I rarely fall for ads (I think). I’m one of those people who will say that advertising doesn’t really affect me. Why do companies spend millions of dollars on ads, blah blah blah, when they won’t convince me to buy? Um , yeah, so…
Months ago, I started seeing ads for BB Cream. All kinds of BB Cream. L’oreal. Oil of Olay. Maybelline. Revlon. Garnier. And I said, BB Cream? What’s that? Why do I need it? Pssh.
And then I started seeing more ads telling me how BB Cream is the hot new trend and I really need it. Oh, do I? Ha.
Sunday, I was walking the aisles of the grocery store and there was a sale. On a few brands of BB Cream. And… I caved. I said, “Oh what the heck. Maybe I do need BB Cream.” So I went over the brands, on sale, and chose some Aveeno.
I think BB stands for Beauty Balm (I’m still not sure), but when I got home and tried it, I realized that it’s just tinted moisturizer. No big thrill. I’ve had tinted moisturizers (from cheapo to expensive brands) and I like them. For all the hype, BB Cream is really nothing new. But they got my money by making it sound groundbreaking and Brand Spanking New. Bravo, cosmetics companies. You got me again.
And now I’m over at Sephora.com (my occasional weakness) filling my cart. And I have a song stuck in my head from a McDonald’s commercial, Fishy Fishay… and suddenly I’m craving a Filet O’ Fish. I’m not a big fast food fan, but sometimes I could really go for it.
But not Wendy’s. Yes, their fish sandwich does look superior and the new redheaded spokeswoman (Wendy, wink) tells me it’s Northern Pacific Cod and “Now that’s better.” But every time I see her, I just want to smack her smug little face (and I am not a smacker). So, no Wendy’s for me. Ever. Until she’s gone.
Aha, so now I can go back to saying I rarely fall for advertising and feel justified.
Fishy, fishay…
Do you fall for ads? Or feel repulsed by them? Do you have any BB Cream? What have you fallen for lately? What ads annoy you?
{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
I had never seen the Fishy Fishay ad when I read this yesterday. NOW every time I turn on the TV the dang ad is on and I’ve got the stupid song stuck in my head & it is all your fault Sherri!”-)
I’m sorry! Yep, my fault. Fishy Fishay!
Sherri -
I don’t usually fall for the ads — but food ads do make me hungry!
In the great fish sandwich debate — I think Wendy’s fish sandwich is the best one….though I have a weakness for McD’s…. I noticed that the McD’s fish sandwich was even better in the UK!
I really want to try the Wendy’s one. But that Wendy. A shame because I like Wendy Thomas, the founder’s daughter. Why did they stop her from doing the ads and bring on the snippy, smug one?
I’m not sure I fall for many ads, but they do get my attention. (Print ads, I also love my DVR and zip through all commercials.) If I see a new product that catches my attention, I find out more about it–usually this involves some kind of beauty product. If it’s out there, I’ve tried it or have it on my list to try.
So, I DO have BB creme, and you didn’t get taken, Sherri. Most of them are better than the old tinted moisturizers. Generally, they have some kind of anti-aging ingredient, plus the moisturizer, tint, sunscreen and primer. It’s supposed to be for people who want a simple makeup routine, and don’t want to do all those steps separately. Marketing ploy? Maybe. But there really are new advancements all the time, and you don’t have to spend a fortune to get the decent stuff. My dermatologist swears by two things–retinol and sunscreen.
And, yes, I have a secret desire to work at Sephora.
Aha, thanks Wendy. It still seems to work just like my tinted moisturizer. Maybe a good thing for me. I’m allergic to retinol. I guess I’m just going to pray that my Grandma’s good genes (she never looked her age) passed to me.
Those BB creams confuse me–I can’t see that it says anywhere what the heck BB stands for. I have since found out that it does indeed mean Beauty Balm. But why does it not say that anywhere on the packaging? I think their advertising strategy is to NOT say what BB means in the hopes that I’ll buy it just to find out. Also–I read that the BB creams were the new big thing, having replaced the AA creams, which stood for Anti-Aging. I don’t recall ever seeing any AA creams.
I don’t like commercials. TiVo is my best friend. I can’t remember the last time we watched a show live. One commercial that sticks out as really annoying to me is the one with the bears going to the bathroom. It’s for some kind of toilet paper. Does NOT make me want to buy it.
Oh yes, I agree on the bears. Kind of creepy. I’m so glad I’m not the only one confused by the sudden appearance, and apparent “importance,” of BB cream.
I’m telling you they’re playing with our heads! And I love my DVR — LOVE IT!
Do you skip commercials, Dee?
I never remember to DVR anything, but I love my On Demand, and I can also FF through commercials which I forget to do most of the time. So trained to sit through them.
Ha Ha AA cream like alcohol anonymous. Hi, I’m Carolyn and I use cream.
Haha, yes! We need a support group.
I have used ponds cold cream for most of my life and swear by it. And I’ve also used the same soap since 1977 except for a change in scent about two years ago when they stopped making the original one. SIGH.
I love commercials but rarely am moved to buy something because of them. Although who knows how many things were implanted that I think I forgot, but was actually lured to spend money on.
It’s an evil plot….
I used Ponds for years, too, and then suddenly it made me break out in red patches. My skin is like that. I can use something for years and then my skin rebels on it.
I think our allergens do change as we get older. I find that sort of thing happens to me too. But there is always something new to lure us in.
Obviously. BB cream. Please. *rolls eyes.*
Or they might have changed the formula. They seem to do that kind of stuff all the time, so they can put “NEW AND IMPROVED!” on the label
I’m so cynical that I debate/debunk ads while they are on! LOL! Hubby just watches and listens….
Of course it’s an evil plot — they manipulate the audience to need/want their product…..
Terri, I do that, too! Our husbands could commiserate. I’m always talking to the TV. “Are you kidding me? You expect me to believe…” or “Why is it always the woman cleaning the house?”
I rarely fall for ads. Actually I usually mute ads except if the Clydesdale horses are in one. I have no BB cream. I use a facial cleanser because using bar soap makes me sneeze. I use the cheapest face cream I can find. I sometimes wear lipstick. I have never been able to find makeup that actually felt good so I don’t use it.
The latest Clydesdale ad was so sweet.
I sobbed like a baby!