Alicia is an artist! She took my average, slightly pudgy, round as the moon face and made me look glamorous with sexy, smoldering eyes and divinely kissable lips! Truly. She made me look 10 years younger and infinitely more chic. All, for a mere $134. Which included a couple of fab brushes. Suggestion to those of you who've been disappointed: First, look for someone whose makeup you admire. Second, TALK to the person. Even if she doesn't ask, tell her about your life. Where you work...what you to do...how you dress (i.e., if you are terribly casual, say so. If you are a prep...tell her/him this as well). These tidbits of information will help the makeup artist decide what works for your lifestyle. If the person seems unconcerned or doesn't seem engaged. LEAVE. Post haste. Find another MAC store and try again!! The MAC on Chestnut in Chicago also has a terrific artist...forget her name, but she is the tiny blonde with blue eyes. Believe it or not, she is a master at matching foundation...even for African American women... read more

In DC, I was near 2 great MAC stores - I had the one in Georgetown where a couple of the sales people knew my mom and I by sight and would say hi when they saw me around (I also worked in gtown) and the one at Tysons II where I could take a long lunch and return to the office with a fab new look. After I moved here, I stopped at this one a few times, but they were always CRAZY busy - so I'd get my 1 thing (foundation, paint, lipglass) and then peace out. Well in July, I had my eyeshadow redone at MAC in Chicago, but I didn't buy the lips cause I had enough empties for Back to MAC here. Well - when I got back, I went to the counter at the Macy's Union Square - the lipstick (whose name I'd forgotten) was sold out because it was a special edition. When I finally made it here, they weren't really displaying that one anymore. But a sweet sweet assistant dug around till she found it and made sure I had 2 before I left. Today I went in for foundation, and remembering my mom's pleasant experience, I looked at the assistant and thought - She doesn't look insane, I bet she'd understand my makeup philosophy (never leave home without it, but don't look like you're the type who never leaves home without it). And she did. All I said was: can you help me do something with purple eyeshadow. And she did and it looks AMAZING. She explained what she was doing and was willing to match to the Shadestick I already had. Since they were out of one of the colors, she took my # and said they would call when it came in. It was quick and painless and fun. Kayleen (Ithink that's what she said her name was) talked to me about hair and mascara and explained how I could use different combinations of colors. She seemed genuinely interested in the product and in making me happy. The secret of this (and all) MAC stores is to go at off peak times and (as my mom said) talk to the person. Say what colors you like and which ones you don't. If you already have product at home, tell them. If there are colors you've used before, that also helps - cause then they know about the range of drama you usually do. Finally...don't look at it till they say it's ok. so that you see the final product. read more

I love M.A.C., what woman doesn't? Kyle was awesome at helping me today! I like him, so perky and friendly, unlike some other artists there. tips: when you come to this store and don't know what you want, come early, like WAY early and not during peak times. Because it's hard to get service if there are like 3 artists to 10 customers. And when you come in early they can give you more attention and advice. If you can, call in advance and have them put it on hold so you can go straight to the register. *if you do not heed this advice: you will be ignored and standing there hoping that someone will notice your sad puppy face, and you might still leave empty handed. read more

I tentatively entered the shop with my husband. I say tentatively because I do not like feeling like I'm being "scoped" out and "sold" to. It's aggravating at the best of times and down right off putting when I just want to browse and not field questions on what I'm looking for because half the time I'm not even sure of what I'm looking for myself. The best way to make me feel comfortable in a shop like this is for the salesperson to acknowledge my presence and tell me she's/he's there if I need any help and let the conversation or any inquiries I have happen organically. That's exactly what Sherena did and I ended up buying a lipstick and eyeshadow pallet that love. Sherena was spot on with color suggestions that complement my skin, eye, and hair color. I will definitely be back! Thank you Sherena, I enjoyed being in your store and I appreciated your suggestions and feedback! read more

