<![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.comSubstackSat, 20 Jun 2026 12:52:25 GMT<![CDATA[#54: Laundry secrets, dupes 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:

Dupes 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 dupes 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 dupes 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, this sheer cotton one is $37 (gorgeous beach cover!!!!) and this cotton midi is under $30.

  • 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 dupes 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 dupe—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 dupe 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 dupes that are genuinely EXCELLENT.

Kitchen, home & decor item dupes, 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 dupe 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 dupe 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 dupe 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 dupes. Do we want more window dressing dupes? 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 dupes, 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 dupes nobody’s talking about (so I am)

Shoe dupes 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 dupe 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

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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[#49: Reformation Dupes, Best Deos of 2026 & More]]>https://extragood.substack.com/p/49-reformation-dupes-best-deos-ofhttps://extragood.substack.com/p/49-reformation-dupes-best-deos-ofFri, 15 May 2026 15:18:52 GMTBefore we get into the clothes, deos & peptides, I want to share that all the mattresses I told you about last week are officially on sale now. I tried to get you the info ahead of time so you had several days to consider/research on your own.

Scan the list again here.

Reformation dupes to shop right now (they’re on sale!)

I told you a few months ago that ON actively recruited Aritiza design team members to revamp entire collections. But guess what? They’re now on a major path to claim the femme, modern styles and silhouettes of Reformation.

Again, it’s not every piece in every store… so I’m going to give you a few of the best ones.

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I am focusing on pieces that have either exact or very similar fabric/material dupes as well.

  • Snug boatneck top ($8.49): Easily one of the best out there, 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. Insane amount of colors.

  • Linen shorts ($24): Loads of colors, sizes XXS through 4X. This is a linen blend that’s resistant to wrinkling and washes easily.

  • Smocked cotton dress ($20): You know which one this is a copy of! Regular, tall and petite sizes (XS through 4X) and lots of colors/prints. Love the 100% cotton material (no polyester here!).

  • Denim dress ($20): This one is selling out quickly! Lots of colors and sizes still left, but I doubt that’ll be for long.

  • Gauze top ($12): Easy, breezy and SUCH a good copy. Made of 100% cotton gauze, four colors, XS through 4X and specialty sizes. So beachy!

  • Gauze shorts ($20): I wore these twice so far this week, that’s how much I love ‘em. 100% cotton gauze, easy to wear and wash, pockets, loads of colors and sizes.

Next week I’ll give you the Doen lookalikes (a smattering of different stores—all so feminine and cute!)

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Best women’s deodorants/antiperspirants of 2026

In cool news, I spent the last 4+ months or so trying all the most popular, bestselling women’s deodorants and antiperspirants on the market to see what really works and what’s just marketing fluff.

I also spoke with several dermatologists and cosmetic chemists to get a deeper understanding of why some are great and others left me filled with regret. Anywho, enjoy the research I did and you can find a much longer/more extensive review piece on YouTube as well.

Best with aluminum:

  • Dove Palo Santo & Sage: 10/10 Probably my favorite overall because it’s got the standard Dove stick formulation with a far more expensive-feeling scent that really surprised me. I have no idea why we need to scare off the bad spirits AND sweat, but I’m happy to be here.

  • Secret Clinical with HA: 9/10 There are a few Secret Clinical formulations on the market, all with that 20% AZT concentration that truly stops sweat in its tracks, but the texture and scent of this one was the best of all. No irritation and a fresh, clean smell that’s universally appealing without being overpowering.

  • Certain Dri: 10/10 Gender neutral, no frills but OMG you will not sweat. The key to getting it to work perfectly is to apply after a shower (use a washcloth on your underarms to clear debris, dead skin, etc.), before bed. Yes, this requires evening showers, but if you’re seriously sweaty, this system makes it pretty much flawless. More on how it works at the end of this email. Worth every penny if you’re considering Botox under your arms or just sweat a lot more than typical.

Best aluminum-free:

  • Lume Unscented: 8.5/10 I think the scented ones work nicely, but I like the option of an unscented deo (especially for the whole body). Comes in an affordable two-pack and genuinely is great for underboob sweat. Relies on silica, ozokerite and tapioca starch in a low-pH system. Genuinely good.

  • Ursa Major Hoppin’ Fresh: 8/10 As you can see, I’m not giving solid 10/10 rankings to the aluminum-free formulas because they don’t actually stop the sweat, the just conceal the stink and absorb some of the moisture. This formula is pretty good though, relying on probiotic enzymes, hops and eucalyptus to keep things stink-free and pretty chill under there.

  • Nécessaire The Deodorant: 8/10 It works via niacinamide, AHAs and PHAs to neutralize odor-causing bacteria (low pH) and gently exfoliate the skin over time. Consider it a skin-treatment-meets-deo. No sweat blocking, just odor control and underarm skin improvement. Expensive, could be worth trying if you’re at your wits’ end with other alum-free formulas.

Worth discussing:

  • Native (all scents): 5/10 I like the scents. Would not repurchase the deo. The pH was too close to balanced to be effective against stink for more than a few hours (low pH is where magic happens). Love the body washes though!

  • Dove Sheer: 9/10 Another excellent formula, modest amount of aluminum-based protection and lots of skin-protective ingredients. An excellent everyday formula that won’t leave white marks on your clothes. Nothing spesh, and sometimes that’s perfect.

  • Salt & Stone: 7.2/10 I know everyone is obsessed with this stuff, and the scent is truly nice, but to me, it was just aggressive perfume on a roller ball. No serious actives to combat bacterial overgrowth, sweat, etc. Too expensive for what it is.

Sales worth shopping right now

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Some entertaining stuff to get you through the weekend:

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

Quick note about the publishing world that may upset some subs, but I need to say it…

There’s a reason you don’t often see really affordable products being mentioned in the big mags/news sites (the ones I work for and have worked for in the past). And it’s not necessarily about ads, although that’s a logical connection to make.

The truth is that content comes at a cost (writer salaries, photo teams, editors, etc.) and the commissions the big magazines make on a $5 product are generally only 5 to 30 cents. They’d have to sell tens of thousands of an item to make it worth their while, so generally speaking, they don’t bother. Same goes for influencers, btw.

And that sucks for you, because you deserve to know about things that serve and suit you, which is why I focus so heavily on GOOD items at EXCELLENT prices (like a $3 cream that rivals the $72 name brand).

Making a literal nickel isn’t the point, serving you well is. Anyway, I may make a video explaining this with greater detail next week… not sure. I don’t want to make enemies, but I do want to give you the info you deserve (and need).

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 the month of 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.

