For those of us who spend our time writing beauty blogs a report which landed on L’Onglex’s desk this very afternoon makes for some quite uncomfortable reading. According to the NDP global beauty survey women across the world are wearing less slap.

Their global trends survey tells us sales of make-up were down even before the recession started and cosmetics in particular have fallen due to more natural looks becoming more popular. Although sales of quality basics like mineral foundations and mascara’s have held steady, the trend for most make-up continues to decline.

On a brighter note for the people who constantly sell us the stuff, items like SPF foundations and moisturisers are still a growth area and whilst the make-up brands have had a hard time of late we can at least take heart from Nicola Roberts who, as the pale and interesting one from Girls Aloud, has managed to increase sales of her own make-up line by seemingly buying endless amounts to wear on her own face at every opportunity.