MAC isn't for the faint-hearted. It's all about coverage, color and choices! I was a makeup artist for Benefit cosmetics, which was right across the street from the MAC store, which was pure convinence for me. I have a MAC Pro card, which makes it very easy for me to "buy anything I want" when I go in the store. I usually don't let anyone help me since I know what I want, but I became friends with the store staff anyway because I saw them literally every single day. This store in particular is pretty awesome. It's small, but clean and everyone that works there, IMO, kicks ass. There is a guy that works there, I forgot his name, but he's possibly latino, young and always laughing and smiling. I love that guy! I used to call him Guy Smiley. He's really helpful and amazing. read more

I wish this store was a PRO store, it would save me from having to go into the city... Even though this is a tiny store and constantly busy every time I've been in here, the staff always does their best to take care of every customer that comes in. If you want to avoid a really busy time, try going mid-week in the evenings. read more

The 5 stars are for the make-up artists. Attention women of color. I've been getting professional makeup applied for the last 10 years. Alecia is the best artist at this store in make-up application for us. I am always thrilled at how she blends my foundation perfectly to my natural skin tone. I give Alecia 5 stars. The store I give 1 star b/c they need to hire more sales people to free up the private suite for applying make up. It's a burn to sit there half done while your artist needs to assist another customer with a sale, which can take 15-20 minutes while they decide. I wish the company would staff his high volume store so the artists can apply uninterrupted! Big thank you to Alecia you are truly an artist! read more

This store is around the corner from me so I stop in pretty often. There has ALWAYS been a problem with getting someone to wait on you, yes even if you know exactly what you want and could be out of there in 2 minuets. Even on a Wednesday morning. Also, this store must be on MAC corporate's s*** list because they never ever have stock. Of anything. Foundation: nope. Lipliner: still on a waiting list from two months ago. Eyeshadow in exchange for my Back-to-Mac Six? Well, they only have my color in the refill. However, they can't give me refills for the Back-to-Mac program. (Total news to me, since I've done this at many other locations). When I ask, why can't I just get the refill instead of the fully-packaged one as the exchange, she said, "Well I'd get fired" Really? That's extreme. I mean I know Mac has gone back to testing on bunny rabbits but now the employees are working under such duress that they can't make a reasonable substitution as part of good customer service? Maybe it's time to reassess if I even want to shop here. Convenience really isn't even part of the equation at this point. This store also seemed very confused about its own return policy. I've never had any problem returning items to other Mac stores, but here it is like the world ends. read more

Minus ONE... I have NEVER been a MAC store that had so few customers. Went in this store this evening and there was one other customer being helped. The women that was helping a customer said hello when I walked in. I went to a few different tables. Didn't really know what I wanted. Looking for something to catch my eye. This mother and her daughter walk in a few minutes after me. Someone comes from the back out ... looks at me and smiles. She walks over the the mother and daughter pair and starts helping them. I walked out. I thought about it after and I said maybe she didn't see me walk in at first, BUT she could have said "I'll / someone will be right with you". The store was dirty and spilled makeup was every where. They were out of a lot of items. I have never ever been to a MAC store like that. I will never go back. read more

Let me start out by saying that I have never bought a MAC product before because their employees have never seemed very friendly. However, today was a different experience. I am a loyal Urban Decay customer, and hardly ever buy any other brand of high end makeup. I was looking to kill some time, so I went to check out the Benefit bar across the street and was not happy, so I wandered over. As soon as I walked in the door, all of the employees greeted me and were extremely nice. I didn't really look around the store much because I knew exactly what I was looking for. I did notice that the store was impeccably clean and very open and well organized. When I asked for help finding false lashes, they were very helpful and showed me a beautiful display of all of the lashes they had, as well as explained which ones were more natural looking, which ones were more dramatic, which ones brides usually used, etc. I explained that I was looking for natural looking lashes, and the employee gave me a few options and recommended the pair that I eventually bought. Final thoughts: OUTSTANDING COSTUMER SERVICE. The store is beautiful and I will definitely be going back of I need more MAC products. read more

They did it again!! It's been forever since I've been inside of a MAC store... and now I know why. Even when the plan is to just browse and not buy anything, the awesome makeup artists get you by doing such a great job on my eye makeup!! My plan to buy nothing, ended up being a mini eye shadow palette, and and an eyeliner. The customer service was great, all the employees were helpful, and friendly. I didn't feel pressured or obligated to buy anything, but of course I did! It seemed all the employees all had their own style of makeup which was nice so it goes to show other people that you don't have to put on 5 different colors of eyeshadow. This store is on a busy corner, but kinda nice to people watch when getting makeup done. read more