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

More on peptides (from last week) & the very wild science behind why some deos work (and others suck)

Continuing the peptide conversation from last week, there are a lot of products worth the money… but I’d say a good chunk (maybe even the majority) are crappy marketing experiments.

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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 cooling—Tepur-Breeze (from about $4000): Holy moly, this is the most expensive mattress on the list, but if you’re a REALLY hot sleeper, I think it’s worth it. It beats out all other cooling mattress competitors by far and genuinely reduces surface temps by anywhere from five to 10 degrees F (depending on the model).

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 budget—Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam ($300ish CAD): This one is available in Canada, too! See the in-depth explanation above, but expect a solid 4-6 years of life out of this one and a firm, supportive rest.

  • 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.

Get 30 day free trial

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.

Share Extra Good

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.

Read more

]]><![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:

Read more

]]><![CDATA[#44: More Aritzia, Eileen Fisher pipeline & Sephora's dirty little secret]]>https://extragood.substack.com/p/44-more-aritzia-eileen-fisher-pipelinehttps://extragood.substack.com/p/44-more-aritzia-eileen-fisher-pipelineFri, 10 Apr 2026 15:18:41 GMTWow, lots of new faces this week! Because so many of you came from my video on The Row vs Eileen Fisher, I figured I’d share something you might find just as exciting—the pipeline of The Row to Jenni Kayne to Eileen Fisher. And the budget-friendly option that lots of people are missing.

And honestly, all of the steps can be interchangeable. It’s a circle of life kind of thing, and it moves us all. But here’s a little taste of what’s going on:

Let’s directly compare Jenni Kayne to Quince now (and both are excellent options.

I love the JK finishing and super premium detailing, but a handful of Quince options are great contenders I know you’ll love).

Other Quince faves cut from Jenni’s DNA:

Do we want me to get to the bag options next? I feel like that’s a fun topic!

Also, some updated Eileen Fisher options—better than The Row:

Heads up, these aren’t cheap items by any stretch. They’re meant to last for 10 or more years without worry. The kinds of pieces you reach for on repeat and build your trend inclusions around.

More Aritzia-ish pieces from Old Navy:

The last time I shared some of the really good options, they sold out quickly. It’s a few weeks later, and as you know, ON cycles through new merch a few times per season. There are a handful of must-shop items I want you to see (and possibly scoop up for yourself.

Subscribe now

Not kidding, the last time I shared, several items sold out online the same day. If you see something you like in your size, just get it. Remember: ON sizes generously, so if you’re between sizes, size down.

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.

Sephora Collection is almost never the right brand to buy

I know I’ll make some enemies with this one, but cheaper isn’t always better…or even really cheaper. I’d rather see you pay for something with the right amount of product and excellent quality. Anywho, watch this first:


Products I think are better choices here:

  • Tarte Shape Tape (the product SC tried to dupe but ended up making more expensive1

  • Laura Geller setting powder (cute compact, better delivery, overall a nicer product for the money)

  • L’Oreal setting powder (not a major price difference, but a far better formula compared to the SC one, and if you want me to get into why that is, I’m happy to break it down for next week!)

Subscriber request: Is the Garnier spray a good dupe for ColorWow???

OMG I love this topic, because a bunch of you quickly realized this Garnier humidity protecting spray ($8) is made by the same parent company as the bestselling ColorWow Dream Coat ($30)—L’Oreal.

But there are differences. Let’s get into ‘em, and while we’re at it, let’s compare both of these directly to the EverPure Sleek Coat ($10).

Read more

]]><![CDATA[#43: The dupes issue (really, really good ones)]]>https://extragood.substack.com/p/43-the-dupes-issue-really-reallyhttps://extragood.substack.com/p/43-the-dupes-issue-really-reallyFri, 03 Apr 2026 15:18:40 GMTEarlier in the week, I posted about the Costco dupe lawsuit (some binge-worthy gossip, if you ask me) that quietly changed the beauty industry .We’ll be feeling the impact over the next several years to come, but I also included loads of other goodies that should be on your radar today’s email.

When I shared this about Free People and I got LOADS of messages like “OMG, we need more.” So let’s make a longer, more exhaustive list of really good ones across fashion, beauty, etc.

I suggest favoriting this post to come back to later. And honestly, it’d mean the world to me if you hit the little re-stack button <3

Also, I want you to know there are lots of very similar dhupe-ish looking items out there… but I didn’t include those. These are the good ones in terms of materials, stitching, factories, ingredients, white-label situations, etc.

Dhupes I 100% stand behind and am pretty sure you’ll be obsessed with:

Btw, you should see my video on the $2 sulfur cream.

Subscribe now

Quick update on the towels:

If you’re new here, last week’s newsletter was focused heavily on what to look for in good towels and what some of the best budget-friendly options on the market are.

Some entertaining stuff to get you through the weekend:

Not necessarily my content, just stuff that I got a kick out of (and you may too):

Thanks for reading Extra Good! This post is public so feel free to share it with friends.

Share

Sales worth shopping right now:

For 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 all 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.

Shampoo secrets! (stuff the marketing teams never tell you)

Per the usual, this juicy section is for the higher-tier subscribers, but I’ll eventually turn a few of these concepts into videos down the road for everyone to see and access.

First, your dandruff shampoo may be ruining your hair

Read more

]]><![CDATA[#42: Softer towels + more extra good info]]>https://extragood.substack.com/p/42-softer-towels-more-extra-goodhttps://extragood.substack.com/p/42-softer-towels-more-extra-goodFri, 27 Mar 2026 15:18:45 GMTBy popular request, we’ve got a lot of towel talk for this week’s newsletter… and that’s because nobody really discusses what to look for in good towels or how to care for them.

Good towels aren’t explained properly, let’s fix that

GSM = grams per square meter. It’s a measure of how much cotton is packed into the towel. In plain terms: how thick, dense and absorbent a towel is.

  • 300–400 GSM: thin, lightweight, dries fast (beach/gym towels)

  • 400–600 GSM: standard everyday towels

  • 600–900 GSM: thick, plush, hotel-style luxury

Cotton towels are superior to the endless variety of blends on the market because their natural fibers are highly absorbent and breathable.

Synthetic blends repel water, trap residue and leave towels feeling less effective over time. Synthetics also trap odors (if your towels stink, this could be why).

If you feel like Extra Good has served you well and saved you money, please subscribe.

Turkish cotton

  • Long fibers = soft, lightweight, dries faster

  • Great balance of plush + practical (less mildew risk)

Egyptian cotton

  • Extra-long fibers = very thick, ultra-absorbent, luxurious

  • Feels “hotel-level,” but dries slower

Pima cotton

  • Long-staple cotton (grown in the U.S. and Peru)

  • Soft, durable, holds up well after repeated washing

Supima cotton

  • A certified, higher-grade version of Pima

  • Stronger fibers, better color retention, longer lifespan

(I’ll add some info at the end of this newsletter on what towels are chemically treated with for a better understanding, because so many of you asked.)

