The Duchess of Cambridge: Kate’s best beauty looks of 2012

Ever since the royal wedding of the century, the Kate Middleton effect has become infectious with her beauty look now one of the most iconic and sought after styles around the world.

And this year the craze has barely settled, as beauty fans everywhere fawned with admiration as the Duchess of Cambridge attended many events throughout the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year – which included the London 2012 Olympic games when she looked as immaculate as ever.

Since receiving professional lessons from London-based make-up artist Arabella Preston for the royal wedding, the Duchess of Cambridge now personally takes care of her own beauty regime.

And this year, Kate has shown she is more expert than amateur in the makeup department.

Known for her flawless, bronzed skin and dazzling smile, the Duchess consistently ensures she looks at her best by complementing her features with pearlescent pink lipsticks and sporting strong, sophisticated brows that frame her face.

She never looks less that perfect so it will come as no surprise that the young royal won the public’s approval for style, being voted with the “Most Envied Hair” of the year.

Seven hundred female participants were asked to rate which star’s hair they envy the most in the survey carried out by haircare retailer Fabriah.com, and Kate triumphed with a clear margain.

Her lovely, luscious locks have even got their own title, the infamous ‘Chelsea Blow-dry’, named after the stylish part of London where the Duchess’ favourite salon is situated.

But the mother-to-be also showed that she was not afraid of a bit of experimentation. Swapping her tumbling trademark curls for an elegant braided bun the Duchess stunned her fans at the London Olympic Gala with intricate details put in place by a team from Richard Ward’s salon in Chelsea.

As the Queen’s female ambassador abroad, Kate did the nation proud producing a number of other envious hairstyles whilst touring South East Asia with her husband, Prince William.

From half-up tresses and glorious curls, the Prince’s wife also sported a spectacularly delicate chignon which was adorned, as is tradition for women in Malaysia, with intricately woven pearls for the Diamond Jubilee tea party in Kuala Lumpur.

After a year of the 30-year-old’s iconic locks, Kate also turned to her favourite snipper, Richard Ward, for an update on her famous do with a long, sweeping fringe.

Reminiscent of the famous choppy hairstyle from which Lady Diana would peak beneath, the Duchess of Cambridge’s cut not only marks a new era of style, but also her journey into motherhood.