The ultimate guide to Christmas beauty crackers and baubles for 2018

Add a tiny touch of luxury to the festive tradition

(Getty/iStock)

Forget fairy lights, traditional ornaments, and crackers stuffed with gaudy paper crowns, because now is the season to obsess over makeup minis.

At the start of December, everyone is hooked to beauty calendars but, as Christmas day edges closer, our thoughts are turning to the next best thing: beauty crackers and baubles.

While calendars are undeniable hot property, not all budgets allow for an all-out splurge and that’s exactly why these new additions are so great.

Not only do they cater to skincare, hair and makeup fans on a budget, but also those looking for a luxury gift to decorate the table or put under the tree.

And, let’s face it, if there’s anything beauty buffs love more than gorgeous products, it’s gorgeous products in cute miniature form.

This year, some of the high street’s most-loved beauty brands have conjured up miniature versions of their best-selling products.

So, whether you fill up a stocking with them or give yourself a well-deserved gift, these inexpensive crackers and baubles are the perfect Yuletide treat.

The Liberty Beauty Cracker with Escentric Molecules, £30.60, Liberty London

Skincare enthusiasts are spoilt for choice with offerings from big names like Jo Malone, Molton Brown, Liberty London and Diptyque. From iridescent crackers filled with cult cologne’s and body crèmes to baubles that contain tiny candles and shower crèmes, they’re the perfect way to add a touch of luxury to a steadfast tradition.

BADgal BANG! Stocking Filler Mini, £10.50, Benefit Cosmetics

There are plenty of options to appease makeup mavens too. A great way to gift from brands you might otherwise not be able to afford, this year high-end names like Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy and Marc Jacobs have all launched pint-sized versions of their products.

The Icons Cracker, £20, Molton Brown

You can also pick up miniatures of cult products that any woman would be pleased to receive from Becca Cosmetics’ Shimmering Skin Perfector to Benefit’s BADgal BANG! mascara or Real Techniques’ buffing brush and miracle complexion sponge; these incredible beauty must-haves are the ideal way to get any look in order over party season.

Becca, Shimmering Skin Perfector Champagne Pop Mini Ornament, £16, Space NK

Christmas Cracker, £32, Jo Malone

Real Techniques Mini Buffing Brush Ornament, £6, Boots