Is Rare Beauty Really That Hard to Get in China, or Are We Just Looking in the Wrong Places?

Why is everyone in China obsessed with Rare Beauty in 2026?

It’s January 2026, and if you’ve spent more than five minutes on Xiaohongshu or TikTok lately, you know that Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty isn’t just a brand—it’s a cultural phenomenon. While many celebrity brands fizzle out after a year, Rare Beauty has maintained its crown by focusing on inclusivity and high-performance formulas that actually look like skin. The "Soft Pinch" Liquid Blush remains the gold standard for that effortless, glowy look that is so popular right now.

However, there's a common misconception that getting these products in mainland China is an impossible task or requires paying a 200% markup to a random middleman. You might also like to check our guide: Read more: Stop Believing Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush Is Impossible to Get in China. The truth is, the hype is real, but the scarcity is often manufactured by resellers.

The real reason to buy from US stores instead of local resellers

Why bother ordering from the US when you can find "Rare Beauty" on various local platforms? It comes down to two things: authenticity and variety. When you buy directly from US retailers like Sephora or the official Rare Beauty website, you are guaranteed a fresh product that hasn't been sitting in a humid warehouse for months. Plus, the shade ranges in the US are always more extensive than what’s available via third-party importers.

Check our detailed breakdown on buyer behavior: Read more: Why 85% of Beauty Enthusiasts in China Choose US-Sourced Rare Beauty Liquid Blush. In 2026, savvy shoppers have realized that even with shipping costs, the unit price from the US is often significantly lower than the inflated "exclusive" prices found locally.

How to get your US haul to China without the headache

The biggest hurdle for most of us in China is that many US websites don't ship directly to our doorstep, or if they do, the costs are astronomical. This is where a reliable package forwarder comes into play. By using comGateway, you get a dedicated US shipping address. You shop at your favorite US stores, send your packages to that address, and then they handle the international leg of the journey for you.

If you've never done this before, don't worry—it's surprisingly simple. You can check out this how it works step-by-step guide to see just how easy it is to bridge the gap between US warehouses and your home in Shanghai, Beijing, or anywhere else.

Navigating shipping from USA to China and customs rules

Shipping cosmetics internationally can feel like navigating a maze, especially with China’s specific import regulations. When arranging shipping from USA to China, you need to be aware of the personal effects limit. In 2026, the customs authorities continue to be strict about the value of goods and the quantity of liquid items in a single shipment.

Typically, keeping your Rare Beauty haul under the duty-free threshold or ensuring it's categorized as "personal use" is the way to go. Using a professional service ensures that all the necessary paperwork for Chinese customs is handled correctly, reducing the risk of your package being held up at the border.

Don't get blocked: The prohibited items you need to know

Before you go on a shopping spree and fill your cart with every single Rare Beauty mist and perfume, pause for a second. Some items are classified as hazardous or restricted for air travel. For example, pressurized aerosols or certain alcohol-heavy perfumes might be on the prohibited items list. Fortunately, most blushes, highlighters, and lip oils are perfectly fine to ship. Always double-check the restricted goods list before finalizing your US purchase to avoid any shipping delays.

Is it expensive? Calculating your international shipping rates

The most common question is: "Will shipping cost more than the blush itself?" Usually, the answer is no—if you shop smart. In 2026, international shipping rates have become quite competitive. To avoid any surprises, it’s best to use a shipping calculator before you buy. This tool allows you to input the weight of your items and estimate shipping cost instantly.

Pro-Tip: Consolidation is Key

If you’re only buying one lip oil, shipping might feel pricey. But if you combine three or four items—maybe some Rare Beauty, a bit of Fenty, and some Glossier—into one box, the price per item drops significantly. Package forwarders often offer a consolidation service that saves you up to 80% on shipping costs compared to shipping each item individually.

A quick walkthrough to your first delivery

Ready to get started? Here is the basic workflow for 2026:

1. Sign up for a free US address at comGateway.
2. Go to the Rare Beauty or Sephora US website and shop as if you lived in the States.
3. At checkout, enter your provided US address as the shipping destination.
4. Once your package arrives at the warehouse, you'll be notified. You can then choose to ship it immediately or wait for other packages to arrive.
5. Pay your shipping fees and wait for the courier to deliver the goods to your door in China.

So, is Rare Beauty really that hard to get? Not anymore. By taking control of the shipping process yourself, you get better prices, guaranteed authenticity, and the full range of Selena's latest drops. Happy shopping!