Alison trades in her acting aspirations to become executive assistant for a New York cosmetics queen. Always having had a fascination for make-up, Alison is soon revelling in her new role and taking on more and more responsibilities. She loves her job - if only she didn't have to deal with her diva boss, Sally Steele. As Alison faces frequent tongue lashings and unreasonable demands, she wonders if she can survive the ugly elements of the beauty industry. This has been touted as a Devil Wears Prada for the cosmetics industry, and in Sally Steele, the author delivers on the promise of a ghastly boss. Although the story doesn't delve that deep, it is still an enjoyable and satisfying read.
What Pretty Girls Are Made Of, the debut novel by Lindsay Jill Roth, is about an assistant to a cosmetic queen. The summary says: "In the make-up world, life and love are never cruelty-free... After living in New York City for four years and reaching a dead end on her acting career, Alison Kraft needs a new role - time for a career change. When she reads about the world-famous Sally Steele Cosmetics studio, Alison quickly swoops in to make a good impression and lands a job as an assistant to the diva herself. Surrounded by fantastic new hues of blushes, eye shadows, and glosses, Alison loves her new job and the new swag. Even better, she discovers she's actually really good at it! But in the midst of juggling her love life, crazy family members, and the gruelling demands of a jealous, flaky boss who could put Miranda Priestly to shame, Alison starts to question her choices. How long before the pretty face cracks for good?" What Pretty Girls Are Made Of is out in August 2015. Roth has worked as a radio and TV producer, as well as for a cosmetics company CEO.