Looks and essence is a telenovela that explores the issue of modern-day values. Set in the magnificent city of Rio de Janeiro, this modern and entertaining telenovela centers on Griselda, a tough, hard-working handywoman with a very well defined set of values. She managed to raise her small children on her own when her husband disappeared. Now she lives with her three grown kids and one grandson in a fancy neighborhood where she does odd jobs and is well-known and liked by everyone. But her life is far from easy. Her daughter Amalia is hard-working like herself but gets involved with Rafael, a young man with dubious morals. Her son Quinzé was left by his wife, Teodora, who also left behind their small child. Her other son, Antenor, a med student who is embarrassed by Griselda's humble ways, will do anything to keep her away from his life. He falls in love with Patricia, daughter of Rene (Said, The Clone), a reputable chef and restaurant owner, and Teresa Cristina, a vain, unscrupulous woman whose favorite pastime is tormenting her nutty housekeeper, Crô. Rene will be delighted by Griselda's simple but honorable approach to life, arousing jealousy in Teresa Cristina, who eventually becomes her biggest rival taking revenge to the next level with her manipulative ways.Tensions rise after Griselda wins the lottery and people suddenly turn up, like her "dead" husband, Pereirinha, and her son's ex-wife. She will have to face the excessive ambitions of her son, her rival, and ex-husband, among others.With plenty of romance and intrigue, and starring two-time International Emmy nominee, Lilia Cabral in the role of Griselda, this incredibly rich and fun telenovela brings together the true values of friendship, love, and family, as opposed to that of material possessions and appearances.