I will post how to clean/launder your towels properly ASAP, but I don’t want to leave you hanging with more info because sales are good right now.

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.

Who else has great options? Glad you asked, because with towels, it may be worth shopping around in-person to see what you like the feel of. Macy’s (towels = their strongest category in my opinion), Crate & Barrel (genuinely good and moderately priced) and Parachute.

More Gucci, Fendi, Hermes, David Yurman, Chanel, etc.

If you haven’t already seen that video, it’s def worth a watch because most people have no idea that Amazon even offers vintage designer goods that come authenticated and clean.

Btw, if you’re not a TikTok person and prefer to see this on YouTube Shorts, the video is here.

Anywho, you need to be super specific in your searches… which makes it difficult to find any of these items, so I just asked a friend at ‘zon to make me a rolling list of the best finds.

Reminder: these are vintage, so if you like something, buy it quickly. There’s no second chance. If you want me to update this list from time to time, just let me know in the comments here or on the video.

Quick side notes:

Someone asked me to find them the link to the APLB body lotion from a video I made in 2025—it’s no longer on TTS, but it is here for $13.90. (The last major retailer in America selling it, I think!)

Also the bed lifting/helper tool I wrote about endlessly for Reader’s Digest is here for $22ish (but I put it on TTS because it’s slightly cheaper there).

Some entertaining stuff to get you through the weekend:

Thanks for reading Extra Good! This post is public so feel free to share it with friends.

Share

Sales worth shopping right now:

I posted a lot of good ones in the newsletter from earlier this week, but I’ll put a few good reminders here because the sales are excellent on a handful of items right now.

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

Requested hotel bed topper dupes from newsletter #35:

  • St. Regis/Duck Down Alternative Topper $79/free ship: Overall, an excellent value. Nice quality, lots of sizes and cloud-like.

  • Waldorf Astoria style $80/free ship: Some attachment mechanism, down alternative and deep pockets. The only major difference is there’s a small amount of blue piping around the edges, but you’re covering this with a sheet anyway, right?

  • Ritz Carlton/Downlite: very close dupe, still expensive at $352/free shipping, but about $105 cheaper than buying one from the hotel directly with a RC label. Notice the description outlining “hotel quality” and 100% cotton shell, etc. You’re getting a premium product without a name markup.

I keep all 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.

Reader requests + more on those fabric additives

In the towel video, I spoke about the additives towels are sprayed with to help them make long journeys in shipping containers without growing moldy, mildewy or ending up wrinkled and flat. But what even are those additives?

Antimicrobial / Anti-mildew treatments

These are used so towels don’t grow mold while sitting in humid shipping containers for weeks.

Read more

]]><![CDATA[#41: A quick bonus dose <3 (CHANEL & Fendi??)]]>https://extragood.substack.com/p/41-a-quick-bonus-dose-3-chanel-andhttps://extragood.substack.com/p/41-a-quick-bonus-dose-3-chanel-andWed, 25 Mar 2026 14:48:55 GMTI know I usually send these newsletters on Friday mornings (and don’t worry, you’ll get that one too), but so many people asked about what’s worth shopping and what’s not worth shopping for Amazon’s Big Spring Sale that I figured I’d send a quickie out.

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]]><![CDATA[#40: Better cleaning gear, bedding intel + high-level secrets]]>https://extragood.substack.com/p/40-better-cleaning-gear-bedding-intelhttps://extragood.substack.com/p/40-better-cleaning-gear-bedding-intelFri, 20 Mar 2026 15:18:44 GMTLittle-known secret—this is actually the best time of year to buy and restock cleaning supplies and equipment (almost everything is marked down for the next few days).

I’ll do a whole video on that tomorrow (yay!), but in the meantime, I want to share a bunch of tried-and-true items that I think should be in every home’s arsenal.

And some stuff to stop overpaying for.

Cleaning gear I swear by (and why/how)

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But let’s get back to bedding! There’s more to say.

If you caught last week’s newsletter on cooling bamboo and Tencel-based bedding, you know that I was super eager to keep going… but it was a lot of info. Recap on my fave bamboo/tencel bedding options:

Cooling cotton bedding: what to look for

Cotton is naturally breathable and allows air to circulate, which releases body heat instead of trapping it like synthetic fabrics. The fibers also wick moisture away from your skin, keeping you dry and comfortable through the night. That combo of airflow and moisture control is why cotton is constantly wonderful.

Look for percale or crisp plain-weave finishes, which feel cool to the touch and allow more airflow than heavier weaves. Also prioritize long-staple cotton with a matte (not silky) finish, since it breathes better and traps less heat.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Sateen finishes are gorgeous and seem like they’d be cooler to sleep on, but they’re actually more efficient at trapping heat and will leave you warmer. Sateen is for winter!

What is percale, anyway?

Percale refers to a one-over, one-under weave (also called a plain weave). That’s the simplest, tightest weaving pattern:

  • One thread goes over

  • The next goes under

  • Repeated evenly across the fabric

This creates a matte, crisp, breathable fabric—very different from silky or shiny sheets.

Does thread count matter?

Honestly, not as much as you’d think unless you’re buying low-quality cotton. Any long-staple or extra-long staple cotton will be pretty good (btw, Egyptian, Turkish, Pima an Supima are all automatically long or extra-long staple). Junky cottons or synthetic blends will boast thread count as a marketing ploy to rope you into some shit you don’t want or need.

Anyone pushing thread count over cotton quality is stuck in the year 2007 (or earlier. I love that for them. I wish I had a time machine to visit and wave hello.

Some of my fave affordable long-staple cotton percale bedding sets:

I’ll do more on cotton vs linen in the coming weeks as the weather warms, but I didn’t want to leave anyone hanging if they’re looking for nice cotton now.

Some entertaining stuff to get you through the weekend:

Not my stuff, just things that brought me a little bit of joy…

Sales worth shopping right now

If you feel like you save at least $20/per month from the info I provide, consider upgrading to a paid-access subscription for $8/month. Paid members have access to the full archives + on-demand questions, data and research from me.

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

And… from January:

I keep all 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’m giving a bit of extra access from time to time with bonus content.

Subscriber question + loads of money-saving data below:

Love this question. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty.

Alastin HydraTint ($84!!!) is not really a “moisturizer”—it’s a tinted mineral sunscreen + skincare hybrid.

