt US fire safety regulations on the cheap.

  • CertiPUR-US and/or OEKO-Tex certified. These verify that the foam and fabrics have been tested for harmful chemicals, heavy metals, VOC emissions and other potentially irritating substances linked to indoor air quality and skin exposure.

  • No poly foam or minimal. It’s not the same as latex, memory foam or a high quality cooling gel. You’ll sweat like a beast, but companies often use it because it’s super cheap to make.

  • Mold resistant. More on that later.

Affordable mattresses can be great! Just shop carefully.

Here are some under $1,000 I personally like (some are WAY cheaper than that).

Some entertaining stuff for your enjoyment <3

And a couple others just for your info:

For the new subscribers, you may be looking for these links:

I keep newsletters open and free for the first month they’re published, but after about 4.5 weeks, they end up in the paid-access-only archives (this prevents bots and copycats from stealing my work, which has become a bit of an issue… bleh).

Reminder: OLAY paid for everyone’s upgraded subscription through May, so you’re able to go back into the archives with ease <3

Get 30 day free trial

And because I know so many of you have been so generous, I give a bit of extra access from time to time with bonus content.

Some cheap mattresses use fiberglass top layers. Why? And what should you look for?

Plus some laundry intel at the end

A lot of cheap mattresses made over the last decade used fiberglass as a fire barrier layer because it’s extremely cheap and helps manufacturers meet U.S. flammability regulations without using chemical flame retardants. Pretty sneaky, right?

And maybe we should all be used to companies cuttng corners by now. The fiberglass is usually woven into an inner “sock” or sleeve underneath the mattress cover, and in many cases it’s technically safe if the cover is never removed or damaged.

The problem is one nobody warns you about

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]]><![CDATA[#48: Mattress info nobody talks about, skin secrets, & a freebie <3]]>https://extragood.substack.com/p/48-mattress-info-nobody-talks-abouthttps://extragood.substack.com/p/48-mattress-info-nobody-talks-aboutFri, 08 May 2026 15:26:23 GMTStrap in—there’s a lot to discuss today with in-depth explanations to serve you well this month (and it’s one of my most-requested topics). Save the email, because even if you can’t use it now, you’ll probably want/need the info at some point.

Let’s discuss what makes a mattress good (or not)

If you haven’t already seen this video explaining the differences between innerspring, foam and hybrid mattresses—I’d give it a quick watch.

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There’s a lot of nonsense marketing hype out there and I want to break down what’s actually worth investing in and where you should save your money.

What NOT to buy (in my opinion):

  • Coiled mattresses without encasements. Cheap springs transfer motion, wear down quickly and for a lot of people, cause back pain. Even if there’s a sale, you don’t want one of these.

  • Super thick pillowtops. Ultra plush tops compress faster than other types of beds on the market and leave body impressions/indentations within the first couple of years. These usually have shorter lifespans than other types on the market and finding sheets might be a pain in the tush.

  • “Organic” mattresses without reliable certifications. More on that below. I hate marketing BS that leaves people in crummy positions.

  • Ultra-cheap “foam” mattresses without clear delineation. Poly foam is one of the worst. Stick to quality memory or latex, more on that below. Very often, junky mattresses are under $200 and marketed as “firm foam” or “supportive foam” rather than a clear call-out.

Also included some love for the Canadian subs below! <3

Mattresses worth buying (grouped by type and budget)

This list comes from years of research for major publications, including Reader’s Digest, Today’s Parent, NBC and MSL. It doesn’t mean there aren’t other good options out there—these are just the ones I’ve had the chance to experience, test thoroughly and vet in advance. It also means I think they’re worth the prices they’re asking.

If you have the chance to experience/feel any of these in a store or showroom, I think that’s a good idea. A mattress is a major investment and should last you MANY years!

Please note that May is when mattresses are typically offered at the best prices of the year other than Black Friday/Cyber Monday. There are also some decent deals around the first week of March, Labor Day weekend and Prime Days—but May/November are the best times of year for the steepest discounts.

Best hybrid mattresses (my personal fave)

The best hybrids balance sturdy pocket coils with enough foam or latex on top for pressure relief without making you sink too deeply. Coil quality is what separates a luxury-feeling hybrid from a mediocre one.

