SUPPOSE you've spent a night out in the wilderness and need to get yourself clean before a big job interview. There's not a Travel Inn or a Boots pharmacy in sight. What do you do?

Simple. Reach for Mother Nature's wash bag and help yourself to her selection of organic toiletries. It's what rugged outdoorsmen like Ray Mears and Bear Grylls would do.

Let's start with getting those teeth nice and clean - after all you need that winning smile to clinch the job. But with no conventional toothbrush and toothpaste you'll need to do some foraging.

They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away and according to some the dentist as well. Chomping down on a Cox is believed to clean your teeth by removing any food residue and plaque.

If you're not in an orchard, why not try chewing small twigs.

Start by gnawing one end of a twig until it somewhat resembles the bristles of a toothbrush and away you go.

No trees about? Gargle a mouthful of sand, chalk or salt. Their abrasive properties will restore the sparkle to your set of gnashers.

To get rid of that parched, just had a mouthful of sand, feeling, blend together a rosemary and mint mouthwash.

Did you know that Colgate manufactures a brand of toothpaste made from the herbs camomile, sage, myrrh and eucalyptus?

Now to sort out that five o'clock shadow on your face or legs with a wet shave.

Fashion a piece of flint or razor shell into a sharp edge and then lather up with mud.

Incidentally, the yarrow plant is good at healing deep lacerations and stemming blood loss. Did you know that the most expensive shaving brushes are made from badger hair?

Why not take a relaxing bath or shower in any nearby lakes or waterfalls to ease those interview nerves.

Give your hair plenty of shine and vitality by washing with extracts of wild jojoba or aloe vera.

After bathing, liberally rub yourself in lavender for a pleasant scent. To create a smartly styled coiffure, witch hazel bark can be used instead of hair spray.

That's the personal grooming out the way but what about answering the call of nature, when you're, er, in nature?

Needs must - so find a secluded spot and get acquainted with nature's toilet paper, the dock leaf. Also good for remedying any unfortunate nettle stings.

For those finishing touches, treat yourself to a seaweed facial and remember to give your shoes a vigorous buffing with beeswax.

In an interview, first impressions last. So as long your potential employer doesn't have a violent allergic reaction to your natural beauty products, you'll be looking sharp.