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MAC Cosmetics
Category: Beauty and Spas Cosmetics & Beauty Supply Shopping Cosmetics & Beauty Supply Cosmetics & Beauty Supply [Edit]
908 Robson StVancouver, BC V6Z 2E7
Neighbourhood: Downtown
(604) 682-6588
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
24 reviews for MAC Cosmetics
24 reviews in English
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Review from Christie R.
Vancouver, BC
5/1/2012
The service at this location is hands down top notch!
Yesterday I was out for a walk and decided to wander to Sephora located in Pacific Center. As soon as I walked in I was completely overwhelmed as I am not a big make up person. I was looking to replenish a few things and not one sales representative asked if they could help. They were too busy chatting amongst themselves. I am a true believer in good customer service and while I am sure that I could have found the items myself I was put off by the lack there of and left.
I was on my way home and saw MAC, I was hesitant on whether or not to continue the makeup hunt but decided to give it a shot. As soon as I walked In I was greeted and asked if there was anything specific I was looking for. I decided to browse for a bit on my own and then decided I needed some help. The representative that helped me was Emma and she was a pure delight to deal with. She took her time to help me find what I was looking for and then some! She was very knowledgeable and friendly. I even asked if she could give me an eyeliner tutorial and she was more than happy to. She did one of my eyes and guided me slowly through each and every step.
Thank you so much for such a wonderful experience! I will be back soon! -
Review from Allison H.
Vancouver, BC
12/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been purchasing MAC Cosmetics for 10+ years... Yes, my first lipgloss at age 13 was from MAC. I've even been lucky enough to model for a few of their product launches. Most of the long tenured staff know me by name and I've always been treated well; both at the Robson location and the Metro location.
The reason MAC lost a star from me is echoed through other reviews, some of the staff are downright rude and radiate an attitude as if to say "I'm better than you". I don't like feeling that way when I go somewhere to spend MONEY. So yes, MAC has lost a sale from me a handful of times due to this reason. -
Review from Andrea L.
Vancouver, BC
11/23/2011
Not gonna lie, I get glares in this store and I don't know why. I rarely go into this store and I'm never in it for more than 15-20 minutes.
Unless I'm getting a concealer I already use and know what I need, I'm not wandering in here.. -
Review from Jena J.
Vancouver, BC
7/9/2011
" um miss, can i....."
"oh excuse me, can you..."
"may i have some hel.....p?"
this is what i say to get the the attention of everyone who works there.. every time.
then i leave, sad and empty handed. -
Review from strawberry l.
Vancouver, BC
12/1/2010
Yes, MAC used to be a canadian company. It is now owned by Estee Lauder and has been for several years. Yes, they do have amazing eyeshadows but the rest of their products are really not all that great. Hey MAC! Sephora, Murale and other cosmetic stores are now in town! And they all have better customer service than you. Sure, you pay lip service (haha) to the environment by exchanging 6 empties for a lipstick but the attitude you give your customers when they do so really leaves a bad taste.
I am sick of the attitude I get here. I am taking my business elsewhere because i can get better service and cosmetics that are better than yours elsewhere.
Goodbye MAC. -
Review from Rheanna F.
Vancouver, BC
8/11/2011
Mac has been my favorite brand of cosmetics ever since i started wearing flashier make-up than your average drag queen some ten years ago. Their colours are super bright and bold, and with exception of two of my favorite eyeshadow colours that i need to buy from NARS (if you are wondering, they are a very dark forest green with dark green sparkles and black with gold sparkles), they carry ever colour in the rainbow!
Sometimes it can take you awhile to get an associate to help you, but i still consider their customer service excellent because any slow service has always been because everyone on staff is busy helping someone else. I absolutely hate when you go into stores and can't get help because the employees are too busy hanging out behind the counter and avoiding eye contact, but that has never happened at Mac!
I had exceptional customer service there when i went in looking for advice on covering up a tattoo. You know that Kat Von D stuff at Sephora? Yea, that stuff doesn't work. I figured the Mac Pro shop could help, and they sure did! The lady who assisted me showed me all the colours i would need to cover different bits of the tattoo and gave me a lot of little pointers along the way. My tattoo was really tiny, so in the end she just gave me tons of tiny sample tubes and sponges since she said she didn't think it was worth spending what it would cost to get all that to cover a tiny 1 inch tattoo! (In case you are wondering, the tattoo is on my hand, so it isn't something i can easily hide from my wonderful gramma who doesn't like my tattoos!) I did decide to buy one of the shades of pro cover up she showed me though since it also works great for hiding the bags under my eyes! That in itself is a miracle! -
Review from Rosie C.
