With heaps of top beauty advent calendars and cute festive gift sets landing on our desks every day in the lead-up to Christmas, we’re no strangers to ripping open beauty Christmas crackers and judging the products hidden inside. We know — it’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it.

Before tugging them apart, we take note of the style and pattern of the packaging — and whether it’s recyclable. Ultimately, the beauty Christmas crackers that made it into this edit have earned their spot because we felt they were fairly priced and contained a good number or quality of products, with options to suit guests of different genders, hair textures, and complexions.

As part of the Glamour shopping team, I attend product launches and press days to dive into the latest in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. My goal? Hunting down gifts that are actually worth your money. If I haven’t tested a product myself, I turn to other Glamour writers, real-life friends (yes, I have those), or customer reviews.

When I get my hands on a sample, here’s what I look for:

• Design — Will it last? Is it up to the task? Can I display it with pride?
• Price point — Would I genuinely spend this much money on it?
• Delivery — Was shipping a smooth experience with no hidden costs?
• Giftability — Is it something the recipient will not only love, but actually use regularly?