I'm Giving Myself $500 to Spend on Fashion and Beauty Essentials for My Birthday Month

Jailynn Taylor

Fri, March 8, 2024 at 2:00 AM UTC

3 min read

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Here's what made the cut.

<p>J.Crew / Chanel / Merit / InStyle</p> — J.Crew / Chanel / Merit / InStyle

It’s officially Jailynn season, aka my birthday is this month. Even though it isn’t until the end of the month, I use the weeks leading up to it to celebrate, and that includes spending time with friends and family, throwing a spectacular party, and buying myself whatever my heart desires. Last year, I did go a bit overboard and spent nearly $1,500, but this year, I’m putting myself on a strict $500 budget — and not a penny more! I rounded up the eight fashion and beauty items that I plan on gifting myself, and the total came up to $499, it includes the TikTok-viral tweed mini dress from J.Crew, a matte lipstick from Chanel, and a pinstripe skirt from Topshop.

8 Fashion and Beauty Editor Birthday Picks:

J.Crew Sophia Sleeveless Dress, $248; jcrew.com
Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Nuit Blanche Lipstick, $50; chanel.com
Merit Great Skin Extra Glow Serum, $38; merit.com
Merit Solo Matte Eyeshadow, $24; merit.com 392
Lee Legendary Mid-Rise Flare Jean, $21 (Originally $35); amazon.com
Topshop Tailored Pinstripe Maxi Skirt, $53 (Originally $79); nordstrom.com
Madewell Split Crewneck Cardigan Tank, $52, nordstrom.com
Chanel Le Vernis Ballerina Nail Polish, $32; chanel.com

Lee Legendary Mid-Rise Flare Jean

I don’t usually need an excuse to shop, but the fact that Lee’s Legendary Mid-Rise Flare Jeans are on sale for $21 during my birthday month means I just have to add them to my cart. They come in black, medium, and dark washes, and in sizes 0 through 18 in both short and long fits. They feature a snug midrise fit, a classic button and zipper closure, and a flare leg that would pair well with both sneakers and a heeled boot. The 99 percent cotton denim includes one percent of spandex that allows for a bit of stretch to give the butt a nice lift while also providing all-day comfort.

Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Nuit Blanche Lipstick

During my birthday month, I love to wear a bold lip. So when I saw an ad with Margot Robbie wearing Chanel’s Rouge Allure Velvet Nuit Blanche Lipstick, I knew I had to have it as my new signature for the month. It comes in eight highly-pigmented shades ranging from pink to warm brown, and comes in a minimalistic black-and-white case. It’s formulated with shea butter and jojoba oil that leaves lips feeling moisturized despite having a classic matte finish. It offers long-lasting wear, while feeling like a second skin on the lips.

J.Crew Sophia Sleeveless Dress

One thing I love about March is that the weather finally starts to switch from frigid to warm, and I can treat myself to fun spring-ready dresses like this J.Crew Sophia Sleeveless Dress I’ve been drooling over since it came across my TikTok feed. It comes in black with white accents and pink, with sizes ranging from 00 through 24. The dress has a classic square-neck design, buttons along the front, a zipper closure in the back for easy on and off, and contoured seaming so the bodice fits close to the body. It opens up to an A-line shape, and falls at about mid-thigh depending on height. It’s made from a warm, wool-polyester blend and is completely lined for added coverage.

Shop more of my fashion and beauty birthday picks, below.