I had a photo thing to go to and needed my makeup done. I am not a makeup person and went in with no idea what I wanted (now I know it helps to bring in a photo or an idea of a celebrity whose makeup you like). I made an appointment for a private makeup session and was attended to on time with no interruptions. I can't remember the artist's name but I know she is originally from Fiji, lucky girl. She did an amazing job with my makeup, and walked me through every step. She was also really sweet and helpful since I was so indecisive about everything! The photos turned out amazing! She really knows her stuff. Bravo. read more

It was easy to book an appt to get my makeup done in advance. Savannah (sav) did my makeup for a wedding and she did a beautiful job. She listened to what I was comfortable with made some great choices. We both forgot about the free mascara that comes with the makeup service but I went back a week later and she remembered me and helped rectify that situation. read more

Worst experience with Mac in my 10 years of patronage to MAC cosmetics at every other location I've ever shipped at. usually everyone at Mac is so warm and tries to up sell me products which I never mind more products for me and more commission for them. This is the 3rd occasion over the past two months I've experienced the most inefficient inattentive and rude service ever. Never trying to purchase my supply or restock from this location. 3 strikes is pretty much the end of my tolerance for such service as much as I love Mac. I guess this avid and continuous Mac lover/collector will take my precious purchases to my usual Mac spots. Thumbs down Berkeley, you guys kinda suck for what I am used to from my lovely Mac girls and Mac guys :-p Thanks! But no thanks :-) read more

Just as any other chain, the ratings only apply to services and not products since the products are standard. I love M.A.C products, and have spent a hefty chunk of my pay checks at M.A.C, but the experience I had here just wasn't pleasant at all. I came into the store one particular Wednesday afternoon to inquire about them doing my makeup for our engagement shoot. One girl was very sweet and started to talk to me about their $50 purchase requirement. However, as she's writing my appointment into their book and talking to me about who might be there that day, this other girl, who I'm going to assume is a manager or an acting manager came, took the pen out of the first girl's hand and said, "Yep, Ima just take the pen outta your hand like that. Go on your lunch." I did book my appointment, but never showed up, which was no lost to them as they made it clear to me that if I come in, do my makeover, they'd still have to assist other clients who walk in. Even with my $50 purchase. If you can help it, don't come here - take a trip out to Union Square in SF and visit the ladies at the SF Shopping Center M.A.C counter. They're much more vibrant and professional. But if you're anything like me, you'll probably ignore my advise since you love M.A.C so much. Edit: Man... I hate it when Yelpers do updates or edits, it just really cuts into their credibility - but Samantha really changed my mind about this MAC Pro Store. Hodie knows I'm a huge MAC fan and came here before my birthday and surprised me with a full brush set, beautifully displayed in the MAC Brush Roll. But c'mon now, Hodie doesn't know anything about brushes, so of course Samantha stepped up and put together the brushes as quickly as possible so my burly fiance didn't have to stay in the girly cosmetic store long. Love my new brushes. Ask for Samantha. read more

Just felt the need to say once more how much I love this particular MAC store. STILL LOVIN IT! So... only cons? you may have to wait about 5-10 minutes before you can be waited on... but honestly I find that so much better than having someone helping you, then leaving every couple of minutes to try to help someone else.. that helps no one. They've got it down here. They're professional. They know their products back and forth, it's impressive. They're complimentary without being fake. My fave artist is Ashley who is a total sweetheart. Srsly, if you have doubts and/or are apprehensive, ask for her and you'll be set. My wedding is next month and I hemmed & hawed over hiring a makeup artist to come to the hotel to do my makeup. Finally I realized I could just stop by the MAC store the day of and have it done for free (after $50 on product which I spend on foundation and powder alone)! Plus I completely have faith in their skill level and I know what I'm gonna get. Not to mention a savings of at least $300. I love this place! :) Other sweet deals at the store include their Back-to-Mac program. At the Nordstroms counter they usually only let me get an eyeshadow... last week I left this location with an $18 limited edition lip gloss for my 6 empty containers. I think that's a pretty great incentive. I could go on, but I think you get it. I'm a big giant fan. Loyally yours.. xo read more

