Frequently Asked Questions
Where is your shop located?
We are at 1515 Centre Street NW in Calgary, Alberta. It’s easy to find us. From Deerfoot Trail you will take 16thAve West and then left on Centre Street where we are one block down on your right hand side. From downtown it’s 8 minutes north up the hill on Centre Street.
Do you have parking available?
Yes, we have six parking stalls behind the building. If our lot is full there is plenty of street parking and a large city parking lot west of us.
What are your store hours?
Our standard hours are 11am-6pm from Monday through Saturday. We always have extended hours during the month of October for Halloween, our favourite time of year.
Can I order online and pick up my items at the store?
That is a great way to make sure you get what you need. You can buy your make up and costumes online and we will set them aside for you. This is especially helpful for high demand items like Ben Nye Final Seal, coloured contact lenses or specific wigs that tend to sell out before a big convention.
Can you help me figure out how to do a specific look?
Our staff members are experts in character make up and are always happy to give you a quick consultation at the counter. If you need a more in depth lesson for a complex transformation, you can also book a one on one tutorial with us.
Do you carry wigs that can be styled with heat?
Some of our wigs are made of heat resistant synthetic fiber. You can use low heat tools up to 180°C to style them. They are perfect for cosplayers who need to create specific spikes or curls.
How do I know which size to buy?
Costume sizing can be a bit different than regular clothing, so we provide detailed charts from our manufacturers if available. We also have fitting rooms in the shop so you can be sure of the fit. If you are shopping from home, we recommend measuring your chest and waist before you order.
You can always send us a chat or give us a call and we will gladly help you out with getting measurements on a specific costume if you need that information!
Do you rent costumes?
We only sell costumes and accessories. We prefer this approach because it ensures every customer gets a brand new, fresh item that has never been worn by anyone else.
The exception to this is that during the Christmas season we do specific rentals related to the season, like Santa Suits.
What is your return policy?
At Don’s, we want you to look incredible. We also take your health and the quality of our gear seriously. For those reasons, all sales are final. Because of the nature of our products like costumes, wigs, prosthetics, and professional make up, we do not accept returns or exchanges.
Here is why we stay firm on this policy:
Hygiene and Safety
Many of our items are worn directly against the skin or hair. To ensure every customer receives a pristine, sanitary product that has not been exposed to sweat or makeup, we do not restock items once they leave the shop.
Quality Assurance
When you buy from Don’s, you are the first and only person to ever own that item. Our final sale policy is our promise to you that you will never accidentally buy a used costume or a wig that was previously worn for a party. We keep our inventory fresh and brand new for the people who truly want to own their look.
Before you buy
We want you to be certain about your gear. We encourage you to use our change rooms, check our sizing charts, and ask our staff for help. We will make sure you are completely happy before leaving the shop.
Are your adhesives safe for sensitive skin?
Most of our professional products, like Hydro Spirit Gum, are formulated to be skin safe. However, we always suggest doing a small patch test first. If you have very sensitive skin, we also stock medical grade silicone adhesives which are known for being very gentle while still providing a strong hold.
Do you sell face paint that is safe for children?
We carry professional, water activated brands that are all approved by Health Canada. These are cosmetic grade and hypoallergenic, which makes them much safe on face and body. These are the same paints used by professional painters in Calgary.
Do you offer make up workshops?
Yes, we love hosting workshops! We hold several different sessions throughout the year. You can find links to upcoming workshops on our main page.
When should I start shopping for my Calgary Expo costume?
It is usually best to start looking by late February or early March so you have plenty of time to make small tweaks, adjustments and additions.
Do you sell professional make up for film and cosplay?
We certainly do. We carry the same brands the local film crews use, including Ben Nye, Kryolan, Telesis, Cinema Secrets, Mehron and more. Whether you need basic spirit gum and liquid latex or 3D prosthetics, cream make ups that blend well and alcohol palettes, we can help you find the right professional tools for your project.
Can I get custom prosthetics for my Expo cosplay?
While we sell ready to apply foam latex and silicone pieces, they are very easy to customize. Our staff can show techniques to blend the edges perfectly so the piece looks like it was made specifically for your face.
What are the predictions for Halloween 2026?
The early word is that Eco Spooky and Vintage Revivals will be huge. There is also a big move toward 1950s style retro masks for that classic Ben Cooper look.