  • Best overall—Helix Midnight Luxe (currently on sale from about $1800): Basically the luxury hotel bed version of a modern hybrid mattress, thanks to a pressure-relieving top with supportive zoned pocket coils in the lower portion and reinforced lumbar support. I personally own one of these and love it. Free delivery/set-up, 120-night sleep trial, free returns, and oodles of other benefits.

  • Best budget—Nectar Premier Hybrid (from about $800): A great value for good quality foam, pocketed coils and a 365-night sleep trial. Shipping is free, but if you want them to bring it directly into your bedroom/unpack it and set it up, they charge $29.99. The brand claims a “forever warranty” although I’m not sure how I feel about that terminology. Good back and pressure point support, though.

  • Best luxury—Saatva Latex Cooling (currently on sale from about $2200): Combines certified organic cotton, responsive organic latex foam (excellent temperature regulation!) and top-quality pocketed coils, making this one an excellent overall choice if you have the budget. Choose your firmness, enjoy white-glove delivery (they’ll even haul away your old bed!), a 365-night sleep trial and the comfort of knowing this bed should EASILY last a decade without worry.

Best foam mattresses

Higher-density foams generally last longer and resist sagging better. Look for cooling features only if they’re backed by genuinely breathable materials, not just marketing buzzwords.

  • Best overall—Bear Pro Foam (currently on sale from about $900): Three responsive foam layers, a 120-night sleep trial, reasonable pricing and a plush, quilted cover make this bed a good bet. I love the reinforced edges, lifetime warranty, Certi-PUR US and GreenGuard Gold certifications, and excellent temperature regulation. Fast, free shipping. In-home setup w/ removal of your old mattress is available (shipping only takes 2-3 days if you’re in a popular metro).

  • Best budget—Zinus Green Tea Gel (on sale from about $300): If you’re working with a tight budget, this is a good pick thanks to good quality foam sandwiching and an added injection of cooling gel. Despite the rumors on Tiktok, this bed has NO FIBERGLASS. But the lower price means you sacrifice things like a sleep trial, thoug. Honestly, I would expect about four to six years of life from this one if you’re using it every night (not the 10-20 years of a pricier hybrid, for example). I have two of these in my guest bedroom and everyone says they feel much more expensive. I wish the edge support was a bit better, though. Free shipping, lots of sizes and heights. Excellent overall value for the price.

  • Best luxury—Saatva Contour (from about $2600): It’s not cheap, but this foam feels like the good stuff from the minute you touch it (and OMG it’s worth it). It’s also incredibly efficient at temperature regulation (you won’t end up a sweaty mess, and I love that for us as a society). Body-hugging feel and pressure relief with 3” of ultra-premium, high-density 5 lb memory foam, top-notch motion isolation for couples and SUCH good lumbar support. One of the best white-glove delivery services on the market, they’ll haul away your old bed for free and a 365-night sleep trial with easy returns. No smells or off-gassing.

Best innerspring mattresses

Look for individually pocketed coils, strong edge support and higher coil counts with tempered steel for durability and less motion transfer. A good comfort layer on top matters just as much as the springs themselves.

  • Best overall—BeautyRest Black (currently on sale from about $1600): I say best overall even though it’s fairly comparable to the luxury Saatva version below because the price is slightly better and it’s the go-to choice for several high-end American hotel chains. A lot of the big hotels also white-label this bed and sell it to you for twice the price with a different color exterior. Also available via Amazon if you have a gift card you’re trying to use up! Certi-PUR US certified, 100-night sleep trial and 10-year warranty. Saatva has better perks/delivery, but the price difference may be the clincher if that stuff doesn’t matter to you.

  • Best luxury—Saatva Classic (currently on sale from about $1800): Easily one of America’s best encased-coil beds, this one also comes with a three-inch plush Euro pillowtop that gives it a hotel-like experience. Free delivery and setup, a 365-night sleep trial and extended warranty are some of the perks. The Bonnell coil support system is top-notch, btw.

Best latex-based mattresses

Natural latex tends to be cooler, more durable, and more responsive than memory foam. Look for Dunlop or Talalay latex with transparency about how much real latex is actually inside.

  • Best overall—Avocado Organic Latex (currently on sale from about $2900): This spring-free cloud offers three inches of GOLS-certified organic Dunlop latex for durable, supportive stability on tops of six inches of FSC-certified Pure Talalay latex. Excellent balance of support, motion isolation and soft bounce. Certified organic cotton and wool add natural moisture-wicking and temperature regulation. Made in the USA and meets non-toxic certification benchmarks. Full one-year sleep trial and 25-year warranty.

