Is ordering the Rhode Lip Case directly from the US cheaper than Japan resellers?

February 08, 2026

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Is ordering the Rhode Lip Case directly from the US cheaper than Japan resellers?
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Is it actually cheaper to import the viral Rhode Lip Case to Japan instead of waiting for a local release? This is the question every beauty enthusiast in Tokyo and Osaka is asking in 2026. Hailey Bieber’s brand, Rhode, has dominated social media platforms like Xiaohongshu and Instagram, specifically with the Peptide Lip Tint and the innovative phone case designed to hold it. Since these items are often US-exclusive or frequently out of stock globally, Japanese shoppers are left looking for the most cost-effective way to get them.

Why the Rhode Peptide Lip Tint and Lip Case are 2026’s biggest accessories

The Rhode Lip Case isn't just a phone accessory; it is a status symbol. By early 2026, the trend has shifted from simple makeup to "functional fashion." The silicone case allows users to snap their Peptide Lip Tint directly onto the back of their iPhone, ensuring a touch-up is always within reach. Because Rhode maintains a strict limited-drop strategy, the scarcity drives massive demand in Japan, where official distribution remains limited. The Peptide Lip Tint itself remains a cult favorite for its nourishing formula and sheer, buildable color that fits the "clean girl" aesthetic perfectly.

Comparing US retail prices versus Japan reseller markups

When you look at the math, the price gap is significant. In the US, a Rhode Peptide Lip Tint typically retails for $16 to $20, and the Lip Case is priced around $35. Combined, you are looking at approximately $55 USD. However, on Japanese secondary markets or boutique import shops, the same duo can easily fetch upwards of 15,000 to 20,000 JPY. Even with current exchange rates in 2026, buying at the US retail price is objectively cheaper, provided you use an efficient freight forwarder to handle the logistics.

The advantage of a tax-free US address

One way to optimize your spending is to shop US store options using a tax-free us address. Most US states charge a sales tax of 7% to 10%, but by using comGateway, your items are sent to a warehouse in a sales-tax-free state like Oregon. This immediately saves you about $5 on your Rhode order before it even leaves the country.

How to shop US stores from Japan using a freight forwarder

To get these items, you first need a US shipping address. Since Rhode does not offer direct international shipping to Japan for all their viral accessories, you must use a package forwarding provider. Once you sign up, you receive a dedicated US address to enter at checkout. When your Rhode package arrives at the warehouse, you can then forward packages to your home in Japan. For those worried about the total cost, you should always use a shipping calculator to estimate shipping cost based on the weight of the silicone case and tints.

Overcoming credit card blocks with the BuyForMe service

The most frustrating part of shopping from Japan is often not the shipping, but the checkout process itself. Many high-demand US brands, including Sephora, Nike, and even Apple, are known to block international credit cards or cancel orders that use a known parcel forwarding service address. Rhode has also been known to implement strict order filters to prevent mass reselling.

If your Japanese credit card is declined, the BuyForMe service is the most reliable solution. With this proxy shopping option, you simply tell comGateway what you want to buy. They will purchase the Rhode Lip Case on your behalf using a US domestic credit card. This assisted purchase eliminates the risk of your order being flagged or cancelled. It is the safest way to guarantee you actually secure the items during a limited drop. If you have questions about how the billing works, you can always check the FAQ or the help center for more details.

Calculating international shipping and import rules for Japan

Before you ship, you must be aware of Japanese customs regulations for 2026. For personal imports, if the total value of your shipment is under 16,666 JPY, you are generally exempt from consumption tax and customs duties. This makes it very beneficial to bundle a few lip tints with your case. However, be sure to review the prohibited items list. While lip tints are usually fine, some medicated skincare products have strict quantity limits (usually 24 pieces per item) for personal import into Japan. Checking the shipping rules for restricted goods ensures your package won't be held up at Narita or Kansai airport.

Is the Rhode Lip Case worth the import effort?

If you are buying just one lip tint, the international shipping service fees might make the total cost similar to local reseller prices. However, if you are buying the Lip Case plus two or three tints, the savings are undeniable. By utilizing a freight forwarder and the BuyForMe service, you bypass the 50-100% markups found in Japan. You get the authentic product directly from the source in the US, delivered to your door in Japan with full tracking and support. Check our guide on prohibited items to make sure your entire beauty haul is eligible for transport.

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