I saved £12 getting the Summer Fridays Iced Coffee lip balm from the US and it wasn't even hard

February 05, 2026
I saved £12 getting the Summer Fridays Iced Coffee lip balm from the US and it wasn

Why Iced Coffee is the 2026 Vibe

If you have been anywhere on social media lately, you know the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm in Iced Coffee is the only thing people are talking about. It is that perfect cool-toned mauve-brown that looks good on everyone, and let’s be real, the scent is addictive. While it’s technically a permanent part of the lineup now in February 2026, finding it in the UK is still a massive headache.

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Most of us are used to checking Space NK or Sephora UK, only to find that 'Out of Stock' sign staring back at us. It’s even worse for our friends in New Zealand who can't find it at MECCA at all. Because this flavor is such a rising star, the US remains the only place with consistent stock. The good news? You don't have to wait for a restock that might never happen.

The UK Stock Myth

There is this common assumption that shipping a single lip balm from the US to the UK is a total waste of money. People assume the shipping fees will be triple the price of the product. I used to think the same until I actually sat down and did the math. When you realize that UK resellers often mark these up to £35 or £40, importing it yourself through a freight forwarder suddenly makes a lot of sense.

The myth that international shipping is only for big, heavy items is exactly that—a myth. By using a tax-free US address, you avoid US sales tax at checkout, which already shaves a few pounds off the initial price.

How to shop US stores from London

To get your hands on the Iced Coffee balm, you’ll want to head straight to the source: the Summer Fridays official US site or Sephora US. Since these stores often don't ship directly to the UK, or their direct shipping rates are astronomical, you can use a parcel forwarding service.

This gives you a US-based address to send your goodies to. Once your balm arrives at the warehouse, you can choose your preferred shipping method to get it to your doorstep in London, Manchester, or wherever you happen to be. If you are ever confused about the process, the FAQ page on the forwarder's site usually clears up how the suite address works.

Shipping Estimates for Your Balm

Before you hit that buy button, it helps to know what you are looking at in terms of logistics. Here is a breakdown of what to expect when shipping this specific item.

Metric Estimate
Box Weight Approx. 0.2 kg (0.44 lbs) for a single tube in a mailer.
Box Dimensions Small (Approx. 15cm x 10cm x 5cm).
Volumetric Warning Low risk. This item is dense and small, so you won't be charged extra for "bulky" space.
Battery Check No lithium batteries. No special handling required.

To get a precise idea of the total cost, you should use a shipping calculator. Keep in mind that most carriers have a minimum weight charge (usually 0.5kg), so shipping just one balm might feel expensive per gram. The trick is to add a few more items to your haul to make the most of that minimum weight bracket.

Customs and VAT for UK Shoppers

In 2026, the UK import rules are pretty straightforward but important to remember. For goods under £135, you usually pay VAT at the point of sale or through your forwarder, rather than at the border. This prevents those annoying "handling fees" from Royal Mail.

Checking the international shipping rates beforehand helps you decide which courier to use. Some couriers include customs clearance in their service, which saves you a lot of paperwork. It is much better than waiting for a grey card to slip through your letterbox telling you that you owe the government money before you can get your lip balm.

Maximizing Your Savings

Save £12 on your total order by bundling your Summer Fridays purchase with other US-exclusive brands like Rhode or Glossier. Since you already have a shop US store strategy in place, consolidation is your best friend.

Instead of shipping three separate packages from three different stores, a good forwarder will let you hold your items for free for up to 30 days. They then pack them all into one box. This drastically reduces the international shipping cost per item. When I did this, my shipping cost per item dropped from £18 down to about £6. That is a huge win for a balm that is basically gold dust in the UK right now.

So, if you are tired of refreshing the MECCA or Sephora pages, just take the US route. It is reliable, surprisingly affordable if you bundle, and you will finally have that Iced Coffee scent in your collection while everyone else is still on a waiting list.

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