Deception Cosmetics is one of the local companies in the city of Port Charles. It is located inside the Metro Court Hotel and is currently co-owned by Tracy Quartermaine, Lucy Coe, and Sasha Gilmore.
Maxie Jones is vice president and creative director, and Valentin Cassadine is the financier. Sasha is also the house model known as "The Face of Deception."
History[]
It was founded by Lucy Coe, Julia Barrett, Scott Baldwin, and his late wife Dominique Baldwin.
Lucy came up with the idea of a perfume called "Deception" on November 25, 1991. With Julia Barrett, they launched Deception as a cosmetics company in the 90's, along with Scott and Dominique Baldwin. Elton Herbert was an assistant.
By 1994, Dominique had passed away, and Scott and Julia had left the company - leaving Lucy as CEO and Brenda Barrett as the house model. During the Valentine's Day photoshoot, Brenda expressed interest in the business side of the company, wanting to use her intelligence beyond her beauty. Lucy is against the idea, telling her the company is running just fine by her, and Brenda should finish her college degree first.
Laura Webber bought Deception Cosmetics from Scott and Julia, but since Sonny Corinthos was her financial backer, he insisted his wife, Carly Corinthos be her partner and the two women clashed over who should be the company's signature model. They came to terms where Laura owned 50% of the company and Carly owned 49%. Sonny took 1% ownership of the company as a silent partner as insurance for Laura that Carly wouldn't become a problem. Of course that was a problem for Carly.
Former models, known as the "Face of Deception", included Brenda Barrett and Gia Campbell. Gia, who was Carly's choice, initially competed for the opportunity against Elizabeth Webber, who was Laura's choice.
The two could not get along and arguments ensued over everything, from the size of Carly's office space to who the new "Face of Deception" would be before its launch. Carly had Laura locked on the roof of their office building during a major event where she changed all the media materials to take the company in a different direction, despite what Laura wanted.
In 2001, a reception was held, in which, to get one over on Carly, and upon Elizabeth's whispered insistence, Laura announced Gia Campbell as the new house model.
The company eventually closed in the 2000's.
Attempted Revival[]
In 2013, Laura was convinced by Lucy Coe to revive Deception, but Laura only agreed to be her partner if they make it health related, turning the company to a health spa and gym. Lucy also hired Milo Giambetti to work as a trainer at Deception, which led him to quit his job working for Sonny Corinthos as one of his bodyguards alongside his brother Max Giambetti. Unfortunately, the project never got off the ground and their partnership ended when Laura moved back to Paris.
In 2019, Lucy Coe spots Sasha Gilmore and is convinced she has the perfect look to be the "Face of Deception."
On December 19, after working out a 70/30 contract, she and Sasha partner to relaunch the "Deception" makeup brand, and they get a reticent Nina Reeves to sign a contract with them. Maxie Jones impresses Lucy, giving her creative editing ideas:
"You need to underline the brand, "Deception" when you're ready to reveal who you really are."
After a series of misunderstandings, Maxie quits working for Nina, who angrily voids the contract with Lucy while accusing her of poaching Maxie from Crimson, and Lucy resorts to accepting an offer from Valentin Cassadine to be their new investor.
In 2020, at the first photo-shoot, Valentin announces that Deception will be sponsoring the annual Nurses Ball charity event that year, greatly pleasing Lucy, its host who helped establish the event. He brings along Brook Lynn Quartermaine, announcing her as the voice of Deception.
Arriving at the first photo-shoot, Sasha is a physical and emotional mess after hearing that the man she loved married another woman. Maxie's PA Suzanne offers Sasha some white powder in a vial to help her get through her first photo-shoot. She appears to take it, and is a big success.
In August 2020, while Brook Lynn is recovering in the hospital after being near fatally attacked by Nelle Benson-Jerome, Sasha visits her and gifts her with the latest Deception merchandise - moisturizer.
