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/biz/mac-cosmetics-seattle).
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. read more