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TheUglyDuckling
TheUglyDuckling
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TheUglyDuckling

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Member since Nov 2013
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About me

As a child I felt I was ugly. I grew up to be otherwise. It became one of my mantras, hence the name. I am a self-confessed Lush and Burt's addict, makeup and beauty product addict, DIY-er, animal lover and all-round food-critic (emphasis on round and food, because my mouth goes round when the food goes in)!
Age range
40 - 60
Skin Type
Normal, Dry, Combination
Hair Type
Coarse, Curly, Fine, Wavy

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Reviews

173
MELA B3 Niacinamide Serum
La Roche-Posay

MELA B3 Niacinamide Serum

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
07 Nov 2025

100% disappointed - do not buy

I won\'t beat around the bush. I finished a bottle of this about a month ago and was utterly disappointed. A bottle of this will easily last you at least two months of regular use, which is how I used... Read full review
I won't beat around the bush. I finished a bottle of this about a month ago and was utterly disappointed. A bottle of this will easily last you at least two months of regular use, which is how I used it, predominantly in the evenings. The instructions for use are 2-3 drops morning and/or evening to face, neck and decolletage after cleansing. The dropper is not easy to use as it does not allow for a consistent dispensation of product (you simply have to do your best). Also, 3 'drops' is insufficient, even though the consistency is relatively thin. This product alleges users will achieve a reduction in hyperpigmentation (dark spots, post-acne marks and other pigmentation marks), as well as facilitate reduction of age spots and sun spots to give a more even skin tone appearance. I shake my head with an emphatic no. I disagree with these claims. I agree with the claims that it's a moisturising and soothing product, yes. But as a person with varying degrees of pigmentation marks and dark spots, this product did nothing over a two-month period. And that's with using sunscreen and skin tints with skin protection. For context, yes, I have an olive to light tanned complexion. However, the website gave no indication that my skin colour would be a detracting factor, especially when I researched the product prior to purchasing. I typically love La Roche Posay products, but this one was a waste of money. There was more I could have done with that $60-$70. I think this is the first time I have ever been this scathing in a review. So disappointed. Mecca and Sephora next time.
Remington AIRvive™ Digital Hair Dryer – EC8930AU
Remington

AIRvive™ Digital Hair Dryer - EC8930AU

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
07 Nov 2025

Outperforms my other dryer - blown away

Please note: I received this product after attending the Best in Beauty 2025 Awards. I got to chat to one of the fabulous ladies representing Remington at the Awards; she was a real pleasure to talk to, obviously passionate about... Read full review
Please note: I received this product after attending the Best in Beauty 2025 Awards. I got to chat to one of the fabulous ladies representing Remington at the Awards; she was a real pleasure to talk to, obviously passionate about her craft and her product, and I loved how 'real' she was. I can definitively state the performance of this hair dryer in comparison to the other brand (of which I am a die-hard fan) is poles apart. For context, it was the height of ironies to be given this fabulous hair dryer system at the BIB Awards, because I had only just purchased a diffuser the week prior. Let me break it down. 1) Take note of the air intake system at the rear of the hair dryer. Anyone who has done any serious hair drying has had a mishap with hair being sucked into the back-end of a hairdryer, myself included. The air intake system is on the sides encapsulating the full circumference of the dryer, and is safely enclosed. Did my hair get sucked in at any point? Not once. Was my hair close? You betcha. BIG TICK. 2) Take note of the air outtake mechanism at the front. You may think it's nothing special, because that's where the air blows out. But wait, there's more. No, not $2 and a set of steak knives. However, the styling concentrator and the diffuser (both of which come with the hair dryer at no additional cost unlike some other brands) attach to the outtake magnetically. MAGNETICALLY, people!!! There's no breaking of clips, no shoving things in, no dust getting caught and mucking up the nozzles, just clean magnetic attachment. BIG TICK. Moving on. 3) The shape of the hairdryer may not be traditional, but it's actually really clever. The T-shape allows the user to hold at the top (without burning your hand, BIG TICK) or via the traditional arm. The shape allows for increased maneuverability in self-styling. Smart. ME LIKE - LOTS. 4) Multiple heat and speed settings (12 combinations) with in-built static elimination and the release of heat-activated micro-conditioners. My hair damages easily due to its coarseness, the curl, and the colour treatment, so I'm always adding in treatments. Ionic air technology is not new but in-built is great. FAB. 5) Speed. I'm not talking about how fast it blows, but how quickly it works. I have a lot of hair, and it can be a real pain to work with. To have a hair dryer work this efficiently and also be effective is absolutely fantastic. BIG TICK. 6) Cool down. All hair dryers will heat up, it's inevitable. However this one will cool down incredibly quickly, which means I can put it away even quicker, reducing risk to your home. BRILLIANT. Other fabulous features include it doesn't weigh a tonne, the hanging loop at the base of the hairdryer is actually a decent size, the cord is long enough that you don't have to kiss the mirror while styling (unless you want to), the filter is easy to clean, you can see what settings you've used (there's a screen), and Remington gives you instructions that make sense.
Dermal Therapy Overnight Face Repair Cream
Dermal Therapy

