Victory for the brunette brigade as Duchess of Cambridge and Pippa Middleton are named top beauty icons of 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

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

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.'

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