These are the best beauty crackers you deserve to treat yourself to this Christmas

It would be totally fair to say that Christmas crackers don’t have the most glamorous of reputations. Do we really need more assortments of plastic trinkets and torn paper crowns, we think every year? Sure, they’re a bit of a laugh, but they just don’t scream pamper. Well, not like a cracker filled with miniature beauty goodies does, anyhow. Beauty Christmas crackers were always popular, but this year, I’ve seen a particular influx of them around. Sure, they cost more than the average – but still cheaper than an advent calendar –  with each pull and snap comes a prize that you’ll definitely get use of. They also make great gifts for friends and very pretty stocking fillers. Plus, you can treat yourself to one as a festive-pick-me-up without eating into your budget. Here’s our pick of some of the best available to buy now. Get them before they go!

Caudalie Vinosource Cracker, €15 (approx.)  

With a trio of Caudalie heroes in miniature, the Vinosource Cracker is a gorgeous stocking stuffer for a fellow skincare addict. These complexion-perfecting must-haves will recover your skin’s glow-ho-ho – smoothing, tightening and brightening with a cocktail of antioxidants and vine-derived extracts in the form of their Thirst Quenching Serum, Vinosource Moisturising Sorbet and Caudalie’s gorgeous Micellar Cleansing Water. It’s perfect for the party season (and beyond).

Jo Malone Christmas Cracker, €38

A shining centrepiece for your dinner party with contents good enough to eat (almost!). Filled with three sparkling scents – romantic Red Roses Cologne, enchanting English Oak & Redcurrant Body & Hand Wash, and zesty Lime Basil & Mandarin Body Crème. The ultimate luxurious stocking-filler.

Givenchy ‘Rouge Interdit Vinyl’ Makeup Gift Set, €29

For the friend that’s always running from the office to after-work drinks, this is akin to an LBD, but in beauty terms. It contains a mini of the Noir Couture Mascara, a black kohl for lining eyes and the Rouge Interdit Vinyl Noir Revelateur Lipstick. This is your go-to kit for the Christmas drinks and means you can do that smoky eye to perfection, even while on the go.

The Body Shop Hand Cream Crackers, €45

If you’re looking for a cute-yet-cost-effective way to spread some Christmas cheer, this set is ideal as you get six crackers in one set. Perfect as a festive party favour and each hand cream comes in a different scent, from mango, British rose, shea, moringa, strawberry and pink grapefruit. Gorgeous.

Birchbox Beauty Crackers (Makeup & Skincare), €20 (approx.)

This festive season Birchbox are selling not one, but two beauty crackers. With skincare and make-up options, each is packed with four mini treats from sell-out brands including Benefit and Sand & Sky.

Molton Brown Exquisite Treats Cracker, €24

This beautiful surprise of four gorgeous bath and shower gels is perfect for that visiting family member or friend who always seems to be on the move.

Elemis Frangipani Monoi Cracker, €21

This nifty duo consists of the softening shower cream and the ultra-moisturising body cream, both of which leaves skin smooth, silky and smelling divine.