celebrity shopping

What Jennifer Hudson Can’t Live Without

Photo: Roy Rochlin/FilmMagic, Illustration: Joe McKendry

If you’re like us, you’ve probably wondered what famous people add to their carts. Not the JAR brooch and Louis XV chair but the hairspray and the electric toothbrush. We asked singer and actress Jennifer Hudson — who recently partnered with Olay and appears in the new Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special — about the blanket, headphones, and candles she can’t live without.

I chew gum to the point that it annoys people. I apparently talk and chew at the same time, but that feels really natural for me. This constant chewing started a few years ago. Doublemint has a really clean mint flavor. I can’t say I’m going to be loyal to it forever — one day I might decide to switch — but right now, my body and my mood are leading me to Doublemint.

This is my good blanket. Comfort is everything to me and I love consistency, so I make sure to have my good blanket with me at all times. Seriously, I have it with me everywhere: on flights, at hotels, at home. It makes any place feel like home.

I am from Chicago, but I didn’t grow up going to the Fudge Pot. I discovered it as an adult. I love chocolate — it’s that one thing that always keeps my spirits right. Give me a bit of chocolate and send me on my way. I’m a milk-chocolate person: milk chocolate with nuts, nothing else compares. I’ll get boxes, but I don’t eat the whole thing at once; I spread it out so I can enjoy it. I’ve been ordering from Fudge Pot quite often lately.

Music affects my every emotion. Products that let me listen to music are an absolute necessity. I’m very particular about sound, which is why I’m obsessed with Marshall’s headphones and speakers. Both sound amazing. I’m a traditional girl and I always want a cord with my headphones — I don’t need Bluetooth for everything. These headphones are great for working out and traveling, too. The speaker, though, is Bluetooth, so I don’t have to worry about a cord. I use it when I’m in the mirror doing my makeup or skin-care routine — I want to be able to move around, and I don’t want anything like headphones touching my face. It’s easy to carry around with me, too.

I like warmer scents, especially those that smell like things I should probably be cooking instead. This makes my home smell like I just baked cookies. It really does something for me. Scents affect us in different ways — they set our moods — so when I want a calming effect, I use this. Bath & Body Works candles are just classic.

Skin care is one of the most important things to me. This Olay moisturizer takes care of everything: It moisturizes and delivers retinol, so it keeps skin hydrated and plump. It’s a great price, too, for everything you’re getting. It’s been a huge part of my regimen. I started using retinol a few years ago — I can’t remember exactly when — and have been very consistent with it. I haven’t stopped because it really makes a big difference in my skin.

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What Jennifer Hudson Can’t Live Without