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Why I was refreshing my screen for Iced Matcha
I woke up early yesterday because I knew the May 1st drop of the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm in 'Iced Matcha' was going to be chaos. If you have been on TikTok lately, you have seen the green aesthetic taking over everyone's FYP. This shade is currently a US exclusive, and as a huge fan of their formula, I knew I couldn't wait for a local release that might never happen in 2026. The soft green tint and the vanilla-matcha scent are exactly what my collection was missing.
We see these limited drops happen all the time, but the Iced Matcha version feels different. It has that perfect 'clean girl' vibe that we love here in Singapore. Since I couldn't find it at our local Sephora, I had to figure out how to shop US store options directly to get it before it sold out everywhere.
My strategy for shopping US stores from Singapore
I started by heading to the official Summer Fridays website. The main issue we face in Singapore is that many of these brands don't ship internationally, or if they do, the costs are astronomical. I have found that the most efficient way is to use a tax-free us address. This allows me to shop like a local US resident, avoiding state sales tax which keeps the price of the balm close to the retail $24 USD.
I always use comGateway because their Oregon warehouse is in a sales-tax-free state. This is my go-to freight forwarder whenever a viral beauty product drops. I simply entered my provided US address at checkout, and my order was processed within minutes.
Shipping Estimates and Logistics Breakdown
Before I buy anything, I always like to know what I am getting into regarding the physical package. Here is my estimate for the Summer Fridays Iced Matcha balm based on my previous orders this year.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Box Weight | Approx. 0.5 lbs (0.23 kg) including the mailing box and padding. |
| Box Dimensions | Small (Approx. 6 x 4 x 4 inches). It is a very compact item. |
| Volumetric Warning | Low. Since the item is small and dense, you won't be charged extra for "space." However, if you add a large plushie or a pillow to your order, watch out for volumetric weight! |
| Battery Check | No batteries. This is a standard cosmetic cream/balm, so no special lithium battery restrictions apply. |
I suggest you use the shipping calculator to estimate shipping cost for your specific bundle. If you are just buying one tube, I recommend consolidating it with a few other items to make the base shipping fee more worth it.
The fastest shipping method I use
For those of us who want our packages immediately, the step-by-step guide on how it works is pretty straightforward. Once my balm arrives at the warehouse, I get an email notification. I usually opt for express shipping because I want to be one of the first in Singapore to post a swatch video. From the moment it hits the US warehouse, I usually see it at my doorstep in Singapore within 3 to 5 business days.
What to do if your card is declined
Sometimes US stores are picky about Singaporean credit cards. I have had my order cancelled before because my billing address didn't match the US shipping address. In these cases, I use the BuyForMe service. This assisted purchase or proxy shopping option means the team in the US buys the item for me using their local payment methods. It saves a lot of stress during high-pressure limited drops like the Iced Matcha release.
Handling Singapore import taxes in 2026
One thing we have to remember in 2026 is the GST/VAT on all imported goods. Regardless of the value, Singapore now requires GST on low-value imports. When my package arrives, I am prepared to pay the 9% GST. If you are buying a large haul of beauty products, be sure to check the latest rules on import tax and customs tax so you aren't surprised by the final bill.
I find it helpful to read up on import duties before I commit to a large shopping spree. It keeps my budget on track and ensures my 'speed run' doesn't get delayed at the border.
Overall, getting the Summer Fridays Iced Matcha balm isn't hard if you have the right setup. I am already planning my next haul for the summer season!
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