  • Best budget—Pure Green Topper (from $249): Honestly, it’s hard to find an excellent-quality Dunlop latex mattress at a budget-friendly price, and I don’t want to suggest anything I wouldn’t personally sleep on. This two-inch topper is a good way to offer a firm, supportive, natural Dunlop layer to your existing bed while staying within a tight budget. Shipping is free and this one is GOLS-certified organic.

  • Best luxury—Saatva Zenhaven (currently on sale from around $3000): Ergonomic five-zone natural latex foam with vented air channels that offer insanely good breathability and temperature regulation, pressure relief and back support for all types of sleepers. Flippable, dual-sided design allows you to choose the firmness level. All-foam construction reduces dust mites and other allergens. Organic wool cover that’s a 10/10 for temperature regulation.

Best organic mattresses

Focus on trusted certifications like GOTS and GOLS rather than vague “natural” claims. Many truly organic mattresses are expensive because certified wool, cotton, and latex cost significantly more to produce.

  • Best overall & budget—Birch Natural (currently on sale from about $1300): Medium-firm feel, all-natural materials, encased steel coils and organic cotton and latex make this bed an excellent value. There’s even a good amount of natural wool in the mix for superior temperature regulation. Great sleep trial and warranty, and honestly, I’m not sure how the price is so reasonable considering shipping is also free. But whatever, make the most of it.

  • Best luxury—Avocado Organic Latex (currently on sale from about $2900): This spring-free cloud offers three inches of GOLS-certified organic Dunlop latex for durable, supportive stability on top of six inches of FSC-certified Pure Talalay latex. Excellent balance of support, motion isolation and soft bounce. Certified organic cotton and wool add natural moisture-wicking and temperature regulation. Made in the USA and meets non-toxic certification benchmarks. Full one-year sleep trial and 25-year warranty. Also made the “best latex” portion of this list.

For Costco shoppers:

The sleep trials and perks aren’t quite as good as shopping direct, and I don’t love the specific models here as much as other retailers (very often, good brands will give okayish-level models as exclusives to Costco), but the retailer’s EXCELLENT no-questions-asked return policy makes it worth considering.

If you’re a Costco diehard, this Leesa Hybrid model is worth considering (about $700).

Best for Canadians

Canadian friends, you’re getting your own separate list because a lot of the American companies aren’t available up to the north—but you still have some solid options!

  • Best overall—Endy firm hybrid ($795ish CAD): Encased coils, great hybrid construction, 365-night sleep trial, 15-year warranty and 8/10 materials. A good mid-priced bet. I strongly prefer the “firm” option to the “medium-firm” from this brand. Good for lumbar back pain.

  • Best luxury—S&S Organic ($1600ish CAD): FYI, I LOVE THIS ONE. Combines GOLS-certified organic latex, GOTS-certified organic cotton, GOTS-certified wool and pocketed spring coils. A hybrid dream with a 365-night sleep trial, free delivery, 15-year warranty and a variety of firmness options.

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Also, one more thing—there ARE other great beds out there. I couldn’t hit every category (Substack only gives me so much space). If you love the bed you have, I agree—it’s great!

OLAY has a little Mother’s Day gift to us all <3

I recently shared that two of OLAY’s hero products, Micro-Sculpting Cream and Super Serum, are packed with one of the best and most-studied skincare peptides—Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4. You’ve probably heard it marketed by far pricier creams and serums as “Matrixyl,” but OLAY was actually one of the first to have access to it.

Now, after more than 50 years of peptide research (casual), the brand has upgraded its iconic Micro-Sculpting Cream with its newest innovation: Triple Collagen Peptide—designed to help support and strengthen cellular bonds.

Peptides have been part of OLAY’s arsenal for decades, while expensive brands are just getting into it now. Your mom was (per the usual) right all along. OLAY is that girl.

But better yet, the lovely people at OLAY heard I was going to spill the beans on this very important beauty news, so they decided to gift everyone here free paid newsletter access for the rest of the month as a Mother’s Day gift to all the Extra Goodies here.

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It’s probably time to call Mom and say “you were right” and then throw some of her fave skincare goodies in with a bouquet for Mother’s Day.

And if you already have a paid membership, just hit “reply” here and I’ll make sure you get an extra month for free or you can pass it to a friend if you didn’t already get a notification from me!

