“Rosie,” they say in awe, “your skin is so grainy. Your hair defies all known laws of physics. Did you know irons exist?”
I’m used to the public’s veneration by now; I nod modestly and try and change the subject, but my admirers are unstoppable.
“You look like an extra in a film about rickets,” they say, “Have you put eyeshadow under your eyes or have you not slept for twenty years?”
I smile a Mona Lisa smile, sip my Horlicks.
“Tell us your secret,” they beg. “Tell us how we, too, can look like a background actor in Peaky Blinders.”
Up to now, I’ve always brushed off requests to share my beauty regime, but the time has come to tell all. In this, a bland-blog exclusive, you can find out how to achieve my sought-after look.
Cucumber
Throw it out. You’re in Russia now; the only vitamins you’re allowed are from the piles of dill added to every dish. Don’t worry, though – this monochrome diet will give you the wide eyes and pallor of a Victorian urchin. Very chic.
Shave ur head
More specifically, have a friend of a friend do it for you.
Sick of my fringe getting in my eyes, I let my most stylish friend drag me to a part of the city I’d never visited before. We ducked into his mate’s barbers: “Do exactly what you want,” I said to her, more proud of the fact that I’d formed the imperative correctly than actually wanting a haircut.
“Exactly what I want,” she said thoughtfully, and whipped out the scissors. A couple of minutes later, she said, “I’m going to use the машинки, are you ready?”
I’ve got used to having no clue what people are saying to me. “Yep, ready,” I said. Turns out машинки are hair clippers.
Sounds stupid but I really didn’t expect my ears to look like that.
In other news, it turns out having a cool haircut doesn’t make your selfie game any stronger – I don’t know why I didn’t take the fucking toothbrush out of my mouth.
Stay humble
Sure, you look incredible, but keep in mind the envy you’re bound to be inspiring in everyone who sees you. Drop in the odd self-deprecating comment (or, if you’re feeling extra, full-length blog) to keep yourself grounded.

Cats
Here’s a secret: when you’re having a bad hair/face/overall appearance day, use cats to distract people. They’ll look at your adorable furry friend and your bedhead will be overlooked.
Case in point:
Bet you didn’t even notice I’m in that.
Mate with massive camera
It turns out a talented photographer can make anyone look cool as fuck, even me.
Side note – on the day we took those pictures, I was hungover as shit and wearing yesterday’s clothes.
“Shouldn’t we wait til I’m having a good face day?” I asked.
“This is your look,” he replied. “Now go stand by that wall and look miserable.”
Go figure.
That is so funny! I think it looks kinda cute. In Egypt I had a similar problem with my non fluent Arabic. I went in for a trim and my beautiful long curly hair looked like a pyramid of frizz…it took me a year to recover. 😁
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“Don’t worry, it’s just a haircut,” they said. “It’ll grow out,” they said.
A year later, I’m still full of regrets.
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Make ‘No Regrets” your mantra! It really is just hair to frame your pretty face and it does grow back. I just accidentally dyed my hair pink and have finally dyed it back to a blondish brown color…
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