Kate Middleton has been voted the biggest beauty icon of 2013. The Duchess of Cambridge beat Holly Willoughby and Beyonce to claim the title for the third year running.
Despite this year becoming a mom to Prince George, the Duchess has managed to retain her simple but stylish appearance which is based on glossy hair and faultless, low key fashion sense.
TV personality Holly Willoughby came second after wowing fans of This Morning, Celebrity Juice and The Voice with outfits which accentuate her curves.
U.S based singer Beyonce was third, according to the poll, which asked the views of 2,000 British women.
Cheryl Cole and this year’s Strictly Come Dancing star Abbie Clancy complete the top five.
Simon Comins of Superdrug, which conducted the annual Beauty Icons study of 2013, said:
”Kate Middleton has secured her place in the nation’s hearts, and has cemented her position as a Beauty Icon.
”The Duchess is always immaculately presented, but is styled in a way the average person can relate to, and take inspiration from.
”Our customers definitely take note of Kate’s look, brunette hair colours and natural makeup have never been more popular, and it’s interesting that the majority of our top ten list this year have naturally brown hair.”
The study placed Hollywood humanitarian icon Angelina Jolie as the sixth biggest beauty icon of the year.
X-Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger was in seventh place, closely followed by Adele, who leapt from 14th to eighth place despite staying out of the limelight for the majority of the year.
Fashion designer Victoria Beckham came in ninth place, while Cara Delevigne, perhaps now more famous for her party girl antics than modelling career, completed the top ten.
Helen Mirren flies the flag for the slightly older lady as the 68-year-old was voted into 11th place in the polled.
Other more mature ladies to appear in the poll include Dame Judi Dench in at number 32 and Sharon Osbourne in 48th place.
Model Amy Willerton is a new entry in the top 50 beauty icons, at number 39 following her appearance on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!
Celebrities Michelle Keegan, Alexa Chung, Alesha Dixon and Rhianna all appear in the top 20.
The study also found just under half of all women polled are envious of the way celebrities look, and one quarter look to their favourites for inspiration on what to wear and how to look.
42% said seeing celebrities look amazing makes them take better care of their own appearance, while 18% directly compare themselves to famous people.
Simon Comins added:
”We spend a huge amount of time watching celebrity trends and beauty looks because we know our customers watch them too.
”But while today’s women are inspired by beautiful women in the public eye, we’re not seeing them slavishly copying specific looks it’s more about being encouraged to try something new after seeing it on a famous face.”
TOP 50 BEAUTY ICONS 2013
1. Kate Middleton
2. Holly Willoughby
3. Beyonce
4. Cheryl Cole
5. Abbey Clancy
6. Angelina Jolie
7. Nicole Scherzinger
8. Adele
9. Victoria Beckham
10. Cara Delevingne
11. Helen Mirren
12. Emma Watson
13. Michelle Keegan
14. Alexa Chung
15. Natalie Portman
16. Alesha Dixon
17. Mila Kunis
18. Michelle Obama
19. Scarlett Johansson
20. Rihanna
21. Kelly Brook
22. Pippa Middleton
23. Katy Perry
24. Kim Kardashian
25. Taylor Swift
26. Jessie J
27. Ellie Goulding
28. Keira Knightley
29. Amanda Holden
30. Nigella Lawson
31. Rosie Huntington Whiteley
32. Judi Dench
33. Jessica Ennis
34. Mylene Klass
35. Agyness Deyn
36. Fearne Cotton
37. Blake Lively
38. Alexandra Burke
39. Amy Willerton
40. Kylie Minogue
41. Darcey Bussell
42. Halle Berry
43. Dannii Minogue
44. Tess Daly
45. Lady GaGa
46. Anna Freil
47. Katherine Jenkins
48. Sharon Osbourne
49. Miranda Kerr
50. Amy Childs