Mac is Mac. All girls love Mac! Great product line! This Mac is in a great location, you gotta pay for parking but ...$1 ehh.. The workers there aren't as friendly as most macs. As noted by Callie K. you may have to wait to be waited on. However, BENEFIT is across the street too! =) LOVE IT read more

I went to the MAC store yesterday and wasn't sure what I wanted. I'd bought something and as I sat in my car upon leaving, I noticed that the color was not quite what I wanted. So, I went back. The lady that helped me the 2nd time was Shawna. Shawna was awesome. She's kind and has so much patience. Her choices of color for me as far as foundation was excellent. I will definitely go back again. Thank you Shawna! read more

I made an appointment to have a makeup trial for my wedding done here over the phone. The woman I spoke to was friendly and helpful. When I entered the shop, I was greeted straight away, even though they were busy. I waited at the register to let them know I was there for an appointment since the girls on the floor were all helping customers. I was shown into a small room where I waited for Ashley. She was very friendly and did a wonderful job on my makeup. I showed her some pictures, she asked some clarifying questions, and started pulling products. As she went along, she checked in with me a few more times to ensure she was on the right path and I was happy with the progress. The end product was lovely, and I have full confidence in having her do my makeup on the day. My experience was everything you could hope for when shopping in a MAC store. read more

I shouldn't have to wait 25 minutes to purchase one item. In my case it was mascara and I knew exactly what I wanted. Thats all I ever buy at the MAC store and it still takes forever most of the time. I was two seconds away from going next door to Aveda (I may not like the makeup, but you get real service there) before someone was finally free. read more

I hate that this is the closest Mac store to me. Each time I've gone there, weekdays and weekends, I feel like the staff is rushed and I'm invisible. I've been to other Mac counters and stores where the women took such great interest in me, helped me find what I was looking for, introduced me to new shades or products (even giving me a list to take home so that I wouldn't be pressured to buy that day), helped with application, and showed high levels of expertise of knowledge. I don't get that here, I asked about a few colors I saw online and the girl was adamant that that color must've been from a limited release line...only after asking two other salespeople was someone able to tell me they were actually pro colors that were only sold in the pro store or online. The store itself is too small, there is very little counter space and things are tight. Then you have the inevitable makeup applications going where artists have tools and product spread over the counter, and they're constantly fighting you for positioning and sample products - its enough I have to wade through other customers, now I have to fend off the makeup artists. They need more staff that's dedicated to basic customer service (people who can try things on themselves, but want some knowledge and recommendations) and sales. read more

I would like to give 2 and a half stars but that being impossible they get 2. There is no parking, the place is really small, during weekends it can be very cramped, untidy (both dirty and disheveled) and take forever to get some service. Don't expect them to have everything you want in stock either. The workers are fairly nice, or at least they try to be during what seems to be a circus of crazy customers. The security guard annoys me really bad because instead of possibly deterring a thief he's more like IN THE WAY in an already crowded shop. There is like NO parking either. Now, I call ahead make sure they have what I'm looking for, have them hold it at the cashier and just run in and out to pick it up. I am particularly glad that a very limited item that is hard to find was in stock, though they had few and they were still willing to hold it for me. Stressful store overall... read more

I'm new to the area and was looking to get refills of concealer as well as claim lipsticks for my 12 recycled Mac products. I was weary based on the most recent reviews. I went on a Wednesday at 10am and was welcomed by Ashley. She was very kind and helped me with matching concealer for my dark Asian skin tone, as well as explaining the different types of concealers available. She also assisted in selecting my free products so I'd have colors that work for spring and summer, youthful but age appropriate (40ish). She gave me personal attention only excusing herself once to answer the phone while I looked at eyeshadow colors. The other sales clerk rang up my order and welcomed me to the neighborhood. read more

Went in yesterday. It was unusually "slow". Just a few other people in the story when I arrived at 5:00 pm on Sunday. Wanted an oil controlled moisturizer with SPF. They offered a solution, but employees on duty could not tell me whether or not the the product was oil free or oil control. They gave me an 800 number to call and find out. I think they should know their products well enough to answer a simple question. read more

