AUDREY Hepburn is the ultimate beauty icon, according to a new survey by Superdrug.
The British actress, who died in 1993, had remarkable bone structure, meticulous make-up and an elegance which was hard to match.
The poll of 2,000 adults found women often prefer to look to the past for beauty inspiration – as sex symbol of the 1950’s Marilyn Monroe and fifties film star Grace Kelly complete the top three.
Star of Hollywood cinema Elizabeth Taylor, Sixties goddess Brigitte Bardot and Sophia Loren, who enrolled in acting lessons after entering a beauty pageant, also feature in the top 20 list.
But modern day actress Jennifer Aniston is fourth in the top 20 list of women who have gone down in history for their timeless beauty – beating long-term rival Angelina Jolie by seven places, as the newly single actress fails to make it into the top ten.
Sarah Gardner, Superdrug Head of Beauty, said: “The top 20 list of beauty icons is a wonderful mix of classic and modern day stars, all of whom are renowned for their stylishness and sophistication.
“The vintage style of Hepburn and Monroe now defines classic, and it is telling that the list is compiled mostly of beauties of yesteryear or more mature women.
“So many of today’s favourite beauty looks such as slick eyeliner, red lipstick, and bold brows were favoured by the all-time greats.”
The study shows Welsh actress Catherine Zeta Jones is the fifth most admired beauty icon, while Princess Diana, famed for her glamour, comes in sixth.