Some entertaining stuff to get you through the weekend:

Not my stuff, just things that made me smile or shocked me.

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For the new subscribers, you may be looking for these links:

I keep newsletters open and free for the first month they’re published, but after about 4.5 weeks, they end up in the paid-access-only archives (this prevents bots and copycats from stealing my work, which, yes—has become a bit of an issue… bleh).

And because I know so many of you have been so generous, I give a bit of extra access from time to time with bonus content.

It would mean the world to me if you hit the “restack” button though <3

Let’s talk about those beauty/skincare peptides, shall we?

Cosmetic peptides fall into four main categories based on how they work: signal peptides, carrier peptides, neurotransmitter inhibitor peptides and enzyme inhibitor peptides. Let’s break down some of the most popular ones in OTC skincare now.

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]]><![CDATA[#47: Don't Buy This Now, Natural Fibers, Unsung Cleaning Hero Products + more]]>https://extragood.substack.com/p/47-dont-buy-this-now-natural-fibershttps://extragood.substack.com/p/47-dont-buy-this-now-natural-fibersFri, 01 May 2026 15:18:48 GMTI made video explaining what not to buy and what is worth buying for each month based on the 20+ years of data I’ve collected. Annnd what I really want is to be of service to people directly (especially when everything feels so expensive), so let’s get into some of the data.

Don’t buy these things in May (overpriced or no great offers)

Don’t buy in May:

  • Dining furniture of almost any kind. Tables, chairs, hutches… these are almost never discounted in May, and when they are, the prices are often inflated first just to bring ‘em back down to the real price. Ugh.

  • Major electronics like audio equipment, laptops and TVs. Prices are meh. Maybe small deals, but nothing wild. Wait till deeper into the summer.

  • Premium/high-end denim. Did you know that for the last 8 years, jean jackets have been at their most expensive price points in the month of May? Also, premium denim in general (jeans, jean shorts, jean skirts… all of it) remains at full price or only slightly discounted. Wait till Labor Day for most brands.

  • Luxury beauty. The big brands are tapped out for another 6-8 weeks at least on big sales because they just got through the Sephora, Ulta and Amazon sales last month. Don’t rush to buy your fave CT bronzer or luxe fragrance right now.

  • Sofas. You may find some deals closer to Memorial Day Weekend, but overall sofa pricing sort of sucks in May.

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STOCK UP in May:

  • Mattresses. This is the month! This is the best time to buy a mattress until Labor Day (and those deals are good, but some brands won’t do as much as they’re doing right now) or Black Friday/Cyber Monday. They haven’t started openly advertising deals yet, but there’s already a somewhat secret 25% off my fave Helix model (I have this one!) plus 120-night sleep trial, free shipping, etc. That’s a major discount, but if you want something super budget-friendly, this top-selling Zinus is under $300 for a queen size—and it’s excellent for the price. I have two of these in my guest bedroom (and I know there’s a weird TikTok rumor saying these have fiberglass, but it’s NOT true and the internet is a cauldron of lies sometimes).

  • Large appliances. Up to 50% off major appliances. Refrigerators and stoves go on deeper sale later in the month. Generally speaking, laundry machines and dishwashers are priced nicely with decent perks now through mid-month depending on the retailer. Home Depot tends to be the best for pricing, returns and service, but obvi shop wherever you like the goods and feel the happiest. Do we want a full map out of appliance deals??

  • Drugstore beauty/hygiene. I’ll focus more on this in the next newsletter, but the important things to know are cleansers and SPF products under $20ish will almost all go on sale at some point this month. Select drugstore mascaras, serums and blushes will also be marked down by up to 50%. Bioderma micellar water is already about 30% off ($10/free shipping), which makes it a good stock-up item.

  • Natural fibers. I’ll be showcasing a bunch of my faves below and in a fuller list next week, but expect up to 50% off linen, cotton and other natural fiber basics this month. Don’t expect major deals from the super flashy brands—this is the time to shine for under-the-radar designers and stores offering quietly wonderful quality and fibers.

  • Sheets and bedding. Expect loads of doorbuster-style prices and sales ranging from 25 to 60% off usual prices. This is one of the highest volume times of the year for bedding brands, and they do their best to capture every customer by moving as much product as possible. Cotton and linen bedding prices begin to creep back up in June and July with only a few days of sales (thanks to increased hot sleeper demand, obvi).