On October 14, 2020, the Deception team minus Maxie meets with the head buyer (Ms. Madigan) from Pebela. Sasha, secretly going through withdrawal, first asks Lucy to postpone saying she isn't feeling well, then makes a mess of the presentation. Valentin steps in to attempt to smooth talk her into buying their product - she represents one of the top cosmetic and beauty chains in the world - he tells her that his ex-wife shops there exclusively. Brook Lynn confronts Sasha over her behavior, reminding her that this is a career for all of them, they all have a stake in the company, and they cannot tank this deal. They both approach the buyer, and off the cuff and from the heart, Brook Lynn and Sasha plead:
"Deception Cosmetics makes this imperfect woman look perfect. And that is what we want to bring to women who shop at your stores:
perfection in an imperfect world. They all want a second chance - just like me."
The team is pleased with Sasha's words, and Ms. Madigan seems impressed by their passion and realism. Lucy attempts to play the "Deception" demo, for her - and when it doesn't work, is convinced that Brook Lynn can sing it live. Panicking, Brook Lynn agrees when she realizes Amy Driscoll, the true singer, is there and they can use bluetooth. Unfortunately Harrison Chase interrupts the performance and their deception is discovered. The buyer walks away and Lucy fires Brook Lynn.
In January of 2021, Avery gave Nelle's half-heart necklace she had found, to Lucy Coe to put on Sasha for luck during her interview with Jackie Templeton for GMA3. The press had learned about Sasha's drug use as a model for Deception Cosmetics, so the team decided to have Sasha sit down for a live interview with Chase's famous journalist mother Jackie Templeton, to give their own narrative and tell the truth.
Nina points out the necklace when she sees Sasha being interviewed and it is found to be a match for her own half-heart necklace.
On May 13, Sasha tells Lucy she is pregnant. Lucy wants to use Sasha's motherhood to make Deception Cosmetics the "Year of the Mother" and she later comes up with the idea to call Sasha the "Face of Conception".
On June 29, the company launches a collaboration with Crimson, for the "Year of the Mother" campaign. Valentin convinced Lucy to hire Brook Lynn again, this time as social media manager. She secretly tells Maxie that while they both work for Crimson/Deception, "Bailey" will be mere yards away at daycare in the building, allowing both of her "moms" to visit her without arousing suspicions. Maxie is grateful, and agrees to Sasha's plan for a candlelight vigil. The goal is to inform the public about missing children nationwide, and help in the search for Louise and the fugitive Peter.
In July, Maxie decides to go on sabbatical to see her maternal family at the Ramirez Hacienda in Texas. She hands her work off to Sasha - as the company is preparing to make a second pitch to Pebela. A week later, Sasha hired Gladys Corbin as an admin for the Deception offices.
On August 5, with sales doing well and products flying off the shelves, Sasha convinces Brook Lynn to take on Gladys as her assistant for sales/marketing. When asked about her work background, Gladys tells her she was in sales at "Colby Kleen", a multi-level marketing/pyramid scheme that landed it's CEO in jail. Gladys then orders expensive food on the company card and insults a potential customer.
During Christmas of 2021, Deception decides to launch an IPO, with the legal help of Martin Grey. At the same time, Martin and Lucy get swept up in a clandestine romance, keeping it away from Valentin who sees it as a conflict of interest.
In devastating news, Sasha's son unfortunately died a month after his birth from brain damage. In March 2022, Sasha and Brando Corbin get away to Niagara Falls together, and end up eloping - but not before Sasha secretly starts using again - which could very negatively impact their company and upcoming IPO launch. When her colleagues hear the news, they excitedly discuss whether the IPO launch into a wedding reception.
On April 5, 2022, the team takes the company public, and throw a launch party at The Savoy in celebration and to thank their investors. It is here they learn that Selina Wu is now a major investor.
On July 5, Sasha goes to the set of Home & Heart to appear on Haven de Havilland's show "A Little Bit of Haven". A surprise guest Flora Gardens appears and is selling a baby papoose. She has Sasha put it on and adds a baby doll. Sasha hallucinates she is holding Liam in the papoose. Brando comes up and makes Sasha realize it is a doll. She starts to freak out and Lucy chases away the paparazzo Felty who is filming Sasha's breakdown. Selina comes to the set when she saw Sasha's breakdown on TV. Flora says she may be taking some time off of Home & Heart. Selina convinces Haven to apologize to avoid bad publicity and tells Lucy she expects to make money on her Deception stock.
