The airline said female cabin crew were “no longer required to wear any make-up” if they chose – Virgin called the decision a “significant change for the aviation industry”.

Most full-service airlines require female cabin crew to wear make-up, although the rules tend to be less strict for those working for low-cost carriers.

As part of the move, Virgin will also provide trousers to female cabin crew “as standard” when joining the airline.

Previously, trousers were available to female crew members, but they had to be specially requested from the uniforms department.

Mark Anderson, Virgin Atlantic’s executive vice-president customer, said: “As an airline, we have always stood out from the crowd and done things differently to the rest of the industry.

“We want our uniform to truly reflect who we are as individuals while maintaining that famous Virgin Atlantic style.

"We have been listening to the views of our people and, as a result, have announced some changes to our styling and grooming policy that support this.

“Not only do the new guidelines offer an increased level of comfort, they also provide our team with more choice on how they want to express themselves at work.

"Helping people to be themselves is core to our desire to be the most loved travel company.”