Great prices right now:

Unsung cleaning hero products you need to know about

  • Barkeepers’ Friend comes in a liquid ($9.99/free shipping and includes a special cloth) and a powder form ($5/free shipping). Both are affordable and a little goes a long way. See the video for how to use, but please do NOT use on marble, granite or synthetics like plastic. It’s best for rusty or mineral-covered metals and will make your old stainless steel pans like brand new. Use gloves!

  • StainForce Cordless wet-dry vac. It’s a handheld mini vac that does everything your Little Green Machine does—just without wires. It’s excellent for car upholstery and hard-to-reach spots, but it’s a bit pricier than the Bissell and has smaller water tanks. Still a GREAT product if a bulky machine/cords get in your way.

  • Leather Honey ($14/free shipping). I use this on my leather club chairs, jackets, bags… you name it. Unsung hero. Do we want a whole video on how to use it? A little goes a long way!

Some entertaining stuff to get you through the weekend:

Not my stuff, just things that made me smile or shocked me.

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For the new subscribers, you may be looking for these links:

And if you feel like being really nice, hit the restack button for me or share Extra Good with a friend <3

I keep newsletters open and free for the first month they’re published, but after about 4.5 weeks, they end up in the paid-access-only archives (this prevents bots and copycats from stealing my work, which, yes, has become a bit of an issue… bleh).

And because I know so many of you have been so generous, I give a bit of extra access from time to time with bonus content.

It would mean the world to me if you hit the “restack” button though <3

Major $$$ savers

I got an email from one of the paid subs last week that said “I’m literally so happy I subscribed because you have saved me SO much money, on the bedding I bought this year alone I think I saved $300… so subscribing here feels like taking you for a monthly coffee. What other secrets can you share that I can get excited about?”

Aghhhhh! That makes me so happy to hear and I’m TICKLED! OK, let’s do a big-ish list of ways to get the most out of how you already shop/spend.

And frankly, I tried to publish a bunch of these at the publishers I work with, but sharing this stuff diminishes their profits so they’re reluctant to share. Sigh.

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]]><![CDATA[#46: Shoe talk, VB x GAP, under-$20 beauty + more]]>https://extragood.substack.com/p/46-shoe-talk-vb-x-gap-under-20-beautyhttps://extragood.substack.com/p/46-shoe-talk-vb-x-gap-under-20-beautyFri, 24 Apr 2026 15:18:48 GMTBefore we get into the new stuff, I want to tell you that this week and next offer the lowest price points of the year for designer vintage items, historically speaking, anyway. If we’re new friends, I’ve been tracking price data for over 20 years as a major part of my career (and you can use my work to your advantage).

More details on that after the shoes & Victoria Beckham news, but I did want to tell you that the end of April’s sluggish vintage sales gives you lots of opps to score some major deals on luxury items.

Foot-friendly shoes that aren’t sneakers

As much as I love sneakers (and I do!), sometimes a more polished shoe is just a better, more polished-looking option. I’ve tested a ton of flats for walking around New York, Athens, etc. to the tune of 20k steps and more. Here are a few of my faves (with notes):

Runners up (not perfect for 20k step days, but still comfy and worthy contenders for less aggressive walking days):

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Victoria Beckham x GAP: what to know

I expect this collection to sell out like TODAY because it just dropped, so here are the pieces I mentioned in the video + a few others (with notes):

Entire collection here for you to peruse.

Some entertaining stuff to get you through the weekend:

Not my stuff, just things that made me smile.

Loving this so far? It would mean the world to me if you shared it with a friend <3

Share

For the new subscribers, you may be looking for these links:

And if you feel like being really nice, hit the restack button for me or share Extra Good with a friend <3

I keep newsletters open and free for the first month they’re published, but after about 4.5 weeks, they end up in the paid-access-only archives (this prevents bots and copycats from stealing my work, which, yes, has become a bit of an issue… bleh).

And because I know so many of you have been so generous, I give a bit of extra access from time to time with bonus content. It would mean the world to me if you hit the “restack” button though <3

More products under $20 (worth EVERY PENNY)

As promised, and these don’t get enough hype. I didn’t expect everyone to love these so much last week, so here are a few more little-known heroes! Should we do a similar under-a-certain-price-point list each week??

