Soldiers will only be allowed to wear make-up as long as it is for camouflage, the Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has declared, amid claims that the ban on cosmetics may be lifted.

Speaking at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester, Mr Wallace dismissed the idea of male soldiers being granted equality with women over the use of make-up.

During a panel discussion on "building a safe and prosperous Britain", Mr Wallace laughed as he said he thought he was going to be asked about men being allowed to wear make-up in the army.

“Men will be allowed to wear make-up in the army as long as it’s camouflage colour,” he said.

It was reported on Sunday that army chiefs are considering allowing male soldiers to wear make-up.

Military personnel had accused the Army of double standards after orders were leaked for senior officers based in Canada. Among advice on equality, diversity and inclusion, they ruled that for men “make-up is not to be worn” — but women are allowed if it is “inconspicuous”.

Officials have now admitted they are re-considering the ban so soldiers can put on cosmetics while on duty.

An Army spokesperson said: “As an inclusive employer that recognises the diversity of its personnel, we are currently in the process of revising our guidance in this area to make it gender neutral.”