BBC news stars’ make-up bill to cost almost $2 million a year

Looking glamorous enough to host BBC News does not come cheap, it would seem.

The UK’s most popular TV bulletin is looking to spend £1 million ($AUD 1.9 million) a year in licence fee cash on “make-up services” for its London-based news shows, it has emerged.

As well as helping big-name presenters such as Fiona Bruce and Sophie Raworth look their best, the huge cost will also cover the cosmetics used on other journalists and guests on its shows.

The Corporation has filed a tender document for a “single supplier” to provide “make-up services” with applicants being offered up to £3 million ($AUD 5.9 million) for the three-year deal — which is understood to include hairstyling.

The agreement could also increase to a £5 million ($AUD 9.8 million) contract, the BBC states.

A previous report on the Beeb’s make-up services suggested presenters are handed products such as anti-shine creams, foundation and “bespoke powders”.

Female presenters would also have blusher, eye shadow, lipstick, eyeliner and lip-gloss, adding that male hosts had their own designated make-up bags — containing sponges and brushes — too.

It is thought the lucrative contract covers all current affairs programmes made in London’s Broadcasting House, such as the 6pm and 10pm bulletins as well as Newsnight.

It was reported by The Telegraph in 2011 that the BBC used top make-up brands such as Chanel, Dior and Laura Mercier.

It is unknown if the Corporation still relies on these brands amid its continual attempts to save money.

The coverage also revealed that make-up artists would have “record cards” for individual presenters with information on the colours and brands that suited them, for instance.

They also included the price of each product.

The tender document reads: “The BBC is looking for a single supplier to provide a managed service for the provision of make-up services to BBC News based in London. The contract value range is between £3 million and £5 million.”

These contracts are thought to have been in place since the early 2000s.

A BBC spokesman said: “Like most major broadcasters, the BBC offers make-up artists and hairstyling for on-air staff and contributors. This is a long-standing arrangement and we always seek to keep costs as low as possible.”