This place is a hidden gem! If you do theatre, circus (lookin' at you, Circus Juventas families), or anything else that requires stage makeup, this is your spot. They have EVERYTHING, and the staff is friendly & knowledgeable. I found out about Norcostco last year, when we had a pre-performance makeup emergency: The online retailer I'd ordered from took its sweet time to process the order and then chose "molasses in January" shipping, so I was in a blind panic the night before the show. After 2648395 rounds of internet searches & follow-up phone calls looking for one highly specific Ben Nye product, I found Norcostco -- and they're RIGHT HERE! An independent, local business that has All The Things! (I mean, they're not exactly "right here" for us -- I have to drive across the whole #%&! metro to get there -- but it's *so* worth the trip. You can see the products, use the testers, play around, and walk out with what you need. Fantastic!) read more

Things you don't find in all retailers esp for make up artists. Great variety and options.

I had been wanting to test out the Ben Nye make up line and was happy to learn a few months back that they carried it. They actually tons of theatrical makeup and costumes. Finding the place can be challenging since it's on a residential block (unexpected) and the store front doesn't face the street. However I did a bit of research on google maps beforehand and checked out the street view, which helped. Upon entering the woman at the register didn't bother to look up, say hello, smile or acknowledge that someone had walked in. Therefore I figured it was the kind of place where you fend for yourself and headed straight to the makeup section. BIG MISTAKE! About 5 minutes later another women appeared out of nowhere and in a frustrated tone wanted to know what we needed and more importantly if we opened any of the items. She then told us we should have rang "the bell" for help. Keep in mind there wasn't a bell in the area or a sign instructing to do so. Anyway after smoothing things over she showed us where the test makeup and brushes were located (several feet from the display.) It was a rather small section with a polly-pocket sized mirror and bad lighting. The employee helped us with the items and answered questions we had in a more polite/cordial tone. However, due to the lighting and mirror issue my friend and I were constantly having to go back to the costume section where there was a full length mirror and better lighting. Ultimately, we left with a few items (would have been more if we could tell how the colors actually looked against our skin). My tips for you are: 1) Use your GPS or checkout a street view of the place if it's your first time visiting and you're unfamiliar with the area. 2) RING THE BELL (located at the front register). 3) Bring your own mirror and lights. Just kidding! But seriously don't rely on the ones in the testing section, just check yourself out in the mirror by the costumes. 4) If you can, do research beforehand to determine which products you're interested in b/c they're are several options. Otherwise, just be sure to allow ample time so you can test out the items and find your match. 5) Skip the pricey department store makeup and try the items here (I can only vouch for Ben Nye) which cost far less, are of good quality and made to withstand heat/lights/etc. read more

This is the place I go restock my makeup kit. I think they have the best prices in town on the best selection of sealers, spray, cleaners, alcohol, blood... They sell jars of fake pus and vomit. Awesome. Also lots of sponges, brushes, all the tools. Aside from supplies, they have possibly every color of Ben Nye ever. I'd say it's the best makeup collection in town. They seem to have a ton of costumes for rent but they don't have a very big selection for sale, though the few they have seem pretty cool. Sometimes I can get through most of my trip before an employee arrives, but that's fine by me, I just want to drool over all the makeup choices. Besides, when they appear they are pleasant. read more

Friendly staff, always get high quality makeup at a good price. I'm from the Coon Rapids area and always make a special trip out to get some paints for my growing collection! So happy I found this place! read more