I found a way to get the Summer Fridays Iced Matcha balm to Italy when Sephora said no

Why I am obsessed with the Iced Matcha 2026 edition

I have been a fan of Summer Fridays for years, but their Spring 2026 drop is something else. The Iced Matcha Lip Butter Balm isn't just another lip product; it is a mood. The scent is incredibly realistic—like a whisked ceremonial grade matcha with a hint of creamy vanilla. Since it launched earlier this year, I have seen it all over social media, particularly trending among clean beauty fans who love that specific US-exclusive aesthetic that we just don't get in our local Italian drugstores.

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The formula remains the same vegan blend of shea and murumuru seed butters that I love. It provides that perfect glass-like shine without being sticky. However, the Iced Matcha edition is a seasonal exclusive. This means if I don't grab it from a US retailer now, I’ll likely be looking at triple the price on resale sites by the summer of 2026. I knew I had to find a way to get it shipped to my door here in Milan.

The struggle of buying US exclusives from Italy

My first instinct was to head to the US Sephora website or the official Summer Fridays store. I quickly realized that these brands often keep their best seasonal scents strictly for the domestic market. While we have great beauty shops in Italy, they rarely stock the limited Spring editions at the same time as the US release. This is where the frustration starts for many of us living abroad.

I tried to check out using my local Italian bank card, but I hit a wall. Many of these major US retailers have strict security filters. They see an international billing address or an international credit card and immediately cancel the order. It doesn’t matter if I have the funds; the system is designed to prioritize US residents. I also noticed that some shops won't even let me view the full catalog without a VPN, making the dream of owning that Iced Matcha balm feel very far away.

My secret for stores that block Italian credit cards

I used to give up when a store declined my card, but then I discovered a workaround that changed everything for my US shopping habits. When Sephora or the Summer Fridays site refuses to process my Italian credit card, I turn to the BuyForMe service. This is essentially an assisted purchase program where a team in the US buys the item on my behalf.

The problem is common: stores like Nike, Apple, and Sephora often block orders that use international payment methods or those sent to known package forwarding hubs. By using this proxy shopping method, comGateway uses a US domestic credit card to place the order. Since the payment comes from within the USA, the store accepts it as a local transaction. This is the safest way I have found to guarantee my order doesn't get cancelled at the last second. It took the stress out of the Spring 2026 launch for me because I knew my Iced Matcha balm was actually secured.

How I use a tax-free US address to save money

Once the purchase is made, the balm is sent to my tax-free US address in Oregon. If you aren't familiar with US sales tax, it can add up to 10% to your bill depending on the state. By shipping to a warehouse in Oregon, I pay 0% US sales tax. This helps offset the cost of sending the package across the Atlantic.

I’ve been using international shipping for a long time, and I’ve learned that consolidation is key. I usually wait for a few items—maybe some 2026 tech gadgets or other US beauty brands—to arrive at my warehouse. Then, I ship them all together. Their international shipping service is fast, and I can track the Iced Matcha balm from the moment it leaves the warehouse until it arrives at my house in Italy.

Calculating the total cost to Italy

I always like to know exactly what I am paying before I commit. I don't like surprises when it comes to my beauty budget. Before I finalize any shipment, I use the shipping calculator to see what the damage will be. It gives me a clear idea of what I’ll be paying based on the weight and dimensions of the package.

Here is a quick look at what I usually consider when I am ordering from the US in 2026:

I also make sure to check the latest international shipping rates frequently, as they can fluctuate based on fuel surcharges or seasonal demand. Since the balm is light, the cost is very manageable, especially if I add a few more items to the box.

Dealing with Italian customs and VAT

The final step in my journey is getting the package through Italian customs. We all know that importing goods into Italy involves paying import duties and VAT. In 2026, the rules are quite clear, but you still need to be prepared for the 22% VAT on the total value of the goods and shipping.

I find it much easier to use a forwarder that allows me to declare the value accurately so there are no delays at the border. Understanding import tax requirements before the package arrives prevents that annoying situation where your package is stuck in a warehouse for weeks. Once the VAT is settled, the courier brings my Iced Matcha balm straight to my door. It’s a bit of a process, but for a limited Spring 2026 edition that makes me feel like I’m sitting in a trendy NYC cafe while I’m actually in my living room in Italy, it is 100% worth it.