The $9 Lip Gloss Kelsea Ballerini Can’t Live Without

Following a whirlwind year of performances and album releases, Kelsea Ballerini is now eagerly anticipating a holiday break—a festive interlude in the melody of her dynamic career.

As the echoes of hits like “Penthouse” and “Blindsided” linger from her recent tour, Ballerini shared with Glamour, “This has been the most chaotic year of my life,” while expressing gratitude for the consistent elements that anchor her, like her boyfriend, actor Chase Stokes, and her beloved dog, Dibs.

Ahead, at an event she attended on behalf of The Original Donut Shop, we caught up with the singer-songwriter to find out the items she can’t live without (one happens to be on sale), her favorite presents to give (and get), and the special way she celebrates the holidays with her mother.

The product I can’t live without

Ballerini points out the InstaShiatsu+ neck massager is her ultimate relaxation companion, emphasizing its exceptional orthopedic benefits. The device, designed to provide targeted relief, has won her praise for its effectiveness in soothing tense muscles. She loves it so much she keeps it tucked behind her pillow in the bedroom.

The drugstore makeup I wear every day

“Yummy Gloss from CoverGirl is thick, juicy, and full-on Y2K nostalgia. It’s reminding me of middle school in the best ways—and it tastes really good,” she says.

The coziest thing in my home

“My most cozy gift has to be the Barefoot Dreams blanket. It’s not just a gift; it’s an experience. Whenever I wrap myself in its soft embrace, it feels like I’m instantly transported home.”

My wardrobe staple

“Agolde Jeans are my go-to basic item. I’ve worn them for years, and I refuse to stop wearing them. They’re so broken in and soft.”

The coffee I drink on the road

“I’m not a morning person,” she says. “Whether I am on a tour bus or in a hotel room, I always need coffee, which is why it made sense to partner with The Original Donut Shop. I love the Twix flavor because you don’t need anything else in it. You can just drink it black, and it’s like you’re having Twix and coffee in the morning.”

My gift-giving advice

Emphasizing her preference for experiences over material possessions, Ballerini reveals her thoughtful approach to gift giving. She shares that, as an “experiences person,” she delights in creating lasting memories for her loved ones. This means treating her friends to girls trips or enjoying a special mommy-daughter weekend with her mother. Her best gift-giving advice centers on the notion that memories, crafted through unique experiences, stand as the most precious and enduring presents. Want to follow suit? How about a Hotels.com gift card? (PS: Use one of these hotels.com promo codes.)

My biggest splurge

Unapologetically a “shoe girl,” Ballerini shares her indulgent tradition: marking major milestones like album releases and tour endings with a pair of Christian Louboutins.