WONDERFUL LIFE SAVERS! This review is long overdue, but I got married in October 2018 and MAC did my makeup beautifully. I am from the area originally but moved out of state and had a trial makeup session with another (very well known and rated) salon and my makeup trial was 2 days before the wedding. It went horribly! I left looking like a 80's teen going to prom who was horrible at doing her makeup. When I got home to my house full of out of town guests there were literally gasps of horror. A friend mentioned maybe MAC could squeeze me in and I contacted them immediately. Of course they were fully booked but the manager took pity on me and let me schedule an appointment. Needless to say my makeup was beautiful! People who saw me with my trial makeup came up to me all night and told me how much they loved my MAC makeup. Such a relief and I am sooo thankful that the manager was such an angel. Forever grateful and every time I come to town I go in and buy something just because I'm so grateful! Thank you! read more

I rarely take the time to write reviews but Osha is too great not to review. In fact, everyone at that store is wonderful. But the couple of times I've been there when Osha has been there, she has gone above and beyond with a cheerful disposition to help me. She listens intently, knows the products so well and gets me to the look I'm requesting. Last time, she selected two glosses for me that I did not know existed and they will be my go-to glosses from now on. I've gone in again to ask her advice re: other products. I know I can come to the store and get really great service and products. Thank you Osha and the rest of the team! read more

I love MAC! I've been using their products for years. The 4th St. Store is almost always super crowded, but a girl's gotta do what she's gotta do. I took a makeup lesson couple of years ago with Jen. I felt so comfortable applying the products afterwards that I was able to do my own makeup for my bachelorette party and wedding. A couple of keys to getting in and out in a hurry... 1. Go during midweek. 2. Find a salesperson you like and establish a rapport. Call ahead and tell them what you need. This store caters to women of all ages. Each time I shop there I see variety. The sales people are an interesting mix. There are some who have been there for years and there is also a rotation of newbies. They are all wonderful. Other than having to wait, I've never had a bad experience at this store. read more

I loved this Mac store. It's one of the best mac locations I've been to. Me and my friend went on this weekend to check out the new mac makeup artist collection that came out the 20th. It was early in the morning so it wasn't so packed. The girls there were such sweetheart's. I'm not sure if I'm right on the name but this Makeup artist's in particular Ashely was awesome. She's really pretty and has a great personality. Always smiling. The rest of the girl's I don't know their names but they were nice as well. We were there for about three hours haha. Just checking out the products and getting our sketches done (There was a sketch artist that day) and waiting for it to be 1 so my friend could get her makeup done. All in all The service was great and the girl's were very attentive. The whole time we were there they were always checking in with us to make sure we were okay and if we needed anything at all. If you go there when it's not so busy like in the morning I bet you'd get much better service. I don't think they mean to ignore anyone it just get's so crowded. read more

LOVE this MAC location, situated on a corner with lots of natural light. This MAC location is extra special as their make up area has big windows facing out so you get the best natural light to try on make up. I must add Anisha is exceptional and she did a fabulous job helping us select new blush and lip colors for summer. She is great at suggesting colors that work with my skin tone and she introduced me to shades I ordinarily wouldn't have tried. So happy we had her helping us! read more

I always get great service when I come in, even though they are always busy when I go. The first time I visited was right before an interview and the sales person was super nice and really helped me with my look. I forget her name :( Alecea has helped me as well. I love her, she is super funny and patient while I'm deciding between kinda light, light, and a little less light foundation colors. With pale skin that sh*ts important, no orange face! I always bike or walk over so I don't have to worry about parking! Also you can park in the neighborhoods a couple blocks away to avoid the parking situation. read more

What a lovely store! Better yet, what lovely people! I was greeted by the fantastic Glen (one "n" or two?) He was such a sweetie pie and took the time to teach me how to properly use their eyeliner. He was friendly and helpful - EXCELLENT customer service. The store itself is situated in a very nice area and I will definitely go back. read more

