AIO for getting upset that my roommate keeps “borrowing” my expensive skincare without asking and then lying about it?
I’m (26F) and my roommate “Jess” (25F) have been sharing an apartment for about 8 months. We were acquaintances through mutual friends before moving in, but we get along fine—split bills on time, keep common areas clean, etc. No major issues until recently.
I’m really into skincare (not a huge collection, but I invest in a few higher-end products like a $120 serum, $80 moisturizer, etc. because I have sensitive skin and they actually work for me). I keep everything organized on my shelf in the bathroom cabinet. A few weeks ago I noticed my serum was half gone way faster than normal. I asked Jess casually if she’d used any, and she said “nope, haven’t touched your stuff!” Okay, maybe I miscounted. Then last week my new bottle of the moisturizer (bought it 2 weeks ago) was down to like 1/3. I confronted her again, nicely, saying “Hey, I’m not mad if you used some, just let me know so I can replace it or whatever.” She got defensive and insisted she hadn’t touched it, said maybe I’m using more than I think or it evaporates or something ridiculous.
Yesterday I set up my phone to record a quick timelapse of the bathroom shelf (not creepy, just a 30-second clip every few hours via an app) because I was starting to feel gaslit. Sure enough, around 2pm when I was at work, the video shows her opening the cabinet, taking out the moisturizer, using a pump or two, putting it back. She didn’t even try to hide it.
I showed her the clip when I got home and said “Look, I just want honesty. If you like the products, cool, we can share or I’ll spot you some samples, but don’t lie to my face about it.” She flipped out—called me controlling and invasive for “spying” on her with a camera, said it’s just skincare and I’m being dramatic over “a couple pumps,” and that I’m overreacting by making a big deal out of something she “borrowed temporarily.” Now she’s giving me the silent treatment, slamming doors, and told our mutual friend group that I’m “paranoid and untrusting.” A couple friends say I went too far with the camera and should’ve just locked my stuff up instead of confronting her like that. Others say lying repeatedly is the real issue and she’s deflecting.
Am I overreacting for feeling betrayed and considering asking her to move out (we’re both on the lease, but it’s month-to-month possible)? Or is the camera thing creepy and I’m escalating over petty stuff?
Posted Jan 27, 2026, 1:55 PM UTC