Further public meltdowns and an arrest leads to Sasha stepping back publicly from the company for a Leave-of-Absence and agreeing to have her husband be her legal conservator. The same day they sign the paperwork, Brando is killed by a serial killer. At the same time, Valentin and spy Anna Devane get together after he reveals that his father Victor is holding his daughter Charlotte captive from him. After noticing Victor's attraction to Lucy, they inveigle her into flirting with him to spy and plant listening devices. Lucy, who is currently involved with Martin (Sasha's and Valentin's attorney as well), manages to listen in on a phone call and discovers that Laura's Deputy Mayor Eileen Ashby works for him. Victor's right-hand goon, Johann Bauer is suspicious and tries to catch her - but finds Lucy calmly applying Deception lipstick. Unfortunately, after she leaves (complete with a bugged diamond necklace), Victor notices the phone she had used has lipstick traces.
Months later, Lucy Coe and Valentin Cassadine have both been declared deceased, and Maxie, Brook Lynn, and Sasha are keeping the company running. Lucy comments to Valentin, while they are in hiding to take down Victor, that while Deception stock is doing well, if she were there to run things it would be way better. Around the same time, Sasha confronts Brook Lynn for not being straight with her, keeping things from her as a friend and colleague. Brook Lynn admits she's jealous of a possible relationship developing between Chase and Sasha, and that she's getting so much business as a music manager, that she's going to turn in her two weeks notice - though she hasn't done it officially. On May 11, Brook Lynn's powerful and intimidating grandmother Tracy Quartermaine, calls in her favor with her granddaughter for getting Det. Chase reinstated - she wants Brook Lynn back at Deception. Brook Lynn agrees, but the caveat is to spy on the company for her and share any inside information.
On May 10, 2023, Maxie tells Felicia that they are lucky Home & Heart is letting them pitch their products again after what happened last time. She isn't feeling well but tells Felicia that calling in sick at the last minute isn't an option. Maxie wants Sasha to showcase their new product "The Deceptor" wand on the show. Gladys is against it, but Sasha convinces the others she can handle it.
On May 15, 2023 at the H&H set, Flora approaches Sasha and the Deception team who are to make a new product pitch. She apologizes for her part in Sasha's breakdown from before, even though she was an unwitting participant. Sasha forgives her and doesn't blame her and Flora tells them about her newest product to pitch today "Change Your Moody" baby bath salts. She wonders why they were both booked for today as she is still pitching baby products for mothers. Brook Lynn then realizes Haven and the producers are trying to sabotage Sasha.
While on-air, producer Russell has sounds of baby cries played on Sasha's earpiece as the start of the sabotage. Sasha rises above the sabotage and does well in the segment. Immediately after, she threatens Haven with a law suit and joins her colleagues where she tells then what happened. Flora overhears and lobs accusations at Haven. The hostess lies and denies what happened, but Flora quits and storms away, with Haven chasing after her.
In June, Sasha tells Lucy and Martin that the sales for the Deceptor are through the roof. Lucy reveals that the idea was all due to Martin. Sasha is surprised as Lucy originally came to her with the idea. Lucy explains that she and Martin were inspired for the idea of the Deceptor while in bed. Lucy looked at the moon and mentioned that she would love to stop the clock. Martin suggests a product to stop time. This inspired Lucy to come up with the idea of the Deceptor which could conquer time or at least delay it. Martin denies he was Lucy's muse.
In June/July, Tracy pushes Brook Lynn into secretly retrieving all the information about "the Deceptor" and its creation. Brook Lynn downloads it all onto a thumb-drive which she gives to her grandmother. Tracy then retains Diane Miller as counsel, telling her that "the Deceptor" is proprietary information that the Deception team stole. Lucy, meanwhile, was informed by the company's lawyers and tech support that Maxie's computer was accessed and "the Deceptor" information was stolen. She berates and accuses Maxie before Brook Lynn steps forward and admits to the deed. She claims she was trying to take initiative and learn about their biggest product on her own time. They are upset with her when she states its on a thumb-drive at home and she rushes out of the office to get it back. She meets up with her grandmother who gives her back the thumb-drive, not knowing that Sasha witnesses the exchange.
On July 13, after Sasha is setup by being unknowingly drugged to steal clothes from Logan's Department Store, Maxie works out a deal with the store by allowing them to cross-promote the Deceptor in order to get the charges against Sasha dropped.