8/7/2008
Whenever I was out of Mac make-up, I would hold off purchasing my war paint until I made a trip to this location on Robson.
The staff is really accomodating and friendly (heck, I think that goes to all the people I've met in Vancouver.) This location has well-stocked shelves. If I couldn't find an item, or a color, in LA, I could always find it here! -
Review from Caroline P.
Vancouver, BC
7/29/2009
I used to love MAC cosmetics soo much when i was younger.
and i'll admit i still kinda like their stuff, but i've realized theres better service, and quality out there.
The best thing about MAC is there presentation. Thats it.
Their cosmetics are too heavy and too much. The people that work there, are obviously able to put make up on you and teach you some techniques, but lets get real, when am i ever gonna wear bright blue or green eye shadow to work or school?
Most women (not all) are always looking for the most natural looking cosmetics out there. And MAC is definitely not the answer! Here's a short personal experience of mine from there. (i have many bad ones, but i'll just mention this one) I went into MAC to get a nice natural colored foundation that matched my skin tone. One of the girls helped me out, and suggested which color suited me best. (side note, i have olive skin, meaning usually its really easy to find a right color for me). I took her advice, and bought the foundation she suggested. i even tried it on at the store with her assistance. I walked out of the store, went to the washrooms to check out the color, and i was ORANGE. this is only one of the many bad experiences i have had at mac.
I know its not a great thing to say when it comes to reviewing on yelp, but MAC is not as great as it seems. Their presentation is gorgeous, and thats about it. I'd much rather shop at Sephora and get my moneys worth, and the right tones and colors that match my skin! Because at Sephora they carry MANY companies, therefore having more variation in color, tones, textures and etc. -
Review from Lisa Marie M.
Vancouver, BC
Thank god for my Mac Pro Card which gives me my 40% off MUA discount. Otherwise i would be in trouble!
Pros-
-one block away from where i live
-love the blot powder, eyebrow pencil, studio fix and studio tech , brush cleanser, lipsticks, lip and eye liner i could go on.....
Cons-
-some of the staff are not helpful and so are just rude
But the last few times i have shopped there the staff have been quick to ask if i needed help and have been friendly, efficient and handled my exchange of a defective product with such ease i was amazed!
I of course will be back - when your addicted to make up - this place is like crackListed in: Downtown Vancouver, Shopping!!, Beauty Services
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Review from MiKA D.
8/22/2008
My girlfriends and I would drive from Seattle and cross the Canadian border to stash up on MAC make-up. That's how faithful we are.
I would already be vacationing in Seattle and we'd do a day trip to Vancouver and just go shopping on Robson Street! Those were the days. Their staff is friendly and very helpful. They are fully stocked and sometimes they'll have special limited colors only available in Canada sans their US stores. Which is always a plus.
I loved coming out to Robson's MAC make up store on every chance I get. -
Review from Cecily W.
Vancouver, BC
11/27/2008
If it wasn't for MAC, this dark-skinned girl would be absolutely lost in Vancouver. Oh sure, there are a scant handful of cosmetics companies that make shades that are deep enough for darker skins or have richer pigments, but MAC is the *only* cosmetics line whose foundations don't turn orange on my skin.
But enough about me.
The makeup artists at MAC are great, and they love to experiment. Sometimes the experiments are a little garish but I love that they at least try something different when they see me coming instead of looking the other way because they "don't know anything about black skin" (yes, a cosmetics counter person from a competing line actually said that to me).
Plus, they started in Canada (even though they're owned by Estee Lauder now), so you have to love that.Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from Mercedes G.
Vancouver, BC
10/3/2008
A socially-conscious, Canadian-born, high-quality make-up brand?! Count me in! I have always adored MAC for its beautiful pigments and very wearable products along with the fantastically bright colours that you can always count on them having. My sister first took me to MAC when I was in my teens (she owns enough MAC to open her own store...no jokes.) and I've been a fan ever since.
The make-up artists are mostly very friendly, if not usually quite busy but they always manage to help you out with your most challenging beauty queries. They love to give make-overs and are very good at it, so treat yourself!
The purchase of MAC Glam products allows you to donate 100 per cent of the profits to AIDS research, a very noble venture. -
Review from Steven V.
Surrey, BC
2/22/2010
Guys,
You want to impress your wife or girlfriend, this place will make you king of the world with them. The staff is great and all you need picture of your better half and they will not steer you wrong.
I mean it, they are real life savers!! -
Review from Lou K.
Vancouver, BC
4/17/2009
As I am not a MAC user (and generally not a heavy makeup wearer), I'm not qualified to speak on the products sold here. So I am speaking about the store itself.
