Hi there,

Are you someone who likes surprises? Lately, I’ve been focusing on the moments where my expectations and reality didn’t match up in a good way: cut flowers lasting all week, packages arriving earlier than expected, canceled plans that unlock an extra night in. This week, Alisha shares skincare faves that only feel expensive, plus a delightful 3 Good Things from wellness writer Melanie Ehrenkranz. xoxo —Aliza Abarbanel, Executive Editor

This Week's Picks

3 Good Things with Melanie Ehrenkranz from Nessie Sightings

The wellness space can be a Wild West of claims and price points. Luckily we have writer Melanie Ehrenkranz, who cuts through the noise with Nessie Sightings, a weekly newsletter sharing approachable health and wellness recommendations and news. A former reporter at Gizmodo and Mic, Melanie shares insights without the ridiculous price tags and pseudoscience, and her recs below are equally refreshing.—Aliza 

1. Microdosing chess: One of the first things I bought when my partner and I moved in together was a chess set made of clear resin that contains real plants. (I appreciate that the artist does not uproot plants or use protected species.) In the absence of long stretches of time (or attention spans) to sit down to a complete game, we’ll take small work breaks to make two or three moves each, playing a game over a few days to a week. It’s a nice moment of reconnection, and keeping a tally of wins on the fridge adds a playful, competitive edge. (I’m winning.)
2. Commissioning art for yourself: As I’m typing this, I’m staring into the brushstrokes of a painting I commissioned through an artist I found on Instagram. I slid into her DMs, telling her colors I like to look at (pastel greens and pinks and oranges) flowers I like (birds of paradise), and that I wanted to feel calm and inspired in the room this painting would exist in. It hangs above my desk and when I look at it, I do feel calm and inspired. Also it’s a beautiful object that reminds me of a specific moment in my life, like a time capsule. I can’t recommend this enough. 
3. Showing up to your friend’s place with a jar of pickles: At the beginning of the pandemic, I grew too many cucumbers. It got out of hand. So I started quick pickling. I made jars for my family, my friends, my neighbors, an old acquaintance who saw me post a picture of my pickles on Instagram and inquired “can I get some pickles?” It’s also a good exercise in learning what your loved ones like. Do they lean sweet? Spicy? Slices? Spears? Do they eat them straight out of the can or put them on a sandwich? If you don’t know how your besties like a pickle, hit 'em up. 

The A List 🛒

GNI founder Alisha shares some of her favorite things to add to your cart right now. This week: skincare staples that won’t break the bank. 

La Roche Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser, $16 for 13 fl oz. 

An affordable French drugstore brand? CHIC. This cleanser is my daily favorite—it’s nourishing, won’t strip your face of oils, and provides a generous amount of product for the price point. A small pump washes off all my makeup, even stubborn eyeliner or mascara, and it also contains niacinamide to gently even out hyperpigmentation. And most importantly: It’s got no fragrance! Truly a pet peeve of mine when it comes to cleansers—there’s no need for it. (Btw, their astringent toner is great, too.)

Indie Lee Squalane Oil, $14 for .3 fl oz (or $38 for 1 fl oz)

I’ve been on the hunt for a face oil to use with my gua sha routine and I finally landed on this old standby of mine. I wanted something with simple ingredients that wouldn't cost an arm and a leg (looking at you, Vintner’s Daughter), contain fragrance, cause breakouts (I have acne-prone skin), or absorb too quickly into the skin (lest I be left tugging and stretching out my face vs. giving myself a gentle and relaxing facial massage). This oil feels nourishing and gives just the slip you need for gua sha, without feeling greasy.

The Snail Mucin CosRX, $22 for 3.4 fl oz

I’ve used this essence on and off for a few years now whenever I’m in need of a little hydration boost, or if I’m noticing dry patches on my skin. Made by a cult-favorite Korean skincare brand, it’s a soothing product using snail secretion that layers well after cleansing and before moisturizing. My skin always feels juicier and bouncier after using this.

This Week's Reads