Emmanuel Macron spends £24k on makeup since becoming French president

You can't put a price tag on looking good if you are a leader, but there have been raised eyebrows (plucked of course) at the makeup bill of the French president.

The 39-year-old whose youthful good looks added to an appeal that swept him into power in May has spent €26,000 (£24,000) on makeup in only three months.

French magazine Le Point reported that his personal makeup artist, known only as Natacha M, invoiced him twice, one for €10,000 and another for €16,000.

The makeup artist also applied foundation to Macron during his presidential campaign.

His predecessor Francois Hollande's makeup costs were around €30,000 per quarter the publication said. Meanwhile Nicolas Sarkozy spent €8,000 a month on makeup.

The Elysee Palace said in a statement: "We called in a contracter as a matter of urgency".

Aides said that spending on makeup would be "significantly reduced".

Hollande's hair care costs were high, with his hairdresser getting a salary of nearly €10,000 euros a month.

The revelations come as Hollande made a pointed criticism of Macron, who was one his protege, warning him against forcing the French into "sacrifices" and too much labour "flexibility".

"The French mustn't be asked to make sacrifices that are not useful. The labour market mustn't be made more flexible than we have already made it, at the risk of creating ruptures," he warned.

Macron's centrist government is trying to introduce radical labour reforms amid threats by the hardline CGT union for a day of protests on September 12.

Macron's popularity is falling with his support slumping from 57% approval in May going to only 37% now. At least his foundation is not under threat.