I've purchased gifts for MAC fans on a few occasions and going to cosmetic stands is not an experience I relish (at every store you go, there's the pushy, aggressive and sycophantic sales staff telling you everything s/he thinks you want to hear). Upon entering, I thought: "this is the most over-staffed store in the world". And yes, the keen shop assistants hover over you and tell you all about the colours and how pretty the new line is.
But the MAC store was not bad. For starters, it's easy on the eyes and the items are placed in a simple, organised manner without the useless clutter all too characteristic of many department store counters (more is not always better I say). The staff were pleasant, knowledgeable and seemed a pleasant bunch.
The only MAC product I've ever purchased for myself was the Viva Glam lipstick (I can't remember which version). That was only because of the company claims that all proceeds from the sales went to AIDS charities. The Viva Glam has been a successful marketing tool - one that is quite unique in a field like cosmetics (who would've associated lipstick with an urgent and important cause).
I hope they keep up the good cause campaigns but please, sales staff, LESS HOVERING over the shoppers! Give us a few seconds alone with our thoughts to contemplate over the pretty colour pallets. -
Review from Katie F.
7/29/2009
MAC for me is a reasonably priced line and it's readily available and Canadian, which is makes it at least a 3* for that!
There's some strong areas like lip products and shadows, and weak areas like their foundations. Same experience as Caroline with turning orange - MAC's foundations have crazy oxidation... it's probably one of the worst brands for that. Even though their color selection is good, once the day goes on and you start sweating, what matched in the morning looks horrid by afternoon.
That being said, I love their glosses, lipsticks and eyeshadows. No matter what color I feel like, I can get it here. Even if you screw up, it's only $16 lost and they are really good about exchanges if the color is off.
Brushes are good quality - not super high end, but on the higher quality side. If you can splurge, I'd recommend Shu Uemura or Bobbi Brown, but MAC is solid and has some nice ones that are unique.
Service is good and the girls are helpful here. Love the Back to MAC program too. -
Review from Sheila W.
BC
11/26/2008
I had a M.A.C. giftcard to spend and went to the location in the Bay (674 Granville St). I got such great service from a friendly make up artist. She not only was knowledgeable about colours and the products in store, she also was super patient when I had trouble making up my mind.
When I'd decided, she could have closed the sale. But instead she told me to hop up in a chair and she'd try out the colours on me to make sure I was satisfied with them. I ended up changing my mind (again) because I wanted a darker shadow. She was totally accommodating and found the right shadow for me.
After she'd done my eyes and applied a wicked "Instant Gold Lustregloss" to my lips, she filled in the blanks with powder and blush - even though she knew I didn't want to buy them. It was amazing service.
THEN she realized that my giftcard couldn't be used at the Bay M.A.C. location. She was super nice about it, wrote down the products I wanted and sent me over to the Robson location to spend the card.
I was actually really disappointed with the staff at Robson. I had to wait around for someone to help me, and I could tell they weren't busy - they were talking with friend about weekend plans. They didn't ask any questions or offer to help at all.
I'm really happy with M.A.C. products, but I'd totally recommend the location in the Bay over the Robson location! -
Review from Anita T.
Toronto, ON
8/28/2008 1 photo
The destination of choice for any make up fanatic is definitely this MAC location! They always have several artists in store to answer any question or help you with application, and they always have the largest selection of items. They have several of the same stations set up throughout the store and this is to help with the crowds that gather (especially on the weekends) - because they want everyone to be able to see their stuff. The organization of the items make it easier to see and try.
I LOVE the eye shadows here. The pigmentation is amazing! You will find any color under the sun and they're also long lasting. Some of my favorite colors include Vex, Humid, Idol Eyes, and Honesty. (don't you just love their names?!) -
Review from Jenny l.
Vancouver, BC
1/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Bad customer service! They weren't even busy and were huddled in their cliques and didnt offer any assistance when I was holding two lipsticks and clearly needed help! If I wasn't getting my freebie for the 6 empties I would have left
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Review from Luisa S.
Vancouver, BC
9/19/2008
I've never really been a fan of their line but I do love coming in here. They always carry the brightest hues and pigments available. It's not really for your more conservative makeup wearer. From magenta to turquoise to canary yellow, they have it all.
The staff are knowledgeable and friendly... and not at all intimidating as they may first seem. They're always willing to answer any question you may have, no matter how simple or technical.
Another plus: those who bring in old MAC containers are entitled to a discount (can't remember the exact number at the moment). -
Review from Evilyn T.
4/13/2010 3 Check-ins Here
I love the bold and beautiful colours they carry at MAC, I wish I could afford them all. I have been a MAC user for years, using their skincare line, eyeshadows, and lip glosses. The BF is not so much a fan of the lip glosses though cuz he says they are "too sticky."
