Picture this: you walk into a massive shopping mall, your mission set in stone—buy only 10 makeup items. Yes, just 10. In a sea of foundation, highlighters, lipsticks, and more brushes than you can count. Can you do it? Will you be able to hold your ground and not get distracted by those sparkly eyeshadow palettes? This is no ordinary shopping spree. This is the Only 10 Makeup Items Challenge. And I’m here for it, and so is Pari.
Welcome to the adventure, my friends. Grab your shopping bags (but only one, because you’re working with limited space), put on your best “I’m a makeup expert” face, and let’s dive in.
Step 1: Walking into the Mall Like a Makeup Queen
You step into the mall. The aroma of new makeup products hits you. You can already see the beauty counters, each one calling your name. It’s like entering a wonderland of lipstick and glitter. You take a deep breath. “I got this. I am a makeup goddess, and I will not be swayed by the many unnecessary sparkly products calling my name.”
But wait—before you even get to the makeup section, you accidentally pass by a fragrance store. Suddenly, you’re sniffing every perfume bottle in sight. It smells like you’re in a fancy French garden, and suddenly, you’re adding “perfume” to your mental shopping list. “Nope, focus, Pari. It’s the makeup challenge!”
Step 2: The Great Foundation Debate
You make it to the makeup aisle, where the foundation section is a battlefield. So many shades. SO. MANY. SHADES. You start swatching one foundation on your arm, then another, then another, and before you know it, you have a full artist’s palette on your wrist. It’s a masterpiece, except… it’s not your skin tone.
“Okay, calm down,” you tell yourself. “You have 10 items to buy, so pick wisely.” You settle on a foundation that’s almost your shade. Hey, it’s a mall, not a makeup artist’s studio, right? A little blending never hurt anyone.
Bonus lesson: Always check the lighting. Those cute, warm lights make the foundations look flawless. But the harsh bathroom lighting later? Not so much.
Step 3: Eyeshadow or Bust
Now it’s time for eyeshadow. And oh boy, are there options. Every color, every texture—glitter, shimmer, matte, metallic, you name it. But remember, only 10 items. You can’t get carried away, Pari. You pick up a sleek, neutral palette—perfect for every occasion. But, as your hand hovers over the glittery, rainbow holographic one, you hear a voice in your head: “What would the real makeup gurus do?”
You walk away. Barely. You’ve chosen the sensible palette. “I’m an adult,” you remind yourself, but the voice of rebellion whispers, “Just one more glitter shade? Maybe a fun blue for that next Zoom meeting?”
Nope. You resist. Proud moment.
Step 4: Mascara Madness
Mascara: the holy grail. The one thing that can transform your eyes from “just woke up” to “ready for a night out.” But here you are, standing in front of 100+ mascara tubes. Some promise volume, others promise length. Some even claim to add curl, while others are “waterproof for up to 24 hours.” You’re wondering if you should buy two. But, remember: only 10 items.
You narrow it down, grab one that promises everything and more. “This will do the trick. And if not, I’ll just layer it on.”
Step 5: Lipstick Obsession
Oh, lipsticks. The most difficult choice in the challenge. You walk over to the display, and immediately, your hand goes out in all directions, swiping every shade in sight. Reds, pinks, nudes—there’s even a shade called “Midnight Fuchsia” (who names these?). You’re trying to stick to your 10-item goal, but the swatches keep calling your name.
You grab a classic red (for that “I’m sophisticated but fun” look) and a nude pink (for when you want to feel “effortlessly chic”). Done. You’re satisfied.
But then you spot a lip gloss that promises to be the shiny, plump lips of your dreams—and your inner beauty guru gets real excited. “Just one more, right?”
You walk away. Strong willpower.
Step 6: Blush and Highlighter Drama
Blush, highlighter, or both? You hesitate. But then you remember the golden rule: 10 items. You settle on a blush with a hint of shimmer (you’re keeping that glow on, even during winter). But what about highlighter? The one that makes your cheekbones pop and your selfies look like they’ve been filtered by a professional photographer?
You try to convince yourself to skip it, but the pull is too strong. You need that highlighter. It’s like a burst of sunshine for your face.
Step 7: Wrapping It Up—The Final Countdown
With 9 items in your basket, you make one final lap around the mall to ensure you’ve truly only bought 10 makeup items. You briefly consider some tools like brushes and sponges, but you look down at your basket and think, “I’m strong. I’ve made it this far. I can finish this challenge with dignity.”
And then—of course—you spot the perfect makeup bag. The kind that makes you feel like a professional makeup artist, even though your makeup skills are still a work in progress. But, alas, you resist. “Nope. Not today.”
The Final Verdict: Success or Surrender?
You made it. 10 items. That’s it. You’re out of the mall, you’re holding your shiny new purchases, and you feel like you’ve conquered the world. But what about the 57 other items you nearly bought? The lip gloss you nearly gave into? The foundation in that slightly-too-light shade?
The truth is, you did it. You’re a makeup shopping champion. And even though your arms may be full, your wallet may be lighter, and you may have skipped a few treats (like that really cool mascara), you’ve learned something important: it’s not about getting everything. It’s about choosing wisely and living your best makeup life with only 10 items.
Now, you’re ready to go home, try everything on, and post your new look on social media with the caption, “I did it, guys. The 10-item challenge: success!”
(And secretly plotting your next not-so-limited shopping spree.)
So, what’s your next beauty challenge? How many items can you buy next time, and how will you survive the madness? Only time—and your wallet—will tell!