Overnight Face Repair Cream

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
07 Nov 2025

Tiny but mighty

Please note: I received this product after attending the BeautyHeaven Best in Beauty 2025 Awards. The Dermal Therapy stand was cute and the staff were lovely. There was lots of information to take in regarding this face repair, and I... Read full review
Please note: I received this product after attending the BeautyHeaven Best in Beauty 2025 Awards. The Dermal Therapy stand was cute and the staff were lovely. There was lots of information to take in regarding this face repair, and I was glad I was listening. What the website doesn't tell you is that this product is fragranced. I was expecting a light, floral fragrance, but this baby is punchy (so prepare yourself). It's a fragrance that will linger for a good while, too. Aside from the scent, you will get a small flip-top tube inside your box. Don't be deceived by the 40g size. You'll only need the smallest amount to get good face, neck and decolletage coverage, trust. Further, this product isn't just an evening cream, it truly is a face repair. The rich feel you put on of an evening lasts through until the morning. I even, admittedly, had a slack morning to see how I would go without washing my face for a few hours (yes, WFH) and there were no breakouts a few days later. What I really appreciate about this face repair is I know it will be ideal for me during winter, and even better for me when I travel. It's a lightweight tube with high-impact results, delivering moisture all the way. You will absolutely wake up with plump feeling skin where the results will last several days. Added bonuses: hypoallergenic, non-irritating, recommended by dermatologists, clinically tested, non-comedogenic, made and owned here in Aus. Great product.
DU'IT Tough Hands
DU'IT

Tough Hands

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
07 Nov 2025

All hands on deck!

Please note: I received this product after attending the BeautyHeaven Best in Beauty 2025 Awards. There are two things I will always need at my bedside, in my handbag/backpack, and in my car: my lip balm (one brand is my... Read full review
Please note: I received this product after attending the BeautyHeaven Best in Beauty 2025 Awards. There are two things I will always need at my bedside, in my handbag/backpack, and in my car: my lip balm (one brand is my bae) and my hand cream. I was beyond excited to receive this whopping great big tube of hand cream, and it is HIGH IMPACT! The skin on the sides of my fingers crack from dishes, hard water, gardening, or being too dry for too long. I moisturise constantly, dry skin is the bane of my existence. This hand cream is the bane to dry and chapped hands, no cap. A little goes a long way, so this massive 150g tube will last you ages, it smooths onto the skin without irritation, there's no offensive or strong fragrance (and therefore won't compete with your perfume), and is great overnight as a treatment (cotton gloves, peeps). You cannot go wrong with this hand repair. It's a solid performer. Other interesting information (because I love to research the products I review) is that this product has antimicrobial properties because it contains Lemon Myrtle (fan) and Tea Tree Oil (awesome), how cool is that?! This skin repair is also free from nasties like parabens, petrolatum, mineral oil, lanolin and propylene glycol, which makes me like it even more. The icing: Australian made and owned.
Nude by Nature Dewy Serum Blush Drops
Nude by Nature

Dewy Serum Blush Drops

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
07 Nov 2025

One drop does the job

Please note: I received this product after attending the BeautyHeaven Best in Beauty 2025 Awards. Another great product offering from Nude by Nature, with the release of these serum drops. While the shade range is limited to only three options,... Read full review
Please note: I received this product after attending the BeautyHeaven Best in Beauty 2025 Awards. Another great product offering from Nude by Nature, with the release of these serum drops. While the shade range is limited to only three options, the shades are lovely. I had the opportunity to test each shade against my skin. Only one shade really popped against darker skin tones, and that was 02 Warm Rose (the shade I kindly received). Even during the product testing, I was stunned, absolutely stunned, at how little you need to use to get the colour blend you would want. Whether you use your fingers, a brush or a sponge (the first two would be the way to go TBH), you will get excellent coverage with just a drop. Keeping in mind it is a serum, yet the colour payoff is great. I have used this product in a number of ways: with tinted moisturiser, with BB/CC creams, with foundation, and all with great results. This serum must be used before applying any powder, but I've achieved consistent colour longevity (particularly through using a brush and blending). If you want a stronger colour payoff, I gently pat powder then blush over the top followed by setting spray. The bottle is small, plastic and easy to carry. It's the perfect travel size: it's not heavy and ideal for small trips. This is pretty darn good, just need more colours.
JUSTICE Professional Marine Beauty Scalp Scrub
JUSTICE Professional

