Kate, Pippa Middleton Top Poll of Best in Beauty

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She topped several best-dressed lists in 2011, and the Duchess of Cambridge earned yet another style honor this week: she was named the top beauty icon of the year in a 3,000-woman poll.

Interestingly, Kate’s younger sister Pippa came in second in the vote, run by U.K. drugstore Superdrug; both girls were hailed for their fresh makeup and glossy hair. U.K. X Factor judge Cheryl Cole was third on the list.

Though the poll ran in England, many American celebs made the top 20, too, including Beyoncé (seventh place), Katy Perry (ninth), Lady Gaga (12th) and Angelina Jolie (18th). Emma Watson and Adele were among the other British-bred honorees. (See the complete list at the Daily Mail.)

“Everyone in the list has a distinct look, whether it’s natural beauty, full octane glamour or a love of beauty trend-hopping,” Superdrug director of beauty Sara Wolverson told the Daily Mail, adding that four of the top five vote-getters happened to be brunettes.

Though the poll reflects 2011, the changing faces on the list can help forecast beauty trends for the year to come, too. As Wolverson said, “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.” Tell us: What do you think of the 2011 list?

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