The consensus seems to be: too heavy, too full on. And I agree. You're first tipped off by the OTT looks on the counter girls. We're talking Gaga levels of colour and craziness. Natural it is not. Nor is it cheap. But Mac *is* good for an occasional addition to the beauty bag - I especially like their lipsticks. Russian Red is an amazing, long lasting pinup girl red of which I am a fan, and they introduce seasonal fashion colours like Morange (everybody hop on the flouro lipped train!) which can be hard to find elsewhere. I thought that having a full store (as opposed to a counter) might sideline some of the issues I've experienced at the department store: namely, few staff to actually help you. There are always a bunch of girls giving makeovers but few to assist at the counter. Alas no: I've actually gone in intending to buy something and then left because I haven't been served. In all, I will keep buying the occasional lipstick but for your day-to-day beauty needs I'd look elsewhere. read more

Friendly, approachable, fun, helpful, genuine and open minded are the words that come to mind when reviewing my experience at MAC Marion SA. I use this store and the concession stands in the city a fair bit, they are all great and staffed with professionals but my best experiences have been at the Marion store where I am happy to seek advice, get assistance and spend my hard earned cash on people who care about making a positive difference to my look. I have used the Technique classes to help learn some of the tricks of the trade, and feel really comfortable in asking for touch up help if something I have tried does not work to my satisfaction. I have read the comments already on here and always try and respect others views, there is an element of truth in them all, but depending on how you view things, can totally change the picture you give the reading public. Yes the store is busy and at time a little over run, but the staff are always as pleasant as can be, they apologies if you are kept waiting and it's not like they are standing around chatting to each other or on the phone....MAC is a premium brand and is in demand....I have also seen the store empty and quiet, so it's hiring more staff just for those peak moments is probably not commercially viable...no matter what the store, if it is popular it will be busy, and you will wait... The girls wear bold makeup and lots of it....seriously, when was the last time you saw a makeup sales lady with muted and sparsely applied makeup....they are the store window, the colours and combinations are there to promote current and new colours...sure sometimes it looks fab and I want to know the colours and the look...other times it's not for me ...but that is the whole point to experiment ,have fun and learn the concept of new ideas is what they sell and there is no better way than to display it on themselves.... The makeup is thick or heavy; well it is a quality makeup with its origins in theatre, film and photography ...so its never going to be flimsy and lightweight...know what you are looking for and what works for you and mix and match brands accordingly....the range MAC offer is pretty much the only one I know of that matches to every skin tone, and there colours are contemporary and pretty...the quality helps application ,manipulation and coverage so there are no complaints from me on this score. The cost...yes you pay for what you get in this life, it is pricy but that is an Australian issue generally..!! read more

I used to love Mac. Their lipstick and eyeshadow are still okay, but their bronzer and other skin products are just way too heavy. I never even tried their foundation; I can just imagine packing on that stuff - ugh. Since high school and the teenybopper days, I don't wear makeup except on the weekends when I go out. Even then, eye makeup and lip gloss do it for me. Mac eyeshadows are still pretty good - they have really pretty colours to suit all skin tones. I read somewhere that Mac has the highest level of this ingredient that's bad for your skin - forgot what the ingredient is called - but it was at that point that I was relieved I had stopped using their bronzer. Mac does last a ridiculously long time, but that's not necessarily a good thing. read more

I visited MAC today to get advice as I am having a professional photo done this week and I don't know much about making the most of makeup. I am 61 so I was anxious about who might serve me and if they would understand where I was coming from. Megan was awesome she did a make up lesson with me and helped me with products to make the very best of my ageing face! It was a complete transformation. She listened and taught me how to apply and blend etc. not once did I feel awkward or stupid. Better late than never. Thanks so much Megan. Btw she was also very busy but gave the same care and attention to everyone who came into the shop, checking back that I was ok. The products are great of course but I would not have known where to begin without Megan's experience and help. read more

MAC and I are heading into our 4 years, and I am afraid I'm not feeling the love anymore. Don't get me wrong the thick coverage that only MAC has provided me with has stuck by my side though many nights, only disappearing from my face when I have made the first move. It's just that Mac is getting too much for me. My skin and I need to BREATHE. I feel suffocated and it is an unhealthy relationship. Also, in all honesty, there is another brand. I am leaving MAC for all natural and mineral finishes now. And it feels brilliant! I would have thought that the fact Marion Shopping Centre has recently introduced an entire store devoted to MAC -as opposed to a single counter- would have made this love affair a little harder to part from. Thankfully this has not been the case due to the lack of attention I received when I entered into its latest territory. Three MAC attendants giving MAC makeovers, yet nobody serving at the register. This makes any cosmetic relationship difficult to maintain. Looking back over the past 4 years however, there have definitely been some positives and I will still remain loyal to various MAC products. Their eye shadows in particular are close to my heart. MAC also impressed me the day I was offered a lip-gloss with chili extract intended to inflame ones lips - terrible but true- and rest a sure, it does actually kind of work. Bye MAC. Its been fun. read more

I have tried on many occasions calling MAC, but I never seem to get through. Nor have I been able to find an email address to the Australian MAC company. I'm writing to find out WHY Australians are getting ripped off when it comes to MAC cosmetics? As I have been myself to America, there re-fill eyeshadows are 11.50$, with the economy the current way it is, thats around 11$ AU. But, WHY are Australians having to pay 26.00$ AU for the SAME re-fill pallets?????? Thats 14.50$AU MORE than the Americans are paying. It is complete rubbish that the rest is 'shipping costs' Sorry, but for a re fill pan that weights 1.5grams would not cost 14.50$ for shipping... Why are we Australians being rip off with these massive prices?? Also why in the US stores do they have an option to 'make' a custom pallet?? And australians dont?? This shop may appear to be 'not that expensive' but really, Australians are getting MASSIVELY RIPPED OFF when it comes to THIS makeup brand!! View the US store http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/154/907/Eye-Shadow-Pro-Palette-Refill-Pan/index.tmpl Exact same product. Australian store: http://www.maccosmetics.com.au/product/shaded/154/907/Eye-Shadow-Pro-Palette-Refill-Pan/index.tmpl read more

I don't usually purchase MAC products as they never have the correct shade for my skin tone and I find the consistency of the face make-up to be quite tacky. However the lip sticks are quite good. My only annoyance with the MAC store in Marion was the staff. The majority of them seem to possess a superiority complex for some unknown reason. There was however, one staff member there who was approachable and polite. Unfortunately though I would not go back to this store, I would rather purchase a Chanel, Bobbi Brown or Illamasqua product for the same price or a little bit more to have a much higher quality product. read more

I have gone to the trouble of writing this review because I was not impressed with the staff at this store. My niece went to MAC at Marion Westfield, to be made up for her Formal night. The end result was good (they had a great canvass!) and the makeup lasted well, so no complaints there, but the make up artist was incredibly rude! Getting ready for the night was special for my niece and she wanted her aunts, mum, sister and sister-in- law to share - well none of us were impressed with the attitude of staff towards the customers. I see someone else commented on the same issue. I'm sure a nicer make up experience could be found else were - would not recommend. read more