In 2015 we introduced a way for members to make a completely optional monthly contribution of $8 to support YLF and enjoy an ad-free experience. In 2017 we made YLF ad-free for all visitors, regardless of whether they were a patron or not. 

We have been very happy with the decision to remove ads. It gives us more control of the experience, increases the speed that pages load, and increases your privacy by eliminating the tracking cookies that come along with the ads.

Ads do generate income and removing them has made us more dependent on other sources of revenue. If you haven’t yet done so, you can make a big difference by becoming a patron. It is completely optional and you should only do so if it is something you can easily afford. The price has remained the same since we launched the program in 2015: you can choose $8 monthly or $96 for the year.

Note becoming a patron is completely optional. Non-patrons still get access to the blog, forum and finds features as before.

In order to become a patron, please visit the signup page. Click or tap the “Become a Patron” button to enter your payment details. We use the well-known payment service Stripe to handle all credit card transactions (we do not store your credit card details on YLF servers). The contributions will start immediately, and you can go to your profile page to manage your payment details.

Charges are automatic, and you can cancel the monthly contribution at any time. We humbly thank our current YLF Patrons for their ongoing loyal support. You make a difference that is very much appreciated.

“Skin streaming”, or cutting down your skincare routine to just the essentials, is having a moment on TikTok. In this article, dermatologists explain the benefits of this new trend, and name the three products they would recommend as essential.

In “#GetReadyWithMe — how social media came for our bathroom cabinets,” The Guardian charts 15 years of shelfies, sinks and skincare.

Allure asked 11 climate activists how they make their beauty routines more sustainable.

Fab Links from Our Members

Runcarla found this new-to-her vlogger, Ellena Hue, who does a lot with colour in a super instructive way. She adds: “I learned something from this video on how to work with monochromatics.”

Carol has been thinking about ironing: “How I’ve been meaning to do it for years, but really don’t. So I thought, what are the absolute essential items you need to iron, if not everything?” Here are some suggestions.

Giorgio Armani Spring Summer 2024 Women’s Show has brought forward all the graceful, distant, and slightly melancholic elegance of the late 1920s/early 1930s… and married it to 2024. The models look like they’ve stepped out of a Maxfield Parrish Edison Mazda calendar, and Mary Beth loves that all of the outfits look so wearable — and comfortable.

Helena liked this breakdown of different approaches to wardrobe management.

“5 Things Your Closet Needs That Aren’t New Clothes.” kkards loves how Alyssa Beltempo has laid these principles out. And how clearly she draws them together at the end. She says: As I was watching I was thinking about Angie’s style nuggets, and as Alyssa was getting to her last “item” — confidence — I was immediately drawn back to this blog post.”

We all sometimes think that we will never wear a particular style, trend, or vibe. But frequently, it’s only a question of time before we do wear it and thoroughly enjoy it. There’s often a version of something for everyone. Find the right one for you. 

We adjust to new looks over time, especially when there are inspiring examples of people wearing them. Sometimes we can’t imagine wearing something, right up to the point that we fall in love with it. Often leading to wonderful wild-card purchases.

Style journeys are full of surprises. Just when you have it figured out, your lifestyle, climate, budget or body changes, and your needs or preferences change along with it. Suddenly, you’re wearing something you never thought you would.

Dying hair is a common practice. Some go lighter, some go darker, and some sport a rainbow. Sometimes the goal is to create a more visually flattering effect, while other times it is to make a drastic change. Sometimes it is to cover grey, while others like the playful or edgy touch dyed hair brings to their style. Most of my clients, friends and family members have dyed their hair at some point.

Of course, there is no right or wrong here. It is a personal decision whether you keep your natural colour or invest the time and expense in dying your hair.

I started highlighting my blonde hair decades ago because the lack of sun in Seattle made my hair darker than it used to be. I happily highlighted back to the light blonde of my youth. At the end of 2021, I was desperate for change in many facets of my life, and my hair was one of them. Upon the suggestion of hubs Greg, I stopped dying my hair.

Two years later I haven’t looked back. It took some getting used to, but I’m loving the colour change. As a dark honey blonde that streaks lighter in the sun, I find I can wear a wider assortment of colours. I’ve welcomed that with a smile! Greg adores my natural hair colour and says it brings out my eyes. That can’t be bad!

For now, I’ll continue sporting my natural colour and adding some length. I haven’t seen grey hair come through yet. When it does, I wonder whether I will want to colour my hair again. Maybe. Maybe not.

Over to you. Do you sport dyed hair, or your natural hair colour? Feel free to share your hair colour journey in the comments section.