I arrived at MAC a few minutes before the store opened at 10am, so I hung around outside until that time. At 9:59, the sales associate opened the door to receive a package from FedEx. After receiving the packages, she closed and locked the door and walked to the back. At this point, it's now 10am and the sales associate is now standing at the cash register. Another customer joins me outside, as she too waits for the sales associate to open the store. When the sales associate finally comes to unlock the door, she says to me "I had to wait until my clock said 10 o'clock." My initial thought was, "Good morning to you too." After the non-greeting I received, the sales associate greets the other customer, and asks if there's anything she could help her with. The customer replied, "Yes you can, but she was here before me.." referring to me. The sales associate then asked if there was anything she could help me with. I initially wanted to purchase a nice lipgloss for my upcoming vacation, but after feeling disgusted with the level of customer service I received I declined her offer. My response to the sales associate was, "I was actually shopping for a lipgloss, but after the customer service I received I don't think I'm going to. What you did was rude.. so yea, never mind." I could have still purchased the lipgloss and swept it all under the rug, but I chose not. As a woman of color, it's difficult not to believe that the sales associate's actions were not microaggressive. After that, I was completely uninterested in patronizing this particular MAC store.. & I probably no longer will. Regardless of race, age, gender, etc.. everyone deserves the same level of respect, and unfortunately that young lady just doesn't get it. She has a lot to learn about service in the retail industry, and life in general. read more

I pimp them in my profile, so I better like the stuff, right?! I do, and I don't seem to have the issues with not getting helped at this store, whether I'm in full-face, or not. I know what I want when I go in, though, so I'm not looking to be waited on hand-and-foot. Prep + Prime is Primo because it means I can continue to rock the lipstick without the color bleed. And you better believe I will. I will be walking into MAC when I'm 103 and asking for my 302nd tube of Russian Red. read more

Dinged my bank account with a fraudulent $425 charge. Had never even heard of this place til yesterday when I was checking my account balance. read more

They have great products, especially lipsticks. I can't use any other brand but MAC works really well, except their foundation (they don't like my skin or viceversa) Also, the customer service is always great. I don't usually like to return the items but I had to do it this week, and no long faces or giving me a hard time - It was an easy process. I still prefer not to return the items, so I think really well before buying. read more

I love M.A.C products, but the service here is ok. Every time I come here it takes forever to get help (even during the middle of a week day). And even if I am being helped, the person helping me or applying a product to my face gets interrupted, has to stop what she's doing, help another person and then come back to me. I guess it's hard to attend to everyone when there are only two people working the store. I always just expect to have to wait if I need help when I go here. On the plus side, M.A.C has an awesome return policy! With receipt, they give you 30 days to refund/exchange....even if you've already opened and used it! This is especially great for gifts you have either given or received...just in case the color or whatnot doesn't work for you. read more

I LOVE this store! I am a MAC Girl and this is by far my favorite store location in the bay. Fourth Street is super cute and the staff at this particular store are so friendly and helpful. I have always found what I needed, and have received exceptional advice as to what products work for my skin type. It's not about blindly selling products with the staff here, its about making sure their customers find what works for them. I really appreciate that assistance because there are a million types of products out there. I have also had my makeup done here numerous times - I HIGHLY recommend Tanya - she is so talented and sweet, and knows the products like the back of her hand. MAC Cosmetics also has a Back to MAC Program where you can get a free lipstick when you return 6 empty packages. Lastly, I will add that this location can get quite busy so just be aware of that if you're heading over on a weekend. read more

Came here around 12pm and there were plenty of parking (street meter parking). This store has great welcoming staff! They were extremely helpful to every customer who walked in. read more

Like so many others, I'm a M.A.C. addict and the Berkeley store helps feed my addiction. Everyone in the store are always super helpful. "No snobbery" at all - I repeat "no snobbery". Sometimes the wait to be help is a little long (10-15 mins) but there is so much to look at in the store, I hardly notice the wait. And for me the best part is I don't have to waste petro driving all the way to San Francisco or Concord. read more

I come here once every few months and every time experience excellent customer service no matter how busy they are. The beauty experts are very knowledgeable but give you space when you're just browsing. Yesterday, I wanted to purchase a new foundation. When they realized they did not carry my color, they were very apologetic. They ended up giving me the rest of the tester for free. read more