Marine Beauty Scalp Scrub

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
07 Nov 2025

Technique + time, but totally worth the investment

Please note: I received this product when I attended the BeautyHeaven Best in Beauty 2025 Awards. It was a surprise to me how controversial the reviews were for this product, perhaps because: 1) I love this product, 2) I\'m a... Read full review
Please note: I received this product when I attended the BeautyHeaven Best in Beauty 2025 Awards. It was a surprise to me how controversial the reviews were for this product, perhaps because: 1) I love this product, 2) I'm a die-hard scalp-scrubbing fan, and 3) Justice Haircare does NOT PLAY when it comes to their range! To give context, anyone who attended the BIB Awards had the absolute pleasure of being introduced to each product by a specialist, and Justice Haircare had an amazing representative. He knew the range, he knew hair, he was engaging and informative. Participants were given the opportunity to sniff, touch, test, feel and discuss the product in detail. I know I absolutely took the time to learn what I could, both in person and online (because no two scalp scrubs are the same, in my humble opinion and experience). Now. The how-to-use instructions are pretty clear: apply a palm-sized amount to wet scalp, gently massage for up to five minutes, focusing on areas with dryness. I like using scalp scrubs when I have gone too long between washes and I have build-up; I like my hair clean and ready to go. I also like my hair masks and leave-in conditioners which contribute to build-up, so I use scalp scrubs every couple of weeks. I start before I even hit the shower, combing my hair (unless I'm rocking the curls), then completely drenching my hair. I find it is easier to then turn the shower off, take the scrub and place small portions on areas of my scalp that require focus then start the massaging process. This scalp scrub does not foam, which may have caused a little contention with other users, and that's okay. If you prefer a saponifying scrub, use a little shampoo with your scrub to get it going. I used an initial shampoo then the scrub when I had my curls (after the BIB Awards, by the way) to make usage easier. If you were really having trouble, a little shampoo will help. Justice products will give different results to different hair types, and I have one of the most painful hair types there is: coarse, naturally curly (frizzy), dry, professionally colour treated, and a tendency to go haywire. I have used this scalp scrub three times in the two weeks since the Awards, and I'm a fan. The fragrance is light and non-offensive, the scrub does take time and effort but absolutely works, and my scalp feels clean, fresh and ready for a Queensland summer. I already have a back-up tube.
Maybelline New York Lifter Stix
Maybelline New York

Lifter Stix

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
07 Nov 2025

Totes a fan - wish there were more colours

Please note: I received this product as part of attending BeautyHeaven\'s Best in Beauty 2025 Awards. I was really excited to receive this product; I already have shade 45 in the collection, and I was hoping to get something a... Read full review
Please note: I received this product as part of attending BeautyHeaven's Best in Beauty 2025 Awards. I was really excited to receive this product; I already have shade 45 in the collection, and I was hoping to get something a bit darker. The formulation is great. It goes on smooth, it's easy to apply (draw it on, it's like a great big crayon, gurr), no dripping or getting goop where you don't want it to go. The stix comes with a large plastic cap that clicks into place, and the base dials up and down when you need more product. It's that simple to use. I was given shade 70, which to me is a warm tone and allows me to apply a more bronzed look or bronze summer contour. Shade 45 is a cooler to neutral shade and is a great tone match for me. It's ideal if I'm using a BB/CC cream and I'm keeping my look minimalistic (yeah, because that's absolutely my personality)! My only criticism is that the shade range is not very inclusive. I would love it if Maybelline created a wider shade range, because this product is honestly fantastic. I think it's particularly good for skin that leans towards the dry side. It's also a great product for travel, because it's lightweight, and easy to pack (little mess, no spills, easy to use). I 100% recommend this.
Clinique Moisture Surge™ Active Glow Serum
Clinique

