Expired makeup is NOT underconsumption core

*the problem with the underconsumption core trend and makeup"

The internet is tired of overconsumption, especially in beauty and fashion. So now the term "underconsumption core" is trending. If you've never heard the term "underconsumption core," it's simply a direct response to the influencer-driven culture of overconsumption.

Personally, I was very excited to see this trend. I love watching people use up their products, repurpose what they have around the house, and be more sustainable. But after watching a mixture of videos on underconsumption core — what it means and what it represents — I’m feeling a little bit confused.

In this video, I’m going to discuss the problems with the underconsumption core trend. Since we are a makeup channel, I’ll also be applying old makeup that I might have forgotten about. Before you leave any comments, I'll also be sharing what I LOVE about this trend.

💬 Let’s start a conversation! Comment below with, “What is your oldest beauty product?”

*Disclaimer*
The videos and images used in this video is for educational and commentary purposes under the fair use doctrine. All TikTok videos and any other content used belong to their respective creators and are used here for the purpose of criticism, commentary, or review. No copyright infringement is intended.

00:00 Intro to Underconsumption Core
00:50 Disclaimer
03:38 Problem #1 Underconsumption Meaning
08:39 Problem #2 Makeup is not essential
09:55 Basic Definition
10:23 Problem #3 Expired makeup is not underconsumption core
11:55 Benefit #1 Encouraging
13:20 Problem #4 The cycle of overconsumption
16:42 Benefit #2 Balancing
16:55 Problem #5 What is "normal" consumption?
17:30 Problem #6 Chronically online
21:12 Problem #7 Shame
22:45 The bright side
24:12 Benefit #3 Uplifting other creators
25:32 YOUR comments

*SOCIALS*

[lunasoriadiego]

Sometimes makeup do expire, but a lot of people only read the 6m 12m shelf life and assume it’s expired after, that’s just there to protect the brands, doesn’t mean it expires after that time, it means that they can assure you it will be fine for at least that amount of time

[leasting]

the argument that makeup cannot be "underconsumption core" because it is a "luxury" is a bit odd to me. like yes, technically, none of us need it! but aspiring to some sort of pure practicality and frugality feels so Puritan... can't get behind it personally lol

a lot of my makeup is definitely older than stated expiration dates, but that's part of why I keep very few cream/liquid products. powders tend to be so much more forgiving!

[coolchameleon]

i use powders for years. it’s much harder to use up powder products than liquid products, especially eyeshadow

[j.m.]

I am guilty of using items older than a year. I can usually tell when something is expired. The texture or smell will change and that’s my cue to toss. I have never used up an eyeshadow or nail polish but happy to say I use up foundations (I only have 2-3 at a time), concealers, powders, and blushes. So I’m focusing my no buy efforts on eyeshadow and anything I know I won’t use up.

[leslychavez]

I’m planning on reusing my old eyeshadow by turning them to watercolor paint

[LOL-ibhy]

there’s ways to lengthen the shelf life of products that are deemed “expired” but these are usually powders…. seeing people used expired concealer scares me…

[gisselleperezmoreno]

I’ve done this for years id always keep track of expiration dates and most times I’ll purchase the mini/travel size instead of full size to ensure I’d finish them in time

[kendramcgee]

I really liked this trend at first but it quickly became hateful. It started with people having 1 of each type of product and encouraging thinking before you buy. It had a shift of people showing their 3 year old mascara and no Stanley cup saying they are better than you. I think moderate consumption is the way to go. We all have things we like that aren’t necessary but we shouldn’t be shamed for a hobby.

[fabisparadise]

I feel like underconsumption core is just normal consumption? I personally think you should use things until they expire/run out but because of the influencer culture that got totally thrown out the window. Also I love ur videos to death!! They’re so educational and actually fun to watch!! Love u!! 🩷

[Cass_twiu]

My husband asked me write to a list and take photos of my makeup- then to look at it when I’m tempted to buy something to see if it’s a needs vs. wants (because makeup is expensive and it expires, also using “needs” loosely). I was hesitant at first but he was right- it slowed me way down which our wallets appreciated!

[sarafretwell]

i think the problem with saying we don't need makeup is it doesn't address the misogyny in our society that makes makeup a necessity. yes, theoretically we don't need makeup, but in day to day life there are things that people do or say that make us realize that we need to wear makeup. such as someone wearing makeup regularly, then not wearing it one day, and having multiple people ask if they're sick or if they didn't get much sleep. in terms of job interviews, internship interviews, etc. makeup is a necessity. it shouldn't be, but for women, part of looking fully put together and professional includes wearing makeup. it's why so many older women won't be seen without makeup on, and it's how the makeup industry is sustained. the misogynistic idea that women must wear makeup to look their prettiest or their best has been so deeply ingrained into our society that it's a normal, natural thought to have about ourselves or others. and there's absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying makeup and enjoying the beauty industry, i just think we need to talk more openly about the dangerous and disrespectful ideals the beauty industry stands on.

[tinsleyka]

One thing I don't keep after expiry date: mascaras. I have sensitive eyes and I can't gamble on whether or not I get an eye infection. I also don't keep liquid products long past the expiry date. Powders tho, I am guilty of using them long past the expiry date. I'm trying to use up the products I have and buy less so I can hit the pan on all my make up before it expires. I've been influenced into buying post of it 😭😭

[vvitch-mist]

People really just don't understand how to navigate nuance anymore 😭.

If it's broken, or expired throw it away. The only use I could see for expired pigments is turning them into paint. (Which isn't everyone's cup of tea)

[Stxtss]

Them labeling it as underconsumption is why it’s reaching a bit too far. Everything is a core so that it trends which saddens me a bit. Why can’t they say that they’re doing a no buy year instead?

[pumpkin]

I used to not believe in products expiring, thats was until i had a crazy reaction to my cleanser i had in my bathroom for over 3 years

[laur]

tbh a lot of makeup will easily last over a year. depends on the preservative system and the environment where the makeup is used and kept. ie “clean” brands will generally expire faster, and having your makeup stored in a humid place or just living in a humid environment probably won’t help it to last longer. and we need to watch out for liquid and eye products especially when it comes to expiry. but it generally isn’t necessary to toss your products immediately at the 6, 12, 18 month etc mark if they still perform well. if they perform as they did when you first got them, haven’t changed in smell, consistency and appearance and don’t cause you any reactions, then it’s probably fine to keep using.

[trishamarie]

I saw a makeup artist that used an old expired eyeshadow palette, and got cellulitis from it. Her face swelled up so bad, and it can be deadly. I can be lazy about throwing stuff away, but that made me rethink using any old makeup product.
Don’t think because it’s powder that it’s okay.

[c.v]

It's just using what you have before getting unnecessary stuff. Even if u already have lux products. But why core? It's annoying

[ilyaalister]

I feel like if someone is saying that this is just their day-to-day life that the content wasn’t necessarily made for them.

I feel like underconsumption core is something that is geared towards a certain group of people mainly those who can afford to overconsume in the first place.

[lavayuki]

I have a lot of products that are over 2 years old, some of the palettes, blushes, highlighters and lipsticks/liners are 5+ years old. My foundations are max 2 years old and they seem fine, so I continue to use them. I always use up certain categories, namely brow pencils, face powders, skin tints, liquid eyeliners and mascaras. But I can almost never finish blushes, highlights or eyeshadow palettes. i did somehow manage to actually finish a fenty highlighter but only because i was using it as an eyeshadow as well, which I do with the rare beauty highlighters as well.