Sometimes you may have trouble getting some help in the store, cuz the sales associates are usually busy with groups of girls looking for someone to guide them. I am usually on a mission when I go into the store, because I know one small distraction could cost me a few hundred dollars.
MAC cosmetics are NOT cheap. The oil control moisturizer I use is almost $40 after tax. Yikes! However if you are buying a gift card for someone and you spend $40, they can come in and get a free makeover. Score! Also, if you bring in 6 of your MAC empties you can get a free lipstick or eyeshadow, (at regular MAC stores you can only get a lipstick.) Needless to say I have a shitload of lipsticks, and I only wear them on weekends!
I have never bought a MAC product I didn't like, and if you are looking for Halloween makeup, skip the oily white face-paint you find at London Drugs and get the white foundation from here, it doesn't make your skin itch or crawl like the cheap shit. -
Review from Shekinah S.
2/8/2010
For MAC addicts and cosmetic junkies, the MAC Pro Store on Robson is truly a mecca. I've been to Vancouver twice and the Pro Store was on my "must do" list both times. If you want to know what I love (and only merely like) about MAC, please check out my review of the MAC Store in Seattle's University Village (http://www.yelp.com/bi...).
So what sets this apart from the average MAC experience? For one, there are only a handful of Pro Stores on the continent. Living in WA, the closest stores are Las Vegas, Los Angeles, or Vancouver. Second, Pro Stores carry lots and lots of stuff you can't get at a MAC counter, and lots of stuff you can't even get at a MAC store. There are tons of "pro only" blush and shadow shades, foundation formulas and shades, body painting products, air brush equipment, Pigments and glitter, neon colored pencils, "mixing mediums", carrying cases/bags, and fancy brushes. The idea is that the average professional makeup artist has special needs that the average consumer does not (ie royal blue body paint) so the Pro Stores cater to professionals. But it's alot of fun even if you just love makeup. Third, this store is really big so they hardly ever run out of anything. Fourth, the Robson store rarely sends old or discontinued product back to the manufacturer. So if you love a MAC lipstick that was discontinued several years ago, you might have a shot finding it here!
I can't give 5 Stars because the service here has been less than the usual Canadian friendly I encounter almost everywhere else. The artists know they're cool and it shows. If you're not obviously a practicing makeup artist, they just may not be in the mood to really help you out. On my visit last summer, the woman wasn't very friendly until she was ringing me up. I'm glad they treat fellow artists well, but they should be just as nice to everyone that walks in the door.
At Pro Stores (and MAC Stores) you can recycle your 6 items and get a free lipstick, lipgloss, or eyeshadow (MAC counters can only give you a lipstick). You can also get your pro discount here with the Pro Membership card. MAC Gift Cards welcome here as well. I think the computer system records your purchases, so they can tell you what powder shade you purchased last time if you forgot.
If you're a makeup novice, I'd say this would be a fun place to try a new look or pick out a crazy new eye shadow. If you're a pro or MAC addict this is a good place to stock up on great brushes, false lashes and other kit accessories, and items not available at MAC counters. Overall I love MAC for the quality and variety, social and eco-consciousness programs, and relatively low price point. I just wish the Robson store employees were a wee bit friendlier. But friendly or not, I'll be back. Also, though MAC has been part of the Lauder Empire for about a decade, it was originally a Canadian company. So in a way, you're supporting a local business.Listed in: High Maintenance
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Review from Laura D.
11/23/2010
MAC is great for standout makeup for big nights out. The range of their colour palette is fantastic and is sure to give you an eye catching look. However I find their foundations are not very natural looking and feel that their blushes don't last. Their lipstick range is second to none and I own about 30 of them! All of the lip and eye pencils are great too. Plus I have finally after a 3 year search found the right colour match for a brow pencil thanks to MAC - hooray!
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Review from Ane P.
11/29/2008
This was my first introduction to the freestanding MAC stores. I used to drive up to Vancouver regularly, just to get inside of this store and grab all of the things I couldn't find at the counters. The artists here are super friendly (I feel like it's a Canadian thing..to be friendly), and had no problem helping me pick out every unnecessary but "totally necessary" thing that I could possibly find on the shelves. Now that we have these stores in Seattle, I don't visit as often--but it's worth a look, especially since MAC is from Canada and they can vary with their stock.
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Review from Laska F.
Vancouver, BC
5/6/2009
I love Mac make-up - especially the service. One bonus is that the Mac system enters all your purchases in their system so when you require re-fills for your foundation etc, they can process your colours, orders etc. Simple process. Also they have a fantastic re-cycling program with a discount. Great place.
