Kate Middleton has been voted this year's top beauty icon ahead of her sister Pippa, Cheryl Cole, Rihanna and Emma Watson.

The Duchess of Cambridge, whose every outfit comes under close scrutiny ever since she married Prince William, came number one in the Superdrug poll.

Second was her sister Pippa, who shot to fame after slinking down the aisle at the royal wedding in a Sarah Burton dress, while former X Factor judge Cheryl Cole came third.

Raunchy pop diva Rihanna was voted fourth while Holly Willoughby ranked fifth.

Tulisa Contostavlos, who replaced Cheryl in The X Factor, lagged behind the Geordie beauty in sixth place.

Sara Wolverson, Superdrug Director of beauty, said that the poll showed that brunettes were charging ahead in the style stakes.

She 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.

'Everyone in the list has a distinct look, whether it's natural beauty, full octane glamour or a love of beauty trend-hopping.'

(Read by Nelly Min. Nelly Min is a journalist at the China Daily Website.)

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(Agencies)