Beauty gifts are more popular than ever this run-up to Christmas.
With advent calendars racking up huge waiting lists and baubles selling out as soon as they hit the shelves, there's definitely a market for mini beauty essentials.
Especially when they're in pretty Christmas packaging.
Crackers are the latest to have a surge in the beauty world, with many skincare, make-up and bath & body brands launching their own versions.
From crackers that promise to help you get to sleep, to ones that house surprise miniature make-up products, these are the ones you may want to invest in this year.
We had our beauty team try out the ones promising to give bang for your buck - as well as livening up your Christmas day table or getting you serious bonus points in your Secret Santa...
Caudalie Vinosource Christmas Cracker, £10 each
Beauty writer Zoe says: ‘Three of Caudalie’s travel-sized hydration heroes in a cracker. You get a micellar cleansing water, a sorbet moisturiser and a thirst-quenching serum.
'It’s a very handy trio for mini breaks and quite good value if you’re buying it as a gift and not for table toppers.’
Birchbox Beauty Crackers, £20 for four
Zoe says: ‘For a fiver a pop, these are great. They each contain two different mini beauty products from a selection of brands like Benefit, Nuxe and Eyeko. You could get anything from a mascara to a moisturiser.
'They also each have a bad joke and a paper hat in them, in the spirit of festive fun.’
Baylis & Harding Fuzzy Duck Winter Wonderland Cracker Set, £10 for four
Zoe says: ‘Affordable enough to buy everyone for a small group and they look really lovely and Christmassy.
'Two of the crackers hold a 30ml Frosted Cranberry body wash, and the other two house 30ml Mulberry & Mistletoe body lotions. The only downside is there’s a lot of packaging for just one mini product.’
This Works Sleep Spell Cracker, £10 each
Zoe says: ‘A gift that gets me to sleep? Now we’re talking. I use their sleep sprays already and love them, so I’m delighted to get 5ml travel-sized versions to take away with me.
'Each cracker holds two sprays: the Deep Sleep for those who struggle to nod off, and Sleep Plus for calming restless sleepers.’
Nude by Nature Twinkle Cracker, £22 each
Zoe says: ‘This sounds steep for a cracker but the contents are actually worth £28 so it’s a bit of a discount for any Nude by Nature fans (of which I’m one).
'Inside you’ll find two of their best products - the Sheer Light Illuminator and Moisture Infusion Lipgloss - which make a lovely glowy duo.’
L’Occitane Make-up Cracker, £18 each
Beauty editor Laura says: ‘This big, luxe cracker contains an old L’Occitane favourite - Shea Butter Hand Cream in 10ml - and a relative newbie, the moisturising, balm-like Fruity Lipstick in a festive, suits-all shade of red.
'It’s impressive enough to count as an actual present, rather than just a dinner setting accessory.’
Lanolips Kiss Me Cracker, £11.99 each
Laura says: ‘Because everyone needs extra lip balm in winter, and Lanolips 101 Ointment Multi-Balms are some of the best - thick, unctuous and mouth-watering flavours.
'There are two in this cracker - peach and strawberry - and as they usually cost £7.99 each, you’re saving a good few quid on products that will definitely get used down to the last drop.’
Molton Brown Floral & Chypre Christmas Cracker, £20 each
Laura says: ‘What’s better than receiving one Molton Brown shower gel?
'Getting four (alright, they’re little bottles, but they’re still lust-worthy). This weighty cracker is perfect if you want to buy someone a gift from the luxury bath-and-body brand but you’re not sure what their favourite fragrance is.’