Core structure:

  • 100% mineral SPF (zinc oxide ± titanium dioxide)

  • Iron oxides (give the tint and protect from visible light = key for aging + pigmentation)

  • Silicone + lightweight emollient base offer the silky, almost primer-like feel

  • Some peptides/antioxidants (their “TriHex” complex = nice, but not magic… especially in the low amounts per bottle)

So what people are loving is:

  • sheer tint

  • blurring effect

  • hydrated but not greasy skin

  • elegant texture (this is the big one)

Why this $41 bottle is a legit dupe (not just “similar category”)

EltaMD tinted SPFs (more than 50% off1) are built on almost the exact same backbone:

Same ACTIVE sunscreen system

  • Zinc oxide-based protection (sometimes hybrid with octinoxate)

  • Broad-spectrum UV protection

  • Designed for sensitive, aging and post-procedure skin

Same tint technology

  • Both use iron oxides

  • That gives: sheer “your skin but better” color & protection against visible light (huge for melasma/aging)

Very similar skincare add-ons

Alastin:

  • peptides (TriHex)

  • antioxidants

EltaMD:

  • hyaluronic acid + vitamin E (hydration + barrier support)

  • sometimes niacinamide (in UV Clear)

…Different marketing language, but same goal. Ultimately:

Alastin HydraTint

  • thinner, more fluid

  • slightly glowy, skin-like finish (wears down after five to ten minutes to match the Elta formula)

  • blends almost invisibly

EltaMD tinted (varies by version)

  • a bit thicker, more sunscreen-feeling (works in almost identically with fingers or a brush, though)

  • tint can be slightly more visible before working into the skin

  • leans slightly dewier at first

What not to buy now (and what’s worth it)

At the top of this newsletter, I explained that this is the best time of year, statistically-speaking, to buy cleaning products. It’s also one of the worst times of the year to buy a bunch of other things… and I want to save you a ton of money, so please keep the following items and dates in mind <3

And if you’re wondering how I know this, it’s because I’ve been a data-driven shopping editor at some of North America’s largest magazines for over 20 years and have sold that data to the largest publishers out there. If you trusted shopping advice from Reader’s Digest, Martha Stewart Living, The Today Show, NBC, MSN, Today’s Parent, FASHION!, or dozens of other titles—you’ve likely seen my work.

I’ve been tracking price data across hundreds of retailers for what seems like an insane amount of time. Use my info to your advantage.

Read more

]]><![CDATA[#39: Expensive hair oil dupes, cooling bedding & more]]>https://extragood.substack.com/p/39-expensive-hair-oil-dupes-coolinghttps://extragood.substack.com/p/39-expensive-hair-oil-dupes-coolingFri, 13 Mar 2026 15:18:39 GMTIt’s spring refresh time—bedding, hair, vibes—all the things. Let’s get into what’s actually worth spending on this week.

Luxury hair oils vs their dupes

Earlier in the week, I shared how everyone’s fave Kerastase oil ($62) is nearly identical to this L’Oreal oil ($21). Same ingredients, same manufacturer—just different fragrance and packaging.

And genuinely, if a fancier glass bottle and a deeper scent is what you love, spend the money. But if you’re just looking for glass-like shine? Pssh. Save the cash.

What to know: because these formulas rely mostly on the same silicone base, many drugstore oils perform very similarly if they contain the same ingredients, just without the luxury fragrance or branding. More specifics on those silicones and oils at the end of this newsletter, but let’s give you some very easy dupes right now:

  • Kerastase Elixir Ultime: This L’Oreal Elvive hair oil for $21/free shipping.

  • Oribe Gold Lust (please see the video I made on this one!): This $8 OGX bottle—the base silicones and oils are the same, please note the fragrance and packaging are worlds apart. Another important thing here—this brand has loads of nearly-identical-looking bottles. You need the “extra penetrating” one!

  • Moroccanoil (the classic, I love it, but it’s the fragrance you’re paying for now): This $8 OGX bottle is the dupe as well. Because, gasp!, major conglomerates keep repackaging the same silicone/oil formulas with different levels and styles of fragrance because our brains perceive something as novel and different if the visual and olfactory cues are new.

  • Olaplex Nº7 Bonding Oil ($32/ounce): There is no true 1-for-1 dupe of Olaplex Nº.7 Bonding Oil because its key repair ingredient, bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate, is patented by Olaplex and cannot legally appear in another brand’s formula (yet!). But that’s a silly workaround for saying “clever silicone soup” that really amounts to Dimethicone (primary smoothing silicone), Isohexadecane (lightweight emollient), C13-14 isoparaffin/isoalkane (silky slip), Coco-caprylate (light oil-like emollient), Phenyl trimethicone (adds high gloss shine… more on this below). A realllllly good functional dupe would be this OUAI hair oil at $21/ounce (still expensive, but way less!).

Do we want more of these or other specific product alternatives? Drop ‘em in the comments here or one of the videos. But in the meantime, look for these on the ingredients label to get the slip and shine you love so much:

  1. Cyclopentasiloxane: Spreads and evaporates (light feel)

  2. Dimethiconol: Stays behind to coat and polish the hair fiber for added shine and luster

Cooling sheets: bamboo vs tencel (what’s even the difference?)

There are lots of different cooling bedding options on the market, but bamboo-based options (viscose, rayon, etc.) and Tencel are two of the most common. While they’re marketed as “all-natural” alongside cotton and linen, they’re really not.

They’re semi-natural, but they still do get the job done by wicking heat and moisture away from the body while offering a silky-smooth texture. So honestly, no hate from me, I have a couple sets and like ‘em for spring/summer.

But, that said, please, never buy polyester or microfiber sheets for any reason. Anyone marketing those as “cooling” is a liar. I said what I said.

Ok, so how are bamboo viscose and Tencel sheets made?

Bamboo viscose sheets start with bamboo plants that are broken down into pulp, then dissolved in a solution to turn the natural bamboo cellulose into a silky fiber that can be spun into thread and woven into fabric. Tencel sheets (a brand name for lyocell) are made from wood pulp—most often eucalyptus trees. The cellulose fibers are dissolved and spun into smooth yarn using a more closed-loop process that recycles most of the solvent.

Both fabrics ultimately come from plant fibers (bamboo or eucalyptus) that are processed into soft, breathable cellulose threads and woven into sheets. Both are technically renewable.

And lots of companies will try to sell ‘em at $400/bundle. You shouldn’t pay that. Good sets are more like $100ish.

The best bamboo/Tencel sheets to buy now:

More on how to properly care for bamboo & eucalyptus-based fibers towards the end of the newsletter (don’t want to take up alll the space up here!

Some entertaining stuff to get you through the weekend:

Not my stuff, just things that brought me a little bit of joy…

Sales worth shopping right now

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

Subscribe now

Hotel lobby fragrance secrets from newsletter #25:

Most of these hotels sell their proprietary scents in their gift shops, but they’re expensive as well and often not available in diffuser oils.

