Beauty is big international business and this book explores the whole process from researching a new "miracle" project (often involving questionable tests on animals), to its packaging, pricing and marketing. The "giants" - L'Oreal, Charles Revson and Estee Lauder - compete fiercely for domination in youth-restoring lotions, cosmetics and fragrance. The book looks at the way in which they attract the consumer - all in search of an illusion. The book suggests that the increase of cosmetic surgery is one of the most disturbing elements in the search for perfection and examines the techniques, and prices which people will pay for the manipulated ideal of perfection.