How long do creams, shower gels etc last?

I also had a clear out at the weekend and found some avon face cream which had a symbol on the back that said 12m and when I opened it, the cream was a funny orangy colour, it smelt ok but I think it had gone off so i binned it which was a shame because it was a full tub of cream. I think most toiletries have a symbol on the back which tells you how long to keep it for. However this doesn't help if you not sure when you bought it.

I would use it as long as it doesn't smell funny. Even then I'd probably use it but I don't want to smell funny.

If it hasn't been opened it will probably be ok. I always sniff stuff, and if it smells ok then I'll use it...