And a diffuser is really what you want because you’re trying to mimic how hotels pump scents through their HVAC systems, ya know?

And… from January:

I keep all 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’m giving a bit of extra access from time to time with bonus content.

How to properly care for your bamboo/eucalyptus bedding

+ oodles of other sciencey things to help you better understand today’s topics <3

First, I tried to put washing info for bamboo and eucalyptus/Tencel/Lyocell fabrics into a neat little YouTube video for everyone to reference and come back to whenevs. Skip to the 2-minute mark or so. But let’s also explain it here.

Bamboo-based fabrics (usually bamboo viscose) and lyocell fabrics like Tencel are made from regenerated plant fibers. These fibers are softer and more delicate than cotton, so high heat, harsh detergents and aggressive washing can weaken the fibers and cause pilling, holes or loss of softness.

  • Wash in cold or cool water on a gentle cycle. Please, OMG, don’t jam the washer with loads of towels and other linens. Wash these on their own. Excess physical agitation can wear the fibers down.

  • Use a mild detergent and avoid harsh or highly enzyme-based formulas (I love enzymes for other materials, but viscose/bamboo rayon/lyocell are too delicate). Try this affordable free & clear formula if you’re not sure which detergent is safe.

  • Do not use chlorine bleach, which can damage the regenerated plant fibers. But also chlorine bleach is the devil’s work and I’ve said that a thousand times. Stop buying it for laundry.

Read more

]]><![CDATA[#38: Shoe talk, glass hair + things I'd skip & more]]>https://extragood.substack.com/p/38-shoe-talk-glass-hair-things-idhttps://extragood.substack.com/p/38-shoe-talk-glass-hair-things-idFri, 06 Mar 2026 16:18:44 GMTSo much to get into today (I spent hours putting this one together), so I hope I got to the most popular requests.

Glass hair (without overpaying)

Citric acid and similar acids (sometimes glycolic, etc.) help hair look shinier by lowering the hair’s pH, which tightens and smooths the outer cuticle layer. When the cuticle lies flat instead of rough and lifted, it reflects light better—which is what makes hair look glossy.

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Cool, eh? And right now the most popular product on the market for this is the Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate, which is a wonderful product, but it’s about $44 per tube and nearly identical to one that’s about 80% cheaper.

This L’Oreal version is under $10 and offers a nearly identical product (16% citric acid in the Redken, 15% in the L’Oreal one). It’s ideal for medium and thick hair.

Here’s how I use it for best results (not the way the package suggests):

And if you have thinner, finer hair and want a similar effect (but lighter), this duo shampoo/conditioner offers a similar, though slightly milder effect. Also very affordable at about $8/bottle and directly comparable to the Redken offerings.

Reminder: Redken is owned by L’Oreal and shares research labs, ingredient libraries and production facilities. More on that soon!

Some stuff I personally would not buy (scam territory):

I shared this one earlier in the week because holy moly… too much marketing hype exists for some of this stuff. (If you’re more of a YouTube person, you can also see the video here).

@brycegruberScams, I say 😭
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I shared a lot of products that annoy me, but I’ll recap them here and offer some of my fave alternatives as well:

  • Slimming tea: This is a laxative. 0/10 score from me. Eat beans, drink water, take some magnesium (not medical advice, k?)… poop your brain out tomorrow.

  • “Vegan” makeup brushes over $15-20: How dare they! These are plastic! I’m filling with rage, but anyway, I love this $8 synthetic foundation brush that I use pretty much daily. If you want a whole new set, this massive collection is $20 and compares directly to the Sephora Collection one I scoffed at (that one is $99!).

  • Expensive hair oils. Good grief, what a ripoff. Here’s some pure argan oil ($9/giant bottle—also nice on skin!) or a WAY cheaper version of Kérastase Elixir Ultime hair oil ($32/small bottle) is this Elvive Extraordinary Oil $21/free shipping, which on an ounce-for-ounce basis is less than half the price and is made by the same company with pretty much the same ingredient ratios (fragrance differs, though). Video coming on this ASAP.

  • Fabric softener: Genuinely, this stuff is garbage. I will make a whole followup on what to do instead.

  • Expensive synthetic blankets: I don’t care if it’s trendy, I’m not paying $300 for a synthetic blanket (plastic!). For that money, you can score this merino wool & cashmere blend blanket under $90 or this pure cashmere blanket for about $200.

  • Collagen creams over $20: I’ve spoken about these endlessly, but one of the biggest scams out there. If you want a good, affordable barrier cream, I like this Avene option (compares directly to La Mer but super affordable) or if you’re a K-beauty lover and want a lighter formula with some PDRN action, this Althea 345 is about $20ish.

FYI: The Avene cream is listed at $26 but has a coupon right now, so definitely click that little pink box before you buy so it’s way cheaper!

Also, I posted another don’t-buy-these video a few hours ago if you’re into this kinda thing. I’ll post alternatives to these in next week’s newsletter as well.

We’re picking the wrong shoes

I spoke to Dr. Bobby Pourziaee, podiatrist to the stars out in Beverly Hills, about why pretty much everyone has foot pain these days and how we can stop that nonsense. And who is even at the biggest risk of foot pain? You guessed it—women over 30, those who stand a lot (working retail, as teachers/professors, nurses, busy parents, etc.) and people who love flat, unsupportive shoes.

And with flip flops being super trendy right now and flat kitten heels having a moment—this information seems especially pertinent.

Watch the video for plantar fasciitis info you can use first. Here’s what he says to look for in shoes that help relieve the condition and let your body recover from it gradually (typically a few months if you switch your shoes, start calf stretching/icing, see a podiatrist and all that jazz).

  • Firm arch support (not soft and flimsy)

  • Structured heel counter

  • Cushioned but stable midsole

  • Slight heel-to-toe drop

  • Rocker sole design

  • Removable insole (for orthotics)

“Approximately 70–80% of cases improve within 6–12 months with conservative treatment,” he says. Sooooo, it’s worth trying.

His favorite shoes for women dealing with PF-related pain:

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Some entertaining stuff to get you through the weekend:

Not my stuff, just things that brought me a little bit of joy…

Sales worth shopping right now

  • $24/free shipping duvet inserts. Good stitching, synthetic materials—a budget-friendly option you’d be hard-pressed to beat in terms of price. Good for allergy sufferers, guest bedrooms, those with little kids, and anyone who loves machine-washing duvets frequently.

  • $11/free shipping on the Oxiclean I love the most. Honestly, they should pay me at at this point. I spread Oxi gospel everywhere I go. This is the big 5 lb. tub that’ll last you for months.

