AS Britney Spears departs from the second season of US reality singing series The X Factor, we also bid good riddance to her never-ending display of too-tight bodycon mini-dresses.

Only thing is, we're still stuck with the other female judge, Demi Lovato.

What hasn't changed throughout the season is the 20-year-old US singer's obsession with wearing nothing but Topshop and clunky black platform pumps from start to finish - and she's not even the high street brand's ambassador.

What has changed is her hair and makeup, but not for the better.

Somewhere along the line, Lovato went from sporting blonde ombre locks, an orangey tan and pencil-thin arched eyebrows to being a pale brunette with thick tinted brows that seemingly doubled in size.

Lovato, who infamously battled a host of disorders that landed her in rehab, should really add "fashion identity crisis" to the mix.

BAD INFLUENCES

No need to see a shrink for that though - she should just fire her heavy-handed makeup artist and out-of-touch stylist and hook up with whoever's taking care of the infinitely more sophisticated Selena Gomez.

Case in point: Back in November at a The X Factor party, she opted for what used to be her uniform in the early days of the show - a girly rock chick look (picture 1).

The red fit-and-flare frock and black leather jacket with spike shoulders and collar from Religion Clothing are harmless on their own, although that comical top knot does drag things down a notch.

But would you look at that white powdery face and those furry caterpillars on it? Note to Lovato: We already have one Lily Collins, we don't need another.

Things got worse at the VH1 Divas show a month later, where she channelled British singer Adele, a 50s housewife and an extra from the movie musical Hairspray all at once (picture 2). Again, the embellished long-sleeved black frock is pretty enough, but the severe makeup is downright ghostly.

A day later, at The X Factor season finale news conference, Lovato, thankfully, went for a more casual vibe in a boxy silk shirt, printed miniskirt and black tights (picture 3).

But all I can see are HIPS HIPS HIPS. And unfortunately for heavier-set girls like her, hips don't lie!

This was followed by a (failed) stab at glamour for The X Factor season finale results show, but the iridescent two-tone aqua and copper cut-out shift dress is probably one of the tackiest things I've seen in the past year.

Disconcerting is how I'd sum up Lovato's style file in 2012.

She's way too young and pretty to be hiding under so much face paint and unflattering clothes.

I look forward to seeing a more natural Lovato tone it down next season - or not seeing her at all.

- Jeanmarie Tan

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