On July 18, Brook Lynn tells Tracy she's not spying anymore for her, who threatens to tell Chase she committed corporate espionage. They would both end up going down, so Tracy needs to find another way to get info on Deception, to which Tracy says, "Good thing I have one!"
On August 2, it's revealed the company is tanking due to to Sasha's breakdown and the only thing making it money is The Deceptor.
On August 24, the team is shocked to learn they are being sued over intellectual property theft saying they stole the idea of The Deceptor. Their stocks have been frozen by the courts in the meantime.
The next day, Brook Lynn confronts her grandmother about the lawsuit, asking why she went after Deception and hurt her friends. Tracy claims there are no friends in business and Lucy stole the Deceptor from the company she's working with. Brook Lynn accuses her of trying to destroy people's lives, that Deception could crumble before it can even begin to recover. Tracy gloats that is precisely the plan!
The trial over the Deceptor starts on August 29, with Lucy claiming it's a frivolous lawsuit, and while Martin left town, he told her intellectual property theft is very hard to prove. They are surprised to see Jackson Montgomery show up as the opposing counsel. Lucy realizes Scott isn't going to represent them, but they are saved when Elise Vance arrives, Maxie having rehired her. Tracy then shows up, causing Maxie and Lucy to believe she is there to support them. Much to their shock, Tracy reveals she's there to protect her legal claim on the Deceptor.
Judge Kerr arrives and the trial begins. Jackson presents proof of original designs on the original Deceptor - proof of his client's original idea, and testimonies from many in the cosmetic industry. Elise points out her clients haven't seen any of this evidence, demanding they get the chance. The judge rules that there is enough evidence, setting the trial for 6 months from that date.
Lucy's now freaking out - Elise tries to calm her stating once she looks at their evidence, she can make a plan - but she can't sell the Deceptor in those 6 months. Lucy states that will bankrupt the company. Tracy comes to Lucy, offering to make the lawsuit go away in return for seventy-five percent of Deception, then leaves. Maxie reminds Lucy that Brook Lynn downloaded the information from work, and Elise points out that means they have a mole in the company working for the rival.
The next day, at the pool with Martin, Lucy confronts him, angry that he wasn't in court to represent them, and that he might have stolen the Deceptor idea from Tracy. He assures Lucy it's 100% her idea, and Lucy shares that Tracy offered to drop the suit for 75% of the company.
On September 13, Lucy goes to the Quartermaine Mansion to confront Tracy, while Maxie goes to the Chase Apartment to confront Brook Lynn. Lucy tears up the contract Tracy offers, countering at 50/50, to which Tracy laughs and counters at 65/35. Lucy says 60/40, and she will remain CEO and on the various company boards. Tracy feels charitable and makes one last counter for 51/49, which Lucy accepts - until Tracy states the deal is contingent on one more thing: Lucy returning her one percent E.L.Q. voting rights.
Meanwhile, Maxie blasts Brook Lynn for taking advantage of their friendship and her trust to steal information on their most valuable product. Brook Lynn swears she had no idea what her grandmother was going to do with the data, and tells Maxie about the deal she made with Tracy to get Chase reinstated. She was desperate and being blackmailed - Maxie stops her, exclaiming they aren't in high school anymore and she put her job at risk because she couldn't be honest with her boyfriend. Brook Lynn is ashamed and cries, wanting to make things right. Maxie tells her she can't be trusted and fires her.
With the truth revealed about Gladys' stealing money and betraying Sasha leads to Sonny banishing his cousin from town, Gladys Corbin is no longer an employee.
On October 16, Lucy and Maxie meet with Blaze about becoming the new Face of Deception.
On October 23, Lucy and Maxie arrive at work to find Tracy waiting for them. Tracy is all business - telling them with her 51% ownership, she expects to be informed of all major decisions, including changing "The Face of Deception." She demands Sasha remain the face of Deception. Lucy argues that Sasha has been through hell, being thrown into the public eye is cruel, not to mention her troubles have been bad for publicity. Tracy reminds Lucy that Sasha was the face that relaunched her precious company, and dropping someone because of mental health issues is also bad publicity. Maxie believes Tracy is urging them to have a heart and give Sasha another chance. Tracy thanks Maxie for understanding. Tracy and Maxie both believe Sasha deserves a break. Lucy counters they've agreed on changing the "Face" of the company. Tracy overrules her and demands Lucy reinstate Sasha's contract today.