  • $7/free shipping on my fave organizer notepad. I love the dopamine hit of crossing things off. Making a list after applying a fresh estrogen patch? There’s no greater high.

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

Subscribe now

I keep all 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’m giving a bit of extra access from time to time with bonus content.

Good quality garments vs junk (the cheat sheet, a paid subscriber’s request)

  • Natural materials, whenever possible (cotton, ramie, wool, linen, etc.). or, if the fabric is a blend, the majority should be natural fibers like 70% cotton and 30% poly or a small amount of elastane for stretch. Natural fibers last longer and feel good against the body, but also regulate temperature better and reduce static. Which brings me back to my hate of fabric softener—you really don’t need it if you’re using good materials. And if you’re going with synthetics, Tencel/Lyocell is probably the best option. Steer clear of acrylic entirely if possible.

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]]><![CDATA[#37: What's in my cart (& Aritzia dupes under $30)]]>https://extragood.substack.com/p/37-whats-in-my-cart-and-aritzia-dupeshttps://extragood.substack.com/p/37-whats-in-my-cart-and-aritzia-dupesFri, 27 Feb 2026 16:19:00 GMTEarlier in the week, I shared a bunch about the products I think are wastes of money + a bunch of the products I think are 100% excellent and worth every penny. Here’s what I’d skip.

And here’s what I would totally spend my money on. I made a big ‘ole list of my thoughts on each for you + way more to bookmark for whenever you want. But more coming in videos soon—there’s a lot to cover!

What I definitely buy/think is worth every penny:

  • Oral care: I do not play around with oral hygiene. I use this expensive iteration of the Oral-B iO toothbrush (it’s the best one in my opinion, but several models exist) + this cheap/medium Colgate Optic White + this NHA toothpaste as a sort of mask. Do we want a refresher on how to do the mask? Also, I think these replacement heads for the toothbrush are uh-mah-zing.

  • Cashmere sweaters: Good ones last anywhere from four to 15 years in my experience, the cheapies last more like two to four years if you’re lucky and they tend to pill. You don’t need to spend over $200, in my opinion. I like this one (and a handful of others from LE—definitely not all), but will also re-do a whole video on what to look for in good cashmere if you want—lots of good end-of-season sales coming up, you might want to take advantage of!

  • Sheets: Microfiber sheets are a sin. I am heavily committed to natural fibers for sleep—cotton and linen are my usual go-tos. I occasionally swap to bamboo for hot summer nights, but I’m super particular about those because they’re definitely not all equal. Anywho, for cotton—long staple, extra long staple, Egyptian, Pima, Supima and Turkish are my faves because they have the highest quality fibers. These don’t have to be expensive. This Egyptian cotton sheet set is under $80/free shipping. I also have a couple sets of these long-staple cotton sheets, which if you like prints, are a great hotel-like option (not the cheapest, but genuinely nice).

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Stuff I won’t spend big money on (pretty much ever):

  • Eyeliners, lipliners and eyebrow pencils. I did a whole video explaining why these are insanely overpriced a lot of the time. Personal fave lipliner = this $7 NYX pencil that is literally the same experience as the equivalent MAC. My preferred shade is Brooklyn Thorn, but there are lots to choose from. This one is the Suede collection, btw.

  • Any acidic glossing treatment, conditioner or shampoo over $20. Sorry in advance to Redken and Kerastase—loads of identical offerings exist under $20. My faves are this $10 acidic bonding concentrate, which is the exact Redken formula just repackaged (same company owns/produces both). Don’t use it as the bottle says, use it my off-label way… can redo that video if you want. Also, this $12 acidic glossing mask adds life and shine back into overworked, over-processed hair. (FYI: acidic hair therapies are best for medium density and thick hair, not ultra-fine).

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  • Most NAD supplements are scams (I take this instead). Injections/IV therapies have the best absorption, but those cost an actual fortune. If you’re going for oral pills, the secret is that most of the NAD supplements out there use molecules that are just too big for the body to absorb/process or they’re using what’s easier to process—precursors. Precursors signal to your body, “Hey, let’s make more of our own NAD like we did when we were younger.” And precursors are cheap—so skip the fancy branding and go straight to the good stuff, in my opinion. Obvi, talk to your doc before taking supplements. I explained this in a video here, and this is the one I personally take ($15ish/free shipping). It’s also about 50 cents cheaper here, but you have to meet a higher shipping threshold.

  • Any collagen cream over about $25. Major scam territory! They’re just barrier creams. Collagen molecules are very large—typically around 300,000 Daltons (Da) in size. For context, the general “500 Dalton rule” says substances larger than ~500 Da cannot effectively penetrate the outer skin barrier (the stratum corneum). Because collagen is so many times larger than that threshold, it sits on top of the skin rather than passing through it, which is why topical collagen mainly acts as a surface hydrator rather than actually boosting collagen deeper. Clever marketing campaigns would suggest otherwise though. Need a good barrier cream? I love this Avene Cica ($26/free shipping for a generous tube) and this slightly-lighter PDRN formula from Dr. Althea (added niacinimide for texture, $23/free shipping).

Aritzia dupe time!

First, please watch this. It’s important.

@brycegruberA little inside information to keep you swimming in cute cotton 😘 #fashiontok #styletok
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K, now my fave (very obvious) Aritz-ish dupes. I suspect some of these will sell out quickly in the good colors/sizes, so hurry up if you want ‘em.

Also, if you’re ordering under $50 just hit “ship to store” and the shipping is free (even if you just get some t-shirts) and then you can pick ‘em up near you.

Do we want more? Should I keep updating this every season?

Share

Some entertaining stuff to get you through the weekend:

Not necessarily my stuff, just things that brought me a little bit of joy…

Sales worth shopping right now

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

Subscribe now

  • Cashmere sweater dupes from #26: I’ll make another video about this soon, but lots of you have been asking for the Brunello dupes I love… so here’s the most popular link/bestseller from that newsletter. LE End Puff Sleeve, women’s (on sale for $140ish/free shipping). Several great neutral colors, extended size range.

  • Bougie hotel robes from newsletter #25: There are a few different types of robes available at Four Seasons Hotels (ranging from plush terry to a softer, slightly lighter spa robe). The spa robes are typically made by Monarch Cypress and cost about $100 (way less than the $300ish to buy from the hotel).

  • Here’s how you’re going to get super cheap tretinoin (click here) and then watch this explainer video.

I keep all 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’m giving a bit of extra access from time to time with bonus content.

Subscriber questions:

“How do you keep laundry static-free without fabric softener?”

