One can try to be ecological and hygienic at the same time, although this whole cosmetic world is not the most ecological world. Environment is something that we should definitely not forget. I do not use disposables on myself, I find it absurd. I do keep my products well taken care of, but I wont go crazy with it. It's me and my body that I live in everyday, if I can't bare to touch my face in fear of bacteria then I couldn't live very happy life. Hygiene is nice and important, but not something to be mental about. Of course it's a different story when using products on other people, that I can understand not wanting to share your lipgloss with hundred people.
I think this whole discussion got started on my aversion to jar packaging and my hesitation to stick my fake nails into the tendertone pots. (Which could potentially introduce bread crumbs, not to mention whatever yucky crap might be lurking under said nails, but mostly secretions and oil and dead skin cells from my fingers).
I DO think jar packaging does introduce more germs than necessary and exposes any antioxidants inside the skin care product to oxidation and cancellation of any benefits. That being said, I agree on reducing waste.
My eyes are easily prone to bacterial infection and also irritability, so I do use a Q-tip applicator (I break it in half and dip the "sterile" end into the PP or FL, and then wipe the product on my hand or brush to avoid sticking body parts or brushes with my bacteria and oil into the product. Since I have had a nasty eye infection and had to take gooey antibiotics that I had to squeeze into my conjunctiva for 3 weeks, I am willing to contribute to a little land fill waste to be more hygienic.
I get a little concerned if I layer a lipglass over a lipstick, the pigmentation from the lipstick will stick on the doefoot applicator and then affect the gloss and change the color.
On the other hand, I have no problems sharing lipstick or buying a lipstick from someone who has gently tested it. I know my mouth is full of bacteria. So, for me it is a balance of reducing waste and keeping my products as bacteria free as possible or avoiding changing the color or consistency (or therapeutic ingredients like antioxidants). I try to go with the lesser of 2 evils, but I am not going to chance another eyeball infection.
I try to reuse and recycle as much as possible. I try to use a washcloth and wash it for facial cleaning rather than use wipes (save these for travel or really stubborn make up). I try to use recycleable materials, etc.
I guess at the core, I am inconsistent, but I try to take the middle ground and balance it all out.