I write about beauty for a living, and I thought I'd hate these 6 products.

In my role as a beauty writer, it's my job to test products and then write about them. Lots and lots of products. It's the best. And it's the worst. 

Because there are so many sexy products getting around - so many snazzy new things - that you can end up pretty cynical and snobby when it comes to knowing what you're going to love and what you're probably going to hate.

I know! I know.

Watch: 'I tried the lube makeup trick. And the results kinda surprised me.' Post continues below.

But here's the thing: Sometimes I'm wrong. 

And while we all know a lot about products that are disappointing, what about the ones that end up surprisingly good? Let's talk about them!

Below are six products I thought I'd really not vibe with, but actually really loved.

Edible Beauty No. 1 Belle Frais Cleansing Milk, $59.

Oooh, another one of those 'natural' products that do a whole lot of nothing for your face, I thought. You know the ones. They smell weird and tout 'clean' ingredients, and almost always leave you disappointed. This was not one of those products. 

It's soothing, gentle and creamy and helps keep my skin hydrated and my moisture barrier happy, while effectively cleaning my skin and preventing breakouts. I'm onto my third bottle of the stuff.

Glo Skin Beauty Hydra-Bright AHA Glow Peel 1, $131.

This is not so much a product I thought I would hate - more so my skin. Y'see, I tend to steer clear of glycolic acids and the likes because they tend to not work well with my face (read: burns the s**t out of it), so this peel-in-a-box sat in my 'to try' pile for longer than I'd like to admit. 

But then... I tried it. And I loved it. And I've used three boxes of the stuff and will certainly buy again. It leaves my complexion radiant and fresh, without a slick of irritation (it contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to make sure it nourishes and soothes the skin). It's the perfect prep to do before a big event - leaving your skin glowy and healthy.

Ethique Solid Shampoo, $24.95.

Oh man, you can't believe how much I DIDN'T like these shampoo bars. I'm all for sustainability and saving water, but a bar that looks like a cake of soap just didn't appeal to me - it seemed like it would do squat all for my dry scalp and hair. But goodness, I was wrong. 

These shampoo bars actually work wonders on my sensitive scalp - and this one in particular helps to reduce flakiness and product build-up. What's more, my hair feels clean, soft and shiny post-use (it smells good too). 

Avene Thermal Spring Water, $24.99.

I always thought mists and sprays were the BIGGEST waste of time and money. But then I started spritzing my face with them before applying my serums (cause Zoe Foster-Blake told me to do it), and I sweartogod, my serums actually work better for it. 

This one from Avene is my absolute favourite and I'm never without a bottle. I also love using it throughout the day to keep my basically-reptilian skin hydrated and happy - especially when I'm sitting in air-con or heating.

Slick Hair Company Slick Stick, $24.99.

When this first landed on my desk, it was doing the absolute MOST on Instagram, and seemed like one of those hype-y, fluffy products that influencers try to make you buy.

But then I tired it and fast forward a year, and I use this every single week. I have really frizzy hair, so wearing buns and ponytails can be ✨challenging✨ for me. Now, all my baby hairs and flyaways are neatly fixed in a matter of swipes, and it HOLDS. Goodness, it holds.

Sundae Whipped Shower Foam, $20.

This seemed very gimmicky when I first received it (like, whipped foam? Why...), but 100% YOU SHOULD TRY IT. 

There are eight different scents (my faves are 'Cool Mint' and 'Coconut Cream') and they're packed full of ingredients like Kakadu plum (a source of vitamin C) and finger lime (natural source of AHAs for exfoliation). They brighten and gently exfoliate the skin and make your limbs feel all smooth and lovely. What a time.

Want more from Erin? Omg, you do? How good. Follow her on Instagram.

Do you have any products you thought you'd hate but you actually... love? Share with me in the comment section below.

Feature image: Supplied; Adore Beauty; Sundae Body; Slick Stick Company.