I found out that buying Rhode Pocket Blush (Candy Apple) from the US is way cheaper than Belgian prices
Table of Contents
- Why I am obsessed with the Rhode Pocket Blush (Candy Apple) hype
- My experience with the massive cost difference between the US and Belgium
- How I use a freight forwarder to shop like a US local
- Why I recommend the BuyForMe service for tricky US beauty stores
- Estimating my costs with the shipping calculator
- What I learned about Belgian customs and import rules
- Checking the prohibited items list before shipping beauty products
Why I am obsessed with the Rhode Pocket Blush (Candy Apple) hype
If you have been on TikTok at all in the last seven days, your feed is likely a sea of vibrant, juicy red. I have been watching the countdown for the Rhode Pocket Blush (Candy Apple) release, which officially drops on March 9, 2026. This isn't just another blush; it is that specific viral shade of red that seems to give everyone that perfect "I just spent a day in the sun" flush without the actual UV damage.
I noticed that the US early access is the only real way to guarantee getting one of these before they sell out globally. We all know what happens with Rhode drops—they disappear in minutes and then end up on resale sites for triple the price. Since I live in Belgium, getting my hands on US-exclusive drops usually feels impossible, but I have figured out a system that works every time.
My experience with the massive cost difference between the US and Belgium
I did some digging into what it would cost to wait for a local boutique in Brussels or an international reseller to stock the Candy Apple shade. The markup is honestly shocking. When you factor in the European retail price versus the US price of $24, we are often paying a 40% premium just for the convenience of a local shop. I realized that even with international shipping, I could save a significant amount of money by purchasing directly from the source in the United States.
By using a tax-free US address provided by comGateway, I can avoid US sales tax entirely. Since comGateway is based in Oregon, I don't pay that extra 7-10% tax that I would if I shipped to a friend in New York or California. This makes the price gap even wider and makes the effort of importing it myself totally worth it.
How I use a freight forwarder to shop like a US local
The secret to my shopping strategy is using a freight forwarder. Essentially, they give me a personal suite number at their US warehouse. When I checkout on the Rhode website, I just enter that address as my shipping destination. Once my Rhode Pocket Blush (Candy Apple) arrives at the warehouse, they notify me and I can choose how I want it shipped to my door in Belgium.
I have tried a few different companies, but I keep going back to this package forwarding service because they are reliable and their dashboard is easy to use. It feels like having a personal assistant in the US who handles all my packages. It’s the easiest way to shop US stores that don't offer direct international shipping to Europe.
Why I recommend the BuyForMe service for tricky US beauty stores
I have run into a major problem before when trying to buy from high-demand US brands like Rhode, Sephora, or even Apple. Some of these stores have very strict security filters that **block international credit cards** or automatically decline orders that are being sent to a known parcel forwarding service. It is incredibly frustrating to have your order cancelled right as a viral product drops.
This is where I found the BuyForMe service to be a total lifesaver. Instead of me trying to use my Belgian card, I just tell comGateway what I want. They use a US domestic credit card to purchase the item on my behalf. This assisted purchase method is the safest way to guarantee that my order goes through without being flagged by the store's fraud system. If you are worried about your Rhode order getting cancelled on March 9, using proxy shopping is definitely the way to go.
Estimating my costs with the shipping calculator
Before I commit to a purchase, I always want to know exactly what I am going to pay. I don't like surprises when it comes to my bank account. I used the shipping calculator to get a rough idea of the costs for a small item like a blush. Since the Rhode Pocket Blush is so lightweight, the shipping cost is actually very reasonable, especially if I combine it with a few other things I want from the US, like some new workout gear or tech accessories.
I have found that consolidating multiple packages into one box is the best way to save. My forward packages strategy usually involves waiting for 2 or 3 items to arrive at the warehouse before I hit the ship button. This way, I only pay for one international delivery fee rather than three separate ones.
What I learned about Belgian customs and import rules
Shipping to Belgium does mean I have to think about VAT and customs duties. In 2026, the rules are pretty straightforward but you have to be prepared. Generally, for items coming into Belgium from outside the EU, you will be charged 21% VAT. I always make sure to factor this into my total budget. The good news is that for a $24 blush, the duty is negligible, and the process is handled quite smoothly by the couriers that comGateway uses, like DHL or FedEx.
Checking the prohibited items list before shipping beauty products
One thing I learned the hard way is that not everything can be shipped internationally. Before I bought my first round of US skincare, I spent some time looking at the prohibited items list. Some beauty products contain flammable liquids or pressurized gases that are considered restricted goods for air travel.
Luckily, cream blushes like the Rhode Pocket Blush (Candy Apple) are perfectly fine to ship. However, if you were planning on adding some specific aerosol hairsprays or certain nail polishes to your haul, you should definitely check the shipping rules first. It saves a lot of headaches to know what can and cannot fly before the items arrive at the warehouse.
Final thoughts on getting the Candy Apple glow
I am counting down the days until March 9. By using the BuyForMe service and my US suite address, I am confident I will be one of the few people in my friend group in Belgium with the authentic Candy Apple blush. If you have been struggling to get US drops to ship to Europe, I highly recommend trying this method. It has completely changed how I shop for beauty products in 2026.
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