I am so thrilled to introduce Lexi Tollefsen, She’s In The Glow’s Editor! When she isn’t beautifying on campus (at Princeton… Ah!), she is hard at work, editing all of my post’s for SITG and my work on Refinery 29, pitching unique story ideas, brainstorming and assisting with research. Let’s just say she is involved in my every move and without her…where would I be? I literally don’t know what I would do without this steller beauty, super smart, witty and totally hilarious girl.

Lexi: I am so thrilled to kick-off She’s In The Glow’s new monthly update “What’s In The Bag!” This post is for every beauty maven who’s looking to keep their bag (purse, makeup bag, or travel kit, of course) fully stocked with the best products of the month without breaking the bank. I’ll take you from steal to splurge, rounding up what you should get your paws on before the month is out. Annie (She’s In The Glow’s HBMIC, or Head Beauty Maven In Charge) has so kindly given me the chance to speak from my humble college girl perspective, inspiring me to approach beauty from a fresh angle.

While we all want a fully stocked makeup bag with Chanel, YSL, or Laura Mercier, sometimes our wallets don’t always agree. As a full-time student, I get this 100%. That is precisely why I’m making it my mission to find department store finds in drugstore form. I’ll also add in some luxury products just for fun if you’re feeling extravagant. Without further ado, let’s see exactly what’s in my bag!

Since summer is not quite over but fall is still lurking around the corner, I find that the products I’m using are more transitional. While I feel myself looking for darker colors and fuller fragrances to help me gear up for fall, I still can’t help but hang onto the bronzer and creamy SPF that completed my summer look. Who says I have to choose, right?

Check out what I’m into for August:

1. Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet, No. 37 L’Exubérante, $34//L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lip Color, I Pink You’re Cute, $8.95

Every girl needs a signature lip color. This soft yet sassy pink is definitely mine. After using both the Chanel and L’Oréal, I actually found the L’Oréal to be more creamy and rich (gasp!). This lip color underdog comes fully packed with Omega 3, Vitamin E, and conditioning Argan Oil. These active ingredients are sure to leave your lips soft and hydrated. Pro tip: This shade is easily layered with other colors if you’re going from day to night.

2. YSL Jade Imperial Nail Lacquer, $25//Essie Turquoise & Caicos, $8

I can’t get enough of this luxe shade of green. It reminds me of the gorgeous jade bracelets I saw on my trip to China two years ago. My mom mailed me this baby last semester for a pick-me-up during my (hellish) finals week. It definitely helped me regain my strength and gave me an excuse to take a much needed break from studying to paint my nails. Pro tip: Before giving yourself an at home manicure, coat your nails with Sally Hansen’s Hard as Nails. Your nails will grow strong and healthy, keeping your manicure fresh and chip-free.

3. Fekkai Salon Technician Color Care Rapid Results Moisture Mask, $39//Neutrogena Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask, $6.99

I’m known for my many hair colors.  I can’t help but change the color of my locks when I am stressed, when I’m intensely bored, when I’m celebrating, etc. It’s how I keep things interesting! With this constant change comes, as you might expect, lots of damage (especially when going blonde). That’s why I must keep my strands extremely moisturized by routinely applying a hair mask 1-2 times a week. Neutrogena’s affordable mask is made to promote shine, hydration, and softness starting at the roots. Pro tip: Apply the mask at the beginning of your shower/bath after you’ve shampooed and conditioned so it has ample time to soak in. The longer it’s left in, the better!

4. Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner, Granite Ink, $23//Sephora Collection Smoky Cream Liner, Matte Black, $12

When the heat strikes, there’s nothing worse than your eye makeup running. Gross, right? I solve this problem by choosing eyeliner that’s meant to last for hours, no matter what the day throws at you. While I’m loyal to Bobbi and her magic, there’s nothing like running into Sephora for a quick and affordable substitute. Sephora’s name brand Smoky Cream Liner is water resistant (but still comes off when you want it to when you’re washing your face in the eve) and is designed to go on like a dream. The best part about this product is that it also provides antioxidant benefits. Pro tip: Try this liner when you’re going for that runway-inspired cat eye look.

5. La Prairie Sun Protection Emulsion Face Sunscreen SPF 30, $95//Olay Complete All Day Moisturizer With Sunscreen SPF 15, $7.99

Sunscreen is SO underrated. It is the secret to maintaining youthful, creamy skin that’s free of sunspots, blotchiness and premature aging. Most importantly, it has been proven to prevent against skin cancer development. Sure, you won’t get as tan when you wear it, but who wants leathery skin by the time they’re 45? Not me! Swiss made (miracle) skincare line La Prairie is top-of-the-line when it comes to quality and a nightmare when it comes to price. I must admit, the splurge is worth it around the holidays or for your birthday, but is totally unrealistic for a girl on a budget. That’s why I recommend sticking with Olay’s knockout substitute until you land your first consistently paying job. This product truly gives you two-in-one benefits and is amazingly oil free, hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic. In other words, it won’t promote unwanted shine, annoying allergic reactions, or evil acne. Sign me up! Pro tip: My grandfather said you could always tell a woman’s age by the look of her hands. Instead of wiping the excess sunscreen left on your hands after applying the product on your face, rub it into your hands. They need love too!

FAB photos by Lexi’s sister, Margot Tollefsen.