I agree. I think Youko from The Twelve Kingdoms (the character sheet alone provides a good pictorial example of before and after her adventuring) would be a more fitting example.

Isn't the definiton that the reason for the makeover is the adventure ("Moving from cold climates to hot climates did, and training with Pakku"), not the falling in love? Laconic implies that. I've never seen Avatar, but from what I gather from your post, she seems to fit the trope. (Assuming she is the current page image.)

The trope is Adventuring with the Hero (and falling in love with him) is what makes her pretty.

Katara was pretty to begin with, and had other romantic interests besides Aang. The Adrenaline Makeover case rarely has any prospects until the hero begins to notice her as more than an annoyance/liability/obstacle.

Emma in the Saint was somebody Simon planned to blow off until he realized he was falling for her.

Joan in Romancing the Stone was kind of Mousy until getting involved with Jack (and pissed off at him) brought out her personality.

Evy in The Mummy was kind of mousy until being set up for sacrifice showed her off all pretty and that made Rick notice her, which started them falling in love.

Both conditions must be met, IMO.