Sometimes, you get what you pay for.

And other times, you realise that this is not the case at all – as I recently discovered when I took the challenge from a friend (and fellow beauty writer) to use nothing buy Penneys beauty products for a month. Having written about wellness and beauty for years now, I will be the first to admit my standards when it comes to products is pretty high. I like to know the ingredients will actually do what they say they will. I like them to feel good on my skin, and it is also – shallow as it may sound – a real added bonus if the packaging looks pretty sitting on my bathroom shelf too. So you can imagine my feelings of unease heading into Penneys to stock up a few weeks back – would I really be able to find products I like and would be happy using for a month in there? At those low prices? I was sceptical for real. However, having been in and out of Penneys a lot these past few weeks, and really dived in when it comes to finding the best they have to offer on the beauty front, I was impressed at not only the sheer selection (so many great beauty tools, for instance!), but also the quality on most of the products I tried. I tried both skincare – and makeup, and found myself loving some, liking others and only tried a couple of products I would not necessarily buy again. When it comes to my absolute favourites after a month of Penneys beauty testing, here are five products I have not only since bought again, but have also recommended to many friends, as they are simply really, really great! 1. Ps Felt Tip Freckle Pen Freckles are a real beauty staple this season too, and if you are lucky enough to have them appear naturally, well, then this isn't really for you. For the rest of us, though, being able to cheat our way to sunkissed, lightly freckled cheeks and noses are a real beauty win – and this felt tip freckle pen did the job perfectly. €2.50 2. Ps Glow Illuminating Oil Primer My winter skin always screams out for more moisture, and oils and oil-based products are a real life-saver for me this time of year. This illuminating oil primer was really great at making my skin both look and feel dewy – and having used it for a month now under my moisturiser, I don't think I ever want to stop. It will last for ages too, as just a couple of drops is plenty. €6 3. Ps Pro 6 Shade Eyeshadow Palette Not only did the packaging on this eye shadow palette blow me away, but the colours are seriously flattering too. I am the kind of person who rarely uses eye shadow unless I am going out (out), but with these, I found myself experimenting with daytime looks too, and I got so many compliments for how fab my eyes looked. I love the neutral, skin-toned hues, and was blown away by how well they blended and just how long the colour stayed on. A total must for anyone's makeup bag, I think. €6 4. Ps Pro Berry Red Nail Polish Ironically, being a beauty writer, I rarely go crazy when it comes to makeup colours. As for my nails, I am an either pale pink or classic red kinda gal, and have been a devoted Essie fan for as long as I can remember. However, this perfect, classic siren red shade I picked up in Penneys might just be the most beautiful and flattering shade I have ever tried, and I love how it will look just as perfect on my toes for summer as it will my fingers in winter. A true classic – at an absolute bargain price. €2 5. Ps Prep And Perfect Brightening Primer My day-to-day beauty routine is mostly skincare, with just a dab of makeup on top. And hence, I like my products do work hard when it comes to making my skin look healthy and glowing – as I am not really a fan of using foundation or powders at all. This primer really amazed me – and will forevermore be a staple in my makeup bag. I simply put it on over my day cream, and it really made my skin tone look more even, and my complexion so dewy friends kept asking what I had been doing differently. €5