Kate named top beauty icon of 2011

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Kate Middleton, the style savvy Duchess of Cambridge has been voted the top beauty icon of 2011, beating her younger sister Pippa into second place.

Kate, 29, who became the Duchess of Cambridge when she married Prince William in April, came out top in a poll of 3,000 women.

The Duchess has become recognised as increasingly stylish throughout the year, appearing impeccably turned-out at various public occasions over the year.

Always immaculately groomed, Kate has remained true to the make up and hair style she has always favoured. Her glossy brunette locks tumble about her shoulders with a subtle curl to the ends, and her dark eyeliner, which the Duchess famously applies with her own confident hand, completes her trademark look, the Daily Mail reported.

In second place was Kate's younger sister Pippa, 28, who shot to worldwide fame after images of her derriere in her Sarah Burton maid-of-honour dress were circulated globally in the days following her sister's nuptials.

Like Kate, she was hailed for her signature look of dark tan, glossy lips with fresh faced make-up.

Third place in the Superdrug poll went to last year's winner Cheryl Cole, who continues to win admirers despite having kept a low profile since her departure from American X Factor.

The study also found Cheryl managed to nudge her replacement on the UK X Factor, judge Tulisa Contostavlos, down into sixth place.

Pop princess Rihanna and This Morning television presenter Holly Willoughby completed the top five beauty icons of 2011.

Sara Wolverson, Superdrug Director of beauty, who commissioned the research, said: 'What is fascinating is that four of the five celebrity women to appear in the top five are brunettes, which would indicate that while blondes may have more fun, brunettes are seen to be more beautiful.

Seventh in the list is mother-to-be Beyonce who appears on the list for the first time, while Harry Potter's Emma Watson appears at number eight on the list.

American singer and Russell Brand Katy Perry takes the number nine spot, cited for her quirky style, while mother-of -four and fashion icon Victoria Beckham completes the top ten.

New entries for 2011 include singers Lady Gaga at 12, Katherine Jenkins at 14 and Vogue cover girl Adele at 16.

Some who appeared in last year's list failed to appear this year, with Kylie Minogue, Fearne Cotton, Leona Lewis, Michelle Obama and Gemma Arterton all falling out of the top 20, the report said.