Looking back on the beauty world in a decade, I think it will be abundantly clear that we fans of prettifying live in a pix ‘n’ mix era where we’d like nothing more than to fall into a Willy Wonka world where the offerings are abundant, exciting and beautifully packaged. Even better if they’re mini, too – that way you can try more, and the financial risks are smaller.
Nowhere is this attitude more apparent than at this time of year: mini gift sets, crackers and beauty advent calendars have had shoppers in a tizzy – and some pretty brilliant deals and combinations have accordingly been dreamt up by retailers. If you’re looking for another way to cram beauty into your Christmas and think you’ve run the gamut: crackers. Put them on your place settings of beauty fans, give them as mini gifts, or hang them off the hardiest branches of your tree. Treasures lie within these //
FOR THE WELLBEING FAN / This Works Sleep Spell / Containing a baby version of their bestselling Deep Sleep Pillow Mist, this is a cracker I’ll be wrestling my neighbouring diner to win come Christmas day.
FOR THE SKINCARE FAN / Caudalie Vinosource Christmas Cracker / The perfect introduction to Caudalie’s grape-derived anti-ageing skincare, this is good value for money – and comes in the prettiest cracker.
FOR THE TAN FAN / Sienna X Winter Hit / If you’re looking for something for a fan of the tan, this is the cracker to hit up; the express tan within is a favourite with beauty eds.
FOR THE HAIR FAN / Nexxus Encapsulate Serum Cracker / You need to know about Nexxus if you’ve got long hair that’s damaged – the protein content in this serum helps to rebuild strands and my long-haired blonde sister raves about it.
FOR THE LIPS FAN / Espa Nourishing Lip Tint Trio / Pricier – but heaven if you like a lip oil. I hadn’t used these until I tried this cracker but am a total convert and now alternate them with the fantastic Clarins Lip Oil.
FOR THE LUXURY FAN / Jo Malone London Christmas Cracker / Want an out and out treat cracker? Head to Jo Malone London (physically – it seems to be sold out everywhere online), where you can get this lovely feast of a cracker containing an edit of body products.