Can you really save ¥140 on the Summer Fridays Iced Coffee Lip Balm by skipping local resellers?

February 08, 2026
Can you really save ¥140 on the Summer Fridays Iced Coffee Lip Balm by skipping local resellers?

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Why is Summer Fridays Iced Coffee the viral hit of 2026?

The beauty world has found its latest obsession in early 2026: the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm in 'Iced Coffee'. This seasonal release has captured the attention of fans globally, but the catch is its status as a US-first launch. The shade offers a perfect sheer cocoa tint with a scent that mimics a fresh cold brew, making it a staple for the 'Clean Girl' aesthetic that remains popular across social platforms in China.

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While many look for these us trends, obtaining them outside the United States remains a challenge. For those in China, the demand has led to a surge in interest, as local enthusiasts prefer the authentic US version over potentially unreliable local sources.

The price gap: Saving ¥140 by shopping the source

Why are so many shoppers looking toward the US? The math is simple. In China, personal shoppers and third-party resellers often list the Iced Coffee balm with a 40-50% markup. By purchasing directly from a US store for the retail price of $24 (approximately ¥170), and using a freight forwarder, you can often save ¥140 or more compared to local 'grey market' prices. Even when adding the cost of a international shipping service, the total remains significantly lower than the inflated prices found on local social commerce apps.

Securing your balm from US retailers

To get your hands on this specific flavor, you generally need to shop at Sephora US or the official Summer Fridays website. These stores offer the freshest stock and exclusive seasonal bundles. To start, you will need a tax-free us address. This allows you to bypass US sales tax, which can save you an additional 7-10% depending on the state where the store is located. You can follow this step-by-step guide to set up your account and get your dedicated US suite number.

Solving the 'Access Denied' problem with BuyForMe

Shopping at major US retailers like Sephora, Nike, or Apple from China is not always straightforward. Many of these stores have strict security protocols that frequently block international credit cards or automatically decline orders that are sent to known warehouse addresses. This can be incredibly frustrating when you are trying to snag a limited-edition release like the Iced Coffee balm before it sells out.

This is where the comGateway "BuyForMe" (Assisted Purchase) service becomes essential. Instead of risking a cancelled order or a temporary hold on your funds, you can have comGateway buy the item on your behalf. We use a US domestic credit card and a specialized purchasing process to ensure the transaction is accepted. This is the safest way to guarantee your order doesn't get cancelled by picky US retailers. By using this service, you bypass the headache of payment failures and regional restrictions entirely.

Getting your package to China efficiently

Once your Lip Butter Balm arrives at your comGateway warehouse, you have the option to consolidate it with other purchases to reduce costs. If you are curious about the total landed cost, you should use the shipping calculator to get an accurate estimate of the weight and dimensions. Package forwarding allows you to control the speed of delivery, whether you want an express route to get your beauty products quickly or a more economical standard option.

Navigating Chinese import rules for cosmetics

When importing cosmetics into China, it is important to be aware of the current regulations. Generally, personal postal articles are subject to a tax if they exceed certain value thresholds. For lip balms and small skincare items, these are usually cleared easily as long as the quantities are reasonable for personal use. To ensure your shipment goes smoothly, always check the list of prohibited items to confirm that no restricted ingredients or pressurized containers are included in your parcel. Keeping your shipment values within the 'cross-border e-commerce' (CBEC) limits can also help in streamlining the customs process in 2026.

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