Moisture Surge™ Active Glow Serum

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
07 Nov 2025

Surge, yes, but stinky

Please note: I received this product as part of attending BeautyHeaven\'s Best in Beauty 2025 Awards. Clinique\'s products are always beautifully packaged, and this serum is no exception. Always clean branding, the bottle is securely boxed, and there\'s no mistaking... Read full review
Please note: I received this product as part of attending BeautyHeaven's Best in Beauty 2025 Awards. Clinique's products are always beautifully packaged, and this serum is no exception. Always clean branding, the bottle is securely boxed, and there's no mistaking what's in the bottle (it's right there on the label). The box clearly states the product is for skin types 1, 2, 3 and 4. Sadly, this serum did not come with an instruction leaflet. I had to jump online to seek additional information, such as ideal usage (this is not available on the bottle or box). Online, the Clinique website states the serum can be used morning or evening on clean skin, starting with three drops. Now, the consistency of this serum is thin and watery, so you would think three drops will do your face and neck. This is not the case (so dose yourself at your discretion). The website also clearly states to use sunscreen and limit your sun exposure while using and the week afterwards. First use: the serum smells. Bad. I am absolutely not a fan. I know Clinique is fragrance free, allergy tested, safe for sensitive skin, and it is all these things. However, I was very reluctant to persist using this product because it smells that bad. I did persist, and yes, you will get used to the smell (to a certain extent). From a performance perspective, this serum is purported to improve skin texture, hydration, radiance, fine lines, moisture retention and overall health. Since I commenced use, my skin texture and radiance were temporarily improved when used in conjunction with other skin treatments such as a home facial (exfoliation and masks), followed immediately by this serum. The effect only lasted a few days. I have been using this product consistently since the Awards, so there's still time to see improvement. Patience is a virtue with this product. I do recommend it (it is good), however I have other products that perform better without the nasal assault. I will likely rotate back to this in winter.
Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm
Burt's Bees

Tinted Lip Balm

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
06 Nov 2025

Burt's forever my bae

Please note: I received this product as a result of attending BeautyHeaven\'s Best in Beauty 2025 Awards. I am a die-hard fan of Burt\'s Bees products, so it\'s no surprise really that this was the first thing I opened. Seriously.... Read full review
Please note: I received this product as a result of attending BeautyHeaven's Best in Beauty 2025 Awards. I am a die-hard fan of Burt's Bees products, so it's no surprise really that this was the first thing I opened. Seriously. I have been using Burt's for so long. This lip balm is no exception. Its silky texture goes on like a dream, there's no irritation, no annoying artificial fragrances, just deliciously smooth moisture for the lips. What I didn't immediately notice, however, was the tint. I was hoping for more colour payoff, but the reality is I have a higher amount of melanin than the average here in Australia. What the tint does is gives my natural lip colour a little boost without looking artificial. I must say, I appreciate this given I've been straying from lippies of late (and been slowly working them back into rotation). I was surprised to see lanolin in the ingredients. Most Burt's products don't contain this (unless my eyeballs have skipped past this). If you're vegan, this lip tint is not for you. Otherwise, if you are avoiding all petroleum-based products, come and date Burt's. They'll love your lips forever.
Thanks To Nature Creamy Body Wash Sweet Almond and Vanilla
Thanks To Nature

Creamy Body Wash Sweet Almond and Vanilla

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
06 Nov 2025

Good but not my kind of great

Please note: this product was received as part of attending the Beauty Heaven Best in Beauty 2025 Awards. We did not receive a full-sized product, but a 75ml tube with a twist-top at the base. It\'s always lovely to receive... Read full review
Please note: this product was received as part of attending the Beauty Heaven Best in Beauty 2025 Awards. We did not receive a full-sized product, but a 75ml tube with a twist-top at the base. It's always lovely to receive a product to try, and I was grateful to receive something from a brand I've been eyeing off for a while. From the jump, the scent is not my scene. I would not choose anything in the almond and vanilla category for myself. Ever. That aside, it's not too strong in the almond category, but absolutely swimming in the vanilla end. The scent was one that, for me, did linger, thankfully I did not smell like a cupcake all night/morning. I found the body wash was not a strong lather. It's definitely true to the description of a gentle lather, but this easily washes away with water. If you like standing under the water, what you use will wash away and you will have to keep re-applying (the suds do not last). What you do get to use does feel lovely on the skin. This product does not cause irritation, it's an environmentally-friendly product, not animal tested, recyclable packaging, no SLS/SLES, all positive green health vibes. It simply didn't do the job for me.
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