I once believed US-only Eadem LeChouChou shades were out of reach for us in Belgium

March 05, 2026

For weeks, I couldn't scroll through TikTok without seeing a 'Sephora Haul' featuring the Eadem LeChouChou Lip Softening Balm. As someone living in Belgium, I've grown accustomed to the FOMO that comes with US-exclusive beauty drops. This brand has become a rising star because of its focus on melanin-rich skin, but the formula is so luxurious that everyone is trying to get their hands on it. We often think these niche brands are impossible to source locally, but my curiosity finally got the better of me.

I once believed US-only Eadem LeChouChou shades were out of reach for us in Belgium
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The 2026 Shades: Sakura Shaved Ice and Chateau Rose

On March 4, 2026, Eadem released two new shades that immediately went viral. Sakura Shaved Ice is a cool-toned, ethereal pink that looks like a dream, while Chateau Rose offers a deeper, more sophisticated tint. I knew I needed both, but they are currently US-exclusives. My first instinct was that the shipping fees to Brussels would be triple the price of the balms themselves. However, I decided to do some research into using a tax-free US address via a freight forwarder.

Shipping Estimates for Belgian Shoppers

To help you plan your own haul, I've put together these estimates based on my recent package. When you shop US store locations, the box size for beauty products is usually quite manageable.

Metric Estimate
Box Weight Approx. 0.3 kg (0.6 lbs) for two balms and packaging.
Box Dimensions Small (Approx. 15cm x 10cm x 5cm).
Volumetric Warning Low. These items are dense and small, so you won't be charged extra for "bulky" space.
Battery Check No lithium batteries. No special handling required.

I always recommend using the shipping calculator to estimate shipping cost specifically for your city in Belgium before you commit to the purchase. If you are worried about restricted items, you might also like to check the list of prohibited items to ensure your entire cart is safe to ship.

How I navigated the US checkout process

The most common myth I hear is that US stores won't accept Belgian credit cards. While this is sometimes true, I found a workaround. I used comGateway to set up my suite, and when I ran into a payment issue at a specific retailer, I looked into their assisted purchase options. The BuyForMe service is a lifesaver when a US site is being picky about international billing addresses. We can essentially let the experts handle the transaction for us.

Once the item arrived at my US suite, I chose an international shipping service that offered tracking all the way to my door in Antwerp. You can see how the process works in detail by visiting their international shipping page.

What I learned about Belgian customs and taxes

I used to believe that customs would hold my package for weeks and charge me double. In 2026, the process is much more transparent. Since these balms are relatively low-value items, the VAT (Value Added Tax) is the main thing to consider. In Belgium, we typically look at a 21% VAT. I've found that consolidating my beauty purchases into one box actually saves me money on the base shipping fee, making the import taxes much more bearable. If you're confused about the latest 2026 regulations, the FAQ section on the support site has a wealth of information on help center topics related to customs.

Final thoughts on my shopping experience

My Eadem LeChouChou balms arrived yesterday, and the Sakura Shaved Ice shade is even better in person. I realized that the barrier between US-exclusive drops and our vanities in Belgium is mostly made of myths about shipping complexity. By using comGateway, I was able to bypass the "US only" restriction and get exactly what I wanted. Don't let the distance discourage you from the 2026 beauty trends you love.

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