  • Bumpy backs of your arms? Or rough patches of skin in weird places? These two products are absolute heroes. This $19 Inkey List glycolic acid stick that’s incredibly easy to use (deo stick-like application) and is TSA-friendly, or this lactic acid-based lotion option for $12 (currently on sale).

  • This $5 tubing mascara (free Prime shipping) on top of this $5 lash primer? It’s heaven’s work. Both from Essence Cosmetics. And if you didn’t already see my video on why expensive mascara is a scam, it may open your eyes to the wild world of over-marketing.

  • Pima cotton v-neck tees for $11 each! If you saw my newsletters in November of ‘25 explaining where some of the best cashmeres are, you know I stand 10 toes down for LE basics. These tees are made of 100% Pima cotton (a rare find in this day and age), come in loads of colors and prints and are offered in women’s regular, tall, petite and plus sizes. Use code “LIGHTHOUSE” at checkout, but honestly, the cutest colors and sizes go fast and they may end the additional discount tonight—get whatever you want quickly. I like to size down because they’re relaxed fit, but you do you.

  • This 40% urea cream for feet that I’ve talked about endlessly. I never expected that video to go so viral, but it did, and now everyone’s getting super soft feet cheaper than a nail salon add-on treatment. Bless and keep your tootsies. Use a small amount on the hard, calloused parts of your feet after a shower. Cover in socks for a few hours… the urea and small amount of acid exfoliate the hard, dead stuff while aloe and emollients soften the good skin.

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Vintage luxury items are at their lowest prices of the year

Last week’s newsletter focused on vintage and pre-owned designer jewelry because the prices are so much better than new stuff right now, but what I didn’t explain fully is that the second half of April is when luxury resale items are at the best prices of the year.

Demand is dampened, and the market and sellers try to move items quickly ahead of Mother’s Day… you can score really gorgeous bags, jewels, etc. for up to 40% cheaper than usual. By May prices start to rebound, so if you see something you like, don’t sit on it too long.

Some pieces I think are good values right now:

NOTE: If you’re shopping vintage in person this week, you have the power to negotiate prices better than usual. Just be polite and ask if they can do a little better on the price—they likely will.

Are laundry detergent sheets…not good?? + skincare secrets

Below are questions that came in from one of the paid subs here—consider me at your service if you’re a paid member, btw. I’ll dig into my contacts and years of research to get you the info you’re looking for if I don’t already have it.

…Partially because it’s fun for me, but also because I really love the idea of people having excellent quality items without wasting tons of time, energy or money. Feel free to drop your own requests in the comments.

“I like laundry detergent sheets. Are those as good as the clear detergents you mentioned in your last newsletter?”

Definitely not my faves, and I want to break down the science for you.

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]]><![CDATA[#45: Secret Jewelry Sources, Laundry 101 + More]]>https://extragood.substack.com/p/45-secret-jewelry-sources-laundryhttps://extragood.substack.com/p/45-secret-jewelry-sources-laundryFri, 17 Apr 2026 15:18:43 GMTThis is a big one, so I’m going to hop right into it all because there’s SO much to cover. Also, I want to let you know that I’ll be covering lots of mattress-related questions and bests in May as requested.

That’s when the sales are historically the best on new mattresses and accessories, so if you’re thinking of buying a new bed—hold off a bit longer till the prices are discounted significantly in a few weeks.

Vintage jewelry intel

If you saw my video on the price of diamonds dropping somewhat dramatically (especially lab-grown), you know that I don’t personally love the idea of spending a ton on jewelry right now—but the vintage stuff is priced really well (like sometimes below even the metal cost).

Reminder: if you see a piece you like and think the price is really good—grab it. It likely won’t be there tomorrow because all these dealers/sites typically have only one of each piece.

Some pieces I personally like/think the prices are good:

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How to wash your towels properly (so they last)

If you read newsletter #42, you already know what makes a really great towel—and if you’re investing in good cotton, it makes sense to protect the investment with proper care.

The good news is proper towel laundry will probably save you money (less products, less electricity, less thrown-out towels over the years). And it’s relatively easy to do.

But here’s the boiled-down cheat sheet:

  • Towels should only be washed with other towels (definitely not with zippers or buttons or anything that could potentially pull on the tiny terry loops)

  • Like colors with like colors because cotton tends to bleed ever-so-slightly, which means your blue or green towels will leave your white ones a bit dingy

  • Use HALF the amount of detergent you usually use—build-up ruins towels and machines. Do not use pods. Only use a clear detergent—never a milky or opaque detergent for any material EVER.

