Things that Make My Eyes Roll: US BB Cream Craze

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I liked it better when it was called a tinted moisturizer....because that's what BB Creams in the U.S. are, right?

Seriously though, it's not the BB Creams themselves that I have a problem with.  In fact, the ones sold in Asia seem really interesting.  From what I understand there really are miracles in a bottle over there as they treat blemishes, are anti-aging, and skin-lightening, all while providing giving the skin a light coverage and hydration.  


The ones that have sprung up over here in the States however are pretty much the same as the tinted moisturizer that were already on the market.  For example, here is the description of Smashbox's Camera Ready BB Cream, as per Sephora's website:

This multitasking tinted cream formula with SPF 35 moisturizes, primes, perfects, controls oil, and protects for flawless skin on set and beyond. Formulated with emollients and optical pearl pigments, this BB Cream gives skin a glowing, ethereal look and provides a hydrating veil for the complexion to maintain moisture on the surface of the skin. With its ultra-smoothing finish, it instantly re-texturizes to create a smooth canvas. Especially when worn under foundation, it enhances the wear of makeup for up to eight hours. Ideal even for oily complexions, this expert formula with UVA/UVB protection helps inhibit oil to prevent the complexion from getting shiny throughout the day without the typical chalky matte finish.

And here is Sephora's description of Smashbox's Sheer Focus Tinted Moisturizer:

Smashbox Sheer Focus Tinted Moisturizer is a lightweight, revolutionary sheer color formula for naturally radiant skin. A healthy complexion starts with unique citrus honey ingredients for long-lasting hydration and oil absorption, with UVA/UVB SPF 15 added to guard against future sun damage. Vitamins C and E offer protection against free radicals and antiaging peptides improve elasticity. Skin stays flawless and protected with a smooth, matte finish all day long.

Now let's compare:

Tinted Moisturizer	BB Cream
ü  Sheer Coverage/Naturally Radiant Skin ü  Antiaging via Vitamin C & E ü  Hydration ü  UVA/UVB SPF 15 ü  Oil absorbtion       Primer	ü  Perfecting Coverage/Glowing Ethereal look       Antiaging ü  Hydration ü  UVA/UVB SPF 35 ü  Oil Control ü  Primer

So it seems to me that the only fundamental difference here is that you get primer benefits from Smashbox's BB Cream, and anti aging benefits from the Tinted Moisturizer.  But I know there are tinted moisturizers on the market that either have primer in their formula or that people just use as a primer before their foundation. And on that same token there are BB Creams with anti aging properties.  


I'm not saying that I'm not interested in trying out any of these BB Creams that are bombarding the U.S. beauty market right now, but not for any other reason that I want to try out new tinted moisturizers.  I like the low-maintenance, sheer-light coverage they provide for the summer, and sometimes I can use the extra hydration, that's pretty much it. 


I guess my irritation stems from the feeling I get from companies that I, as a consumer, am blind.  Did you really think I wouldn't notice you taking the same tinted moisturizers you've had on the market for years and just changing the name to Beauty Balm?  I mean, if it covers like a tinted moisturizer, hydrates like a tinted moisturizer, and sun-protects like a tinted moisturizer.....


I'm really not as upset as I may seem in this rant about these products lol, I just get annoyed when something's been around for ages and you change the name and people act like it's a new thing.  What do you think, is there something I'm missing about these things that are staging a mass-invasion of our beauty shelves?  Or are you rolling your eyes too?