I love this question because as I’ve explained before, I truly hate fabric softeners (most of ‘em anyway). They’re typically combos of oil, wax and polymers that leave residues on fabric (and your machine!) and those residues feel decent at first… but then they cause oodles of problems down the road.

So let’s get into a few methods that actually worth without the residues.

Certain wool dryer balls (not all)

These physically separate fabric in the dryer, allowing better airflow and reduced friction. Less friction = less static buildup. These also:

  • Leave no residues

  • No waxy coatings that require added cleaning cycles to your machines

  • Reusable for years

  • Safe for everything from towels to activewear

I happen to like these cheapies, but use whatver you think is nice—just go for real wool and Godspeed.

Your dryer could be making static worse

Overdrying is a major contributor to static charge, and if your clothes are coming out of the dryer feeling super hot or so warm that you’d want to snuggle up to ‘em instantly, that means your static potential is off the charts.

Cutting your drying time back by 5-8 minutes may be enough to reduce the charge significantly. Or lowering the heat a bit to “medium” vs “high.”

And guess what other clever little additive works?

Read more

]]><![CDATA[#36: Pillow talk (the money-saving kind), softer than ever feet & more]]>https://extragood.substack.com/p/36-pillow-talk-the-money-saving-kindhttps://extragood.substack.com/p/36-pillow-talk-the-money-saving-kindFri, 20 Feb 2026 16:12:20 GMTSo much to get into today, but I want to start by giving you the link to the urea cream I spoke about in my biggest video of last week. I’ve spoken about it countless times before, but we have a lot of new faces here (yay!), so I’m sharing it again.

Here is the one I use. It’s $10ish/free shipping, but if you prefer in-person shopping or other stores, make sure you get a 40% concentration + a small amount of acid (AHA or salicyclic would be good).

And a little goes a long way—one container should last you several months!

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Let’s save you some serious money on pillows

I don’t believe in spending hundreds of dollars on a pillow. I mean, you can if you want a specific label or brand, but for the most part, super high-end pillows are either white-labeled, have better marketing or have qualities that don’t make a tremendous difference in the quality of your sleep (in my opinion).

I also don’t believe in the $7 polyester fluff balls from the Walmart clearance bin, though, so let’s get into what makes a good pillow worth your cash (and for reference $30-100 is plenty for a pillow).

Down & down-alternative pillows

This is the category all the major luxury hotels are using. They rarely use other materials because down is the most universally appealing (though not necessarily the best if you are a side sleeper, have bird-related allergies or like a much more supported sleep experience).

What to look for in down and/or down-alternative pillows

  • A three-chamber construction system: The inner core is supportive, the outer chambers are softer, cushier down. Cloud-like feel that won’t fall flat. A feather sandwich, if you will.

  • Fill power and weight: 600-650 is medium plush, 700-800 is fluffier and a bit more supportive, higher than 800 offers the highest loft and support.

  • Gusseted edges: Lasts longer, supports the shape better (instead of your pillow lasting 2 years, a good edge can extend the life by another year or two—easily).

Down & down-alternative options

Memory foam pillows

If you’re a side sleeper, have neck pain, like a firmer experience or need a cooling pillow… memory foam is probably a good choice for you, but only if you choose one of the right types of memory foam. And there are lots of good options well below $60ish.

What to look for in memory foam pillows

  • Certifications: CertiPUR-US (foam safety + low VOCs) and/or OEKO-TEX.

  • Foam type: Open-cell or ventilated foam for airflow; shredded foam = more adjustable and a bit cushier.

  • Loft/height: (approximately) 3–4” = stomach sleepers, 4–5” = back sleepers, 5”+ = side sleepers.

  • Cooling features: Gel infusion, perforations, phase-change fabric and a breathable cover

  • Durability: Should last a good ~2–3 years (longer if high density)

Great memory foam pillow options

  • Certi-PUR certified cooling shredded foam pillow from Sijo, $68/free shipping. Ideal for side and back sleepers, no off-gassing or dangerous chemicals, extremely comfortable to sleep on and supportive. I also love this brand’s cooling sheets, but that’s another story for another time.

  • Tempurpedic solid open-cell memory foam pillows, $99/free shipping. Open-cell construction and a dual-sided sleep experience. One side is contoured for side sleepers, the other is flatter for back and stomach sleepers. A good, versatile pick if you like a medium-firm sleep experience.

  • Shredded cooling gel pillows, $30 per set of 2/free shipping. A good entry-level pillow that lets you test the memory foam experience without spending much. Genuinely a good choice, though the outer construction makes it slightly more cumbersome to wash (expect 2-3 years of life from these vs. the 3-5 years you can expect from the first option I listed).

  • Cooling solid memory foam pillow, $30 each/free shipping. Higher profile, ideal for side sleepers and open-cell construction that allows for good ventilation. If you like a firmer pillow, this is a great choice.

I don’t want to take up the entire center of the newsletter with pillow science, though. I’ll add more to the bottom if you’re into this kind of thing + a bunch of other bedding info that may help you make smarter choices.

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Some entertaining stuff to get you through the weekend:

Not necessarily my stuff, just things that brought me a little bit of joy…

Sales worth shopping right now

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

Subscribe now

I keep all 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’m giving a bit of extra access from time to time with bonus content.

Back to bedding/pillow/sleep info you need! (plus 6 things that make bedrooms look expensive)

There are so many other types of pillows on the market, some good… some crap. Let’s dig into ‘em a bit more (and I can to a whole explainer on each if any of ‘em stick out to you).

  • Feather (not down): Generally cheaper and pokier than down. These are bigger, lower-quality feathers. Don’t be fooled. But definitely put these pillows on your guest beds if you don’t want visitors staying too long.

  • Latex: Made from rubber tree sap (if natural) or synthetic latex and these are very responsive (similar to memory foam texture). They tend to last a long time and are good for hot sleepers, though they’re downright heavy and weird to clean.

Read more

]]><![CDATA[#35: Saving you serious cash, hotel bedding secrets + more]]>https://extragood.substack.com/p/35-saving-you-serious-cash-hotelhttps://extragood.substack.com/p/35-saving-you-serious-cash-hotelFri, 13 Feb 2026 16:18:15 GMTSo much to share and I’m excited for it all, but first, I want you to know that Tiktok made me remove my heart-shaped pasta video for some reason.

Literally nothing was scandalous about me showing off the super cute pasta boxes I bought as Valentine’s Day gifts for neighbors and friends.

Anyway, you can still find ‘em for $2 per box here (free delivery!) and they’ll make it to your house same day/next day depending on your region.

Luxury hotel mattress toppers:

If you saw my video on what super high-end luxury hotels are doing to promise those “customizable sleep experiences” and offer genuinely cloud-like sleeping conditions, you already know down (and down-alternative toppers are the way to go).