  • Warm water is typically best, but if you’re sanitizing occasionally, use hot. Cold water isn’t my favorite for towels.

  • Invest $5 into a giant box of washing soda and $11ish into a giant tub of sodium percarbonate (peroxide bleach, this is my fave one bc of the dots, but use whatever brand you like!). These should last you several months. If your towels start to look dingy, soak them in a scoop of each with hot water for an hour or two before running a regular cycle.

  • If you use the washing soda and/or sodium percarbonate trick, try to remember to neutralize the pH in the final rinse so the fabric feels super soft at the end. 1/2 a cup of plain white vinegar in your softener tray does the trick and is super cheap. No need to buy anything expensive. Do not add it at the same time as the washing soda! Do not add it directly with the sodium percarbonate/peroxide bleach!!! If you neutralize the pH from the beginning, the whole process is pointless. The order/timing matters a lot.

  • Never use fabric softener or fragrance beads. Ever. For any reason. If someone tells you to use either one, that person doesn’t love you or your fabrics.

  • Lower your dryer heat to medium and use wool dryer balls. This alone will preserve the quality of your cotton in a major way. It’ll take a bit longer, but it will likely save electricity and the integrity of your fibers.

In case you missed it, some of my fave towels on the market by price point:

  • Overall best: This Lands End Supima cotton bundle that’s currently on sale under $85. Features 650 GSM, several pieces per set, loads of color options and excellent customer service/returns. And you can monogram!

  • Luxury pick I swoon over: These 770 GSM Turkish cotton towels from Brooklinen (still expensive at $93 on sale, but genuinely wonderful and higher GSM than Frette—and those are over twice the price)

  • Budget-friendly: This 700 GSM (I think that number is slightly inflated, feels more like 550-600 GSM to me) Turkish cotton set that works out to about $15/per bath towel. Also includes washcloths, etc.

Some entertaining stuff to get you through the weekend:

Not my stuff, just things that made me smile.

Share Extra Good

For the new subscribers, you may be looking for these links:

And if you feel like being really nice, hit the restack button for me or share Extra Good with a friend <3

I keep newsletters open and free for the first month they’re published, but after about 4.5 weeks, they end up in the paid-access-only archives (this prevents bots and copycats from stealing my work, which, yes, has become a bit of an issue… bleh).

And because I know so many of you have been so generous, I give a bit of extra access from time to time with bonus content. It would mean the world to me if you hit the “restack” button though <3

Beauty products under $15 (worth EVERY PENNY)

As promised, and these don’t get enough hype.

  • $12.99 bottle of gel-style oil moisturizer that smells faintly like hot cocoa from Vaseline. Nobody talks about this one, but using it right after a shower = a special type of heaven and the SOFTEST legs of your life. Btw, not sponsored. It’s just a good product (but honestly, I’ve told so many people about this stuff that I do feel like Vaseline should come through… where are you, Big Petroleum Jelly?).

  • $8 GM Squalane oil. Feels like velvet on the face, seals in your active serums and easily rivals the stuff 6x the price.

  • $8 flat-top foundation brush. I use this one every single day and will die on this hill. You’ll use/need less product with a really good brush!

  • $11.20 low pH cleanser. If you’re into double cleansing, use this after your oil-based cleanser before you apply retinoids. Let it sit on the skin for 30-60 seconds. So good!

  • $14.99 Nyssa Cramp Stamps. You get a pack of three, so about $5 each and they work for 8 hours at a time. Obvi great for period-related cramps, but omg the size and shape = great for lower back pain in general and the weird chicken-wing parts of your upper back that hurt after sitting at a desk all day. Also, I know it’s not really beauty, per se, but physical comfort is important IMO.

Diamond studs, anyone? + more on fragrance beads

Below is a question that came in from one of the paid subs here—consider me at your service if you’re a paid member, btw. I’ll dig into my contacts and years of research to get you the info you’re looking for if I don’t already have it.

…Partially because it’s fun for me, but also because I really love the idea of people having excellent quality items without wasting tons of time, energy or money. And feel free to drop your own requests in the comments.

I actually think lab-grown diamonds are ideal for everyday studs because earrings are lost frequently and lab diamonds (as we discussed earlier) are dropping in price. I can get into why the prices are dropping in a future newsletter, but for now, I think the important things are:

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