Courtesy of Kohl’sWe interviewed Ellie Kemper because we think you’ll like her picks. Ellie is a paid spokesperson for Kohl’s. Our writers and editors independently determine what we cover and recommend. When you buy through our links, E! may earn a commission. Learn more.
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, finding moments of peace and joy is essential. For Ellie Kemper, embracing self-care isn’t just about the big gestures—it’s the little things, like affordable self-care products, that make all the difference.
From sprucing up her space with faux hydrangeas to indulging in soothing vanilla fragrances, The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt alum knows how to lift her mood with simple pleasures. As part of the Kohl’s Mom campaign, Ellie embodies a refreshing approach to motherhood and self-care, showing how easy it is to create an atmosphere of comfort and happiness in your home.
Whether it’s a small splurge like a new lip gloss or a quick moment of relaxation, she finds joy in every detail. Discover Ellie’s top self-care hacks and mood-boosting secrets—because sometimes, a little treat is all you need to recharge.
And these insights aren’t just for moms—Ellie’s approach is something anyone can embrace, no matter where life takes you.
E!: What makes shopping at Kohl’s so enjoyable for you
EK: It’s a one-stop shop, but it’s also everything that you need. Plus, some splurges, which is why it’s actually a joyful experience for me to go there. A tiny little splurge can help lift the whole mood.
E!: What are some of your favorite tiny little splurges?
EK: I think little pick-me-ups are so important. I love lip gloss. I love moisturizing my face, and I love moisturizing my lips. It’s my go-to self-care type ritual.
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
“Summer Friday’s Lip Butter Balm is delightful. It comes in different shades. It just makes me feel covered and also smells really good. Things like that are crucial to treating yourself well.”
More Celebrity Fans: Amanda Batula, Caelynn Bell
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask + Moisturizer
“I love putting on an overnight cream and waking up feeling dewy, fresh, and ready to start the day. The Summer Friday’s Jet Lag Mask + Moisturizer is delightful—you feel like you’ve gone to the spa.”
More from Ellie: “It’s just those little moments of self-care that really bring a lot of joy to every day.”
More Celebrity Fans: Kyle Richards, Rachael Kirkconnell, Kenzie Ziegler, Lauren Conrad, Lauren Bushnell Lane, Marianna Hewitt, Harry Jowsey
Sephora Collection Booster Face Mask Brighten + Glow
“Sephora has a collection of beautiful sheet masks that I love to use.”
Dr. Jart Vital Hydra Solution Pro Glow Face Mask with Hyaluronic Acid
“Dr. Jart has some great sheet masks too.”
E!: What is your most ride-or-die product from Kohl’s?
EK: If I’m picking one, it’s the Tower 28 Beauty Shine On Lip Jelly, a hydrating, non-sticky lip gloss.
Tower 28 ShineOn Lip Jelly Hydrating Non-Sticky Lip Gloss
“This is something I put on, and I feel like I’m made up. I can see the other moms at drop-off, or whatever it is, and I feel pulled together. It’s so quick, so easy, and really beautiful. I love it.”
More Celebrity Fans: Hannah Godwin
E!: How would you describe the Kohl’s Mom?
EK: I felt so excited about this partnership because I felt it was organic. I am a Kohl’s Mom. I have two boys, I love a good deal. I get that from my own mom—I love, love, love a good deal. And Kohl’s has these high-quality products at very good values.
I love being able to go into that store and check off so many items that I need on my list at once.
E!: Tell me more about the Kohl’s Mom campaign.
EK: What I love about this campaign is it’s very positive, it’s upbeat. I like that the Kohl’s Mom wants to help others in their shopping pursuits. And I feel like all of that just spoke to me very sincerely.
E!: How does Kohl’s help you find those little things that make a big difference in your everyday life?
EK: It really is about the little things—little treats that you get for yourself that don’t necessarily have to be a big deal. They can be something like a home accent, faux flowers, or whatever it is that makes a big difference in your everyday experience.
Sonoma Goods For Life Artificial Elite Hydrangea in Colored Glass Vase Floral Arrangement Floor Decor
“I was inspired to get these and they make such a difference. My mood is immediately lifted, and it doesn’t take a lot of effort or money. So, I’m an advocate for home accent upgrades.”
More from Ellie: “The great thing is, they look real. I know that’s the point, but sometimes they don’t, but this collection really does a good job.”
Sonoma Goods For Life Artificial Yucca in Stoneware Vase Floral Arrangement Floor Decor
“I’ll never pass up an opportunity to get a faux floral.”
Everyday Decor Green Glass Ruffle Vase
“A colorful vase can really elevate my everyday living experience in such an easy way.”
E!: Faux flowers are a mood booster for you—are there any other simple items or small treats that have the same effect?
EK: Any kind of scent or something that’s a tad feminine or makes me feel a little bit sweeter, I’m all for that too. Right now, I love vanilla, whether it’s in a diffuser, a lip balm, or perfume.
Phlur Vanilla Skin Body & Hair Fragrance Mist
“This Phlur Mini Vanilla Skin Body & Hair Fragrance Mist that instantly transforms me into this lady again, and I love it.”
More from Ellie: “I feel like it lasts a little bit longer than perfume.”
E!: How does Kohl’s make your life easier?
EK: The experience of going to Kohl’s with my family is just an efficient way of getting things done in a really stylish way. I can get clothes for me, the boys, and even my husband all at the same time (although he mostly does his own shopping).
Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Coffee and Espresso Maker
“I love coffee, but I don’t love taking a lot of time for it. I just need the caffeine, and I want to get on with things. It’s about saving time. Kohl’s has a great line of Nespresso products, and those get my coffee ready so I can get going in the morning.”
E!: What’s your advice for moms who want to feel more confident in the chaos?
EK: My answer is our fellow moms. I feel like we’re all going through similar experiences. They’re not identical, but leaning on one another is crucial for keeping morale up and all of that.
Personally, with my two boys, we do this dorky thing—lip-syncing. It’s our unwinding time. My husband, my two boys, and I will play music and dance to it. Right now, Hamilton is very big in our rotation. My boys just discovered it and love it. We just rock out to it. I warned you—it’s very dorky, but it’s a lot of fun.
E!: What would you say makes Kohl’s the ultimate mom hack?
EK: Kohl’s Cash. I’m singing the praises of Kohl’s Cash. You can spend money on things that you need and then get Kohl’s cash back to spend on the tiny splurges we’re talking about.
Want to do more celebrity-inspired shopping? Check out this deal on JenniferGarner‘s go-to moisturizer.
How We Choose
The E! Insider Shop editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews, and use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