Things to look for before choosing one:

  • True gusseted construction: look for 2–4” side gussets (not just a flat pad). Hotels use boxed construction so the fill stays evenly distributed.

  • Baffle box stitching (not simple quilting): Real baffle box means internal fabric walls that prevent fill from shifting. Basic diamond quilting flattens fast.

  • At least 2 to 3 inches of loft if you want to mimic the highest-end hotels: Luxury hotels typically use plush toppers that meaningfully change the feel of the bed.

  • High fill weight (not just fill power): Fill weight matters more than marketing words like “ultra plush.” Look for actual ounces of fill listed.

  • Down or high-end down alternative: Feather + down blend (support + softness),, microfiber cluster fill (if hypoallergenic), or occasionally wool layers for temperature control.

  • Cotton shell (ideally 100% cotton): Fully polyester shells trap heat. They also just don’t support great skin. Luxury hotels use breathable cotton, often 300 to 500 thread count. (If you’re new here, I made a separate video a few weeks ago on how thread counts over 500 are sort of meaningless at this point).

  • Deep elastic skirt or straps (15”–22” pocket depth): It should fully encase and anchor to the mattress—no shifting when you move.

A quick note: these toppers offer a plush, cloud-like experience for sleepers. They’re not ideal for anyone who prefers rock-hard sleeping environments or have medical needs for extremely firm surfaces.

Money-saving luxury hotel bed topper dupes:

If you need other hotels, just let me know in the comments of the original video or here.

  • St. Regis/Duck Down Alternative Topper $79/free ship: Overall, an excellent value. Nice quality, lots of sizes and cloud-like.

  • Waldorf Astoria style $80/free ship: Some attachment mechanism, down alternative and deep pockets. The only major difference is there’s a small amount of blue piping around the edges, but you’re covering this with a sheet anyway, right?

  • Westin Heavenly Sleep alternative ($99 with free shipping): This is one of the best options for allergy-prone people because it’s a down-alternative that genuinely makes you feel like you’re floating. High quality and worth every penny if you need a little more cush under your tush.

  • Ritz Carlton/Downlite: very close dupe, still expensive at $375/free shipping, but about $105 cheaper than buying one from the hotel directly with a RC label. Notice the description outlining “hotel quality” and 100% cotton shell, etc. You’re getting a premium product without a name markup.

  • JW Marriott style $109/free shipping, this is a reasonably priced goose feather wonder with a 100% cotton shell and clever elastic straps.

  • Disney Luxury style $89/free ship: If you stay at the particularly luxe Disney hotels, you know the beds are multi-layered with a very specific Beautyrest mattress and a cushy topper below the Sobel sheets. You can have a nearly identical topper for about $90/free shipping if you’re willing to buy without the popular name.

  • Carlyle/Rosewood Hotels-style $157/free shipping: 100% cotton shell, 75% white down and 25% white feather fill… and guess what? It’s a major name brand that white-labels the very same stuff the hotels are using. You didn’t hear that from me, though—k?

  • Kimpton Hotels style $70/free shipping: Another one with nice quality, thinner profile. Better for mattresses that are already super deep or have pillowtops.

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So, so many $$$ saving retail secrets

Yes, you need to know these. And yes, I’m going to take you down such a rabbithole. This all started after I posted last week’s Costco hack to get gift cards for your old electronics.

Then I posted this with tips for saving cash at Patagonia, The North Face, Madewell and Nordstrom. Part two is embedded below, but I recommend starting with part 1 if you haven’t already seen it.

  • Patagonia: They offer free repairs FOR life on almost everything (includes seams, zippers and snaps). No receipt is required, so you can thrift a $5 jacket with a broken zipper and they’ll happily repair it for you for free or replace it. They also offer a generous trade-in program that earns you store credit.

  • The North Face: A nearly identical program, though I think they’re even more accessible and open-minded when taking back cheaper items like shirts. The best part? You can use the store credit on sale items, which in my experience, are pretty affordable when you shop end-of-season.

  • Madewell: A generous trade-in program that allows you to swap literally any pair of jeans for a $20 credit off full price merch. Seriously, bring in old Walmart or Old Navy jeans—they don’t care. Now here’s where it gets better… they offer free alterations on full price merchandise, too. That means you can score a $20 discount and $30-50 in alterations all in one shot just for bringing in an old pair of jeans. And if you want to get really clever, sign up for their email system and get a $25 birthday credit during your big month. Stack all these together, smart friend.

  • Nordstrom: Free alterations on full-price merchandise (a big win for menswear, too!), plus LOADS of free beauty samples the makeup counter. Like way more than Sephora. The best part? Go to a makeup counter where they sell foundation. Say you’d like to see/experience it in natural daylight and they’ll often decant a 3-5 day supply for free for you to go home with. Hello, travel makeup.

  • Coach: Whether you have an old bag your mom handed down to you, a new piece you bought on sale or a vintageCoach wallet you scored at a garage sale, they’ll clean and polish the leather FREE. You don’t need a receipt, and the only real requirement is that it MUST be an authentic Coach item. Just bring it into the store (sometimes the turnaround is same-day, sometimes they’ll tell you to come back a few days later—be prepapred for that). Also this bag is gorgeous, under $300 and now you know it’ll get free cleaning and maintenance for years to come!

  • West Elm: If you’ve got an ugly room or are moving and you don’t know how to design your new space, take excellent pictures, get the dimensions and walk into your local West Elm. Ask for a design pro—they’ll help you map out the best colors, furniture placements, appropriate sizes, etc. Keep in mind many of these design pros do work on base salary + commission, so be nice and buy some throw pillows or something.

  • Crate & Barrel: Same exact deal as above, and a brilliant way to save on designers for rooms you’re just not sure what to do with or confusing furniture placement situations.

  • J. Crew: Ooooh, another trade-in program! Bring in literally any old bathing suit you have (men’s, women’s, kids from any brand) and they’ll give you a $5 store credit. You can get up to $20 in store credit at a time and use it on pretty much anything except for extreme clearance items. I’ve personally gotten the $20 credit and used it on the 2-for-$20 cotton tank top specials they often run in warmer seasons.

This is getting long so I’ll put the rest at the bottom of the newsletter <3

Some entertaining stuff to get you through the weekend:

Not my stuff, just things that brought me a little bit of joy…

Sales worth shopping right now

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

Share

I keep all 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’m giving a bit of extra access from time to time with bonus content.

Back to the shopping secrets you need to know!

  • Lululemon: Bring in gently used Lululemon pieces for credit and shop certified pre-owned gear at lower prices. Credit ranges from $5 for smaller items like tanks to $10 for leggings and up to $25 for coats. Must be in good condition and CLEAN.

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