A girl of two halves: Tulisa shows her elegant side in chic bikini but still wears her tattoos with pride on Dubai beach

PUBLISHED: 00:34, 7 October 2013 | UPDATED: 09:08, 7 October 2013

If you met her walking towards you on the beach, you might get the impression Tulisa was a strikingly elegant young woman.

But one look over your shoulder as she passed might force you to change your opinion drastically.

The 25-year-old showed off two sides of her nature as she strolled along the sand on holiday in Dubai.

Looking good: Former X Factor judge, Tulisa Contostavlos makes for a pretty beach dweller on Friday

Illustrated woman: Tulisa shows off her tattoos while on holiday in Dubai with PA

Illustrated woman: Tulisa shows off her tattoos while on holiday in Dubai with her PA

On her front, she had artfully concealed a tacky tattoo etched across her midriff by wearing a pair of high-waisted bikini bottoms.

The suggestive design, which consists of a four-leaf clover and the words ‘Lucky You’ can normally be seen when she steps out in her swimwear.

But once Miss Contostavlos had her back turned, it was impossible for her hide her extensive inkings.

Getting away from it all: The singer has had a tough year what with being arrested and losing her spot on the X Factor judging panel

Fringe benefits: Tulisa wore a white and jeweled bandeau top with red string bottoms

Social slip: Tulisa has barely been tweeting but rather uploading photos and videos to Instagram

What a difference a few months make: Back in Ibiza, Tulisa was far less elegant with her poolside wardrobe

The singer has lyrics from one of her songs inscribed on her lower back, reading: ‘She is strong when she is weak, She is brave when she is scared, She is humble when she is victorious’.

Along her right forearm are the words ‘The Female Boss’, her self-given nickname.

And she has decorated her right shoulder with a large winged unicorn rearing up on its hind legs.

She's gone wash that salt right out of her hair! Tulisa has a shower after her jaunt in the sea

Still got fans: Another Dubai holiday maker gets a snap with the singer in the sea

Lonely? Tulisa has been single since splitting up from Newcastle United player Danny Simpson

In July, Miss Contostavlos’ tattoo artist banned her from his studio after she broke his no-smoking rule.

He said: ‘She’s never coming back through our door. Tulisa won’t be welcome here again. I thought she had a basic lack of respect.’

Something to quack about: Tulisa's lips appear rather on the large side in images from her holiday in Dubai

Can't be missed: As the singer smokes some sheesha it is her lips which take centre stage

Pucker up: Tulisa seemed keen to pose for numerous pictures on her night out in Dubai

Perfect make-up: Despite having a dip in the water, Tulisa emerged without any running mascara or smudged lipstick

Following a string of scandals including allegations she had helped deal drugs, Miss Contostavlos was dropped from the X Factor this year.

During the 2011 series she was accused of bullying contestant Misha B, then the following year a former boyfriend posted an embarrassing sex tape of her on the internet.