Kate Middleton voted Britain’s top beauty icon for 2nd consecutive year

Duchess Kate, who is globally admired for her well-groomed appearance, natural use of make-up and refined fashion sense, has topped the annual Superdrug Beauty Icons poll with over 27 percent of the vote - taking the accolade for the second year in a row.

Unfortunately for her younger sister Pippa, she slipped from second place in last year’s poll to fifth in 2012 despite her high-profile book launch and hectic partying.

Second place in the 2012 poll went to Nicole Scherzinger, who outshone fellow judge Tulisa Contostavlos throughout the series with her flawless make-up and stunning hair.

Tulisa failed to make the top 20 at all after coming sixth last year, the Daily Mail reported.

Third place went to Olympic heptathlon gold medallist Jessica Ennis while ‘This Morning’ TV presenter Holly Willoughby came fourth.

Cheryl Cole, who recently reformed with Girls Aloud, took sixth place in the poll as she continues to wow people with her glossy hair and picture perfect make-up.

Taking seventh place is double Olympian gold medallist Victoria Pendleton, while Katherine Jenkins, Jessie J and Helen Flanagan rounded off the top 10.

The top 10 Superdrug 2012 beauty icons are:

1. Kate Middleton
2. Nicole Scherzinger
3. Jessica Ennis
4. Holly Willoughby
5. Pippa Middleton
6. Cheryl Cole
7. Victoria Pendleton
8. Katherine Jenkin
9. Jessie
10. Helen Flanagan