Victory for the brunette brigade as Duchess of Cambridge and Pippa Middleton are named top beauty icons of 2011
By Deborah Arthurs
Last updated at 1:01 PM on 27th December 2011
Kate Middleton has been voted the top beauty icon of 2011 - beating sister Pippa into second place.
Kate, who became the Duchess of Cambridge when she married Prince William in April, came out top in a poll of 3,000 women.
The 29-year-old Duchess has become recognised as increasingly style savvy throughout the year, appearing impeccably turned-out at various public occasions over the year.
Brunette brigade: Kate won over the 3,000 women polled with her trademark glossy brown locks and heavy eyeliner, while Pippa's perfect tan and natural make up earned her second place
Always immaculately groomed, Kate has remained true to the make up and hair style she has always favoured - albeit with a little more polish as her profile grows.
Her glossy brunette locks - tended to until recently by stylists from the Richard Ward salon in London - 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.
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.
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.
Topping the polls: Last year's winner Cheryl Cole came in third place, while Rihanna's exotic beauty won her fourth place
'Everyone in the list has a distinct look, whether it's natural beauty, full octane glamour or a love of beauty trend-hopping.
'While the majority of ladies in the list are natural beauties, we also see the TOWIE effect with Amy Childs appearing on the list for the first time with her Essex tan, hair extensions, and false nails.'
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.
TOP 20 BEAUTY ICONS OF 2011
1. Kate Middleton
2. Pippa Middleton
3. Cheryl Cole
4. Rihanna
5. Holly Willoughby
6. Tulisa Contostavlos
7. Beyonce
8. Emma Watson
9. Katy Perry
10. Victoria Beckham
11. Kelly Rowland
12. Lady Gaga
13. Amy Childs
14. Katherine Jenkins
15. Nicole Scherzinger
16. Adele
17. Pixie Lott
18. Angelina Jolie
19. Keira Knightley
20. Scarlett Johannson
2. Pippa Middleton
3. Cheryl Cole
4. Rihanna
5. Holly Willoughby
6. Tulisa Contostavlos
7. Beyonce
8. Emma Watson
9. Katy Perry
10. Victoria Beckham
11. Kelly Rowland
12. Lady Gaga
13. Amy Childs
14. Katherine Jenkins
15. Nicole Scherzinger
16. Adele
17. Pixie Lott
18. Angelina Jolie
19. Keira Knightley
20. Scarlett Johannson
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.
With her pixie haircut, the young actress is the only woman in the top ten with short hair.
American singer and Mrs 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.
Sara Wolverson added: 'As always our Beauty Icons survey gives a snapshot of the changing face of British beauty.
'A key change for us is the continued rise of the brunette with three quarters of the top 20 sporting brown hair.
'We can see directly how changing celebrity trends affect our sales, from the 'Duchess effect' on sales of black eyeliner, to the 'Gaga effect' causing crazy nail art and our brightest cosmetics being a huge hit all year long, and Rihanna and Cheryl Cole's flirtation with vibrant red hair causing sales to rocket.'