The next day, Lucy arrives at the Quartermaine Mansion with the contracts, angry that she has to sign them, and screams at Brook Lynn that she is just as responsible for all of this as Tracy is. Chase tries to defend his girlfriend Brook Lynn, but she feels Lucy has every right to be angry. Lucy had hoped Tracy would be her to see the spoils of her viciousness. She signs the contract, throws it at Brook Lynn, and storms out.
It is unknown how Lucy (70%) and Sasha's (30%) partner percentages have changed with Tracy becoming the majority owner. As Tracy's plan was to take ownership of the company for her granddaughter, Brook Lynn, it is unknown what role the former social media/marketing manager will now play. Both Chase and Brook Lynn's mother Lois Cerullo suggest she take the ownership Tracy offers her, and give it back to Lucy, Maxie, and Sasha - a possibility Brook Lynn is still mulling over.
On October 30, after Blaze meets Sasha, she goes to Lucy and officially turns down the offer. She also advises Lucy to stick with Sasha as the Face of Deception. Maxie visits with Sasha, asking her to come back to Deception - which she gleefully accepts. The next day at the office, Brook Lynn interrupts them planning a photoshoot. Brook Lynn is ecstatic that Sasha is back, and attempts again to explain herself to a bristling Maxie. Sasha interrupts their arguing to point out how much they mean to each other and should understand being in a difficult position. Maxie reluctantly agrees, a grateful Brook Lynn asks about the teens and the Halloween shooting. Maxie shares the details and is grateful for Brook Lynn's comfort.
On November 9, 2023, with Sasha officially back as house model, they hold a photoshoot with theme of renewal with Salvador, the temperamental photographer, and an alpaca, Ferdinand, brought by Cody Bell.
On December 15, Brook Lynn confides to Maxie that she is going to accept her grandmother's offer for the company, so she can give it back to them. When Lucy interrupts them, she and Brook Lynn hurl insults at each other and Lucy storms off, claiming she refuses to work with a liar and traitor. This brings Brook Lynn to decide to get the company for Maxie's sole control - wanting nothing to do with Lucy either.Personnel[]
Revival Employees
- Tracy Quartermaine - Majority Partner (51%), 2023-present
- Lucy Coe - Minority Partner (unknown %), 2019-present
- Sasha Gilmore - Minority Partner (unknown %)/House Model aka "The Face of Deception", 2019-present
- Cody Bell - Model, 2023-present
- Maxie Jones - Vice President & Creative Director, 2020-present
- Brook Lynn Quartermaine - Executive, 2023-present
- Valentin Cassadine - Primary Financier, 2019-present
- Scott Baldwin - Legal Counsel, 2024-present
- Salvador - Photographer, 2023-present
Founding, Defunct-Spa, & Revival:
- Lucy Coe - Founder, 1991; CEO, 1994-2000s; Partner for defunct-spa, 2013
- Julia Barrett - Founder, 1991
- Scott Baldwin - Founder, 1991
- Dominique Baldwin - Founder, 1991
- Laura Webber - Majority Partner (50%), 1994-2000s; Partner for defunct-spa, 2013
- Brenda Barrett - House Model aka "The Face of Deception", 1994-2001
- Gia Campbell - House Model aka "The Face of Deception", 2000s
- Elizabeth Webber - Runner-up House Model aka "The Face of Deception", 2000s
- Sonny Corinthos - Minority Partner (1%), 1994-2000s
- Carly Spencer - Minority Partner (49%), 1994-2000s
- Elton Herbert - Assistant, 1994-2000s
- Milo Giambetti - Trainer for defunct-spa, 2013
- Martin Grey - Legal Counsel, 2019-2024
- Brook Lynn Quartermaine - Voice of Deception, 2020; Social Media Manager, 2021-23, possible new "owner"
- Gladys Corbin - Marketing & Sales Assistant, 2021-23
- Suzanne - Maxie's PA, 2020
- Alison Rogers aka "Blaze" - Turned down offer for House Model aka "The Face of Deception", 2023