Aer Lingus is to drop the mandatory wearing of make-up for its female cabin crew from November.

The airline says it had been considering dropping the stipulation for mandatory make-up and for women to wear skirts before Virgin Atlantic made its announcement this week.

Virgin Atlantic stated that from March 1st, the carrier had changed its styling and grooming policy.

“In a significant change for the aviation industry, our female cabin crew are no longer required to wear any make-up, if they so choose,” the airline said in a statement.

Its female crew will also be able to wear trousers for the first time as part of their standard uniform. “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,” the airline said.

A spokeswoman for Aer Lingus said the airline had been considering similar changes as part of its rebranding exercise.

It follows an announcement in January that the airline would be rolling out its new uniform later this year.

Aer Lingus said its new uniform had been designed in partnership with staff “to reflect changing dress norms and to better meet the needs of our guest-facing colleagues.

“The new uniform collection incorporates a range of wearer options including a trouser option for females and an ability to combine collection elements.

“Aer Lingus uniform staff guidelines for the new uniform are currently being completed, but Aer Lingus can confirm that these will not include mandatory use of make-up.”