- The 2026 Obsession: Why Watery Glossy Lipsticks?
- The Swiss Shopping Dilemma: Scarcity and Markups
- How to Access US Beauty Retailers from Switzerland
- Overcoming Payment Barriers with Proxy Shopping
- Navigating Swiss Import Tax and Customs
- The Math of Saving: Shipping Rates and Consolidation
- Prohibited Items and Safety Compliance
The 2026 Obsession: Why Watery Glossy Lipsticks?
In the early months of 2026, the beauty world has moved away from the heavy mattes of the past toward a hyper-hydrated, translucent aesthetic known as the "Watery Gloss." This trend, currently dominating social media in the United States, focuses on formulas that offer the high-shine finish of a gloss with the weightless, non-sticky feel of a lip tint. Brands like Fenty, Summer Fridays, and several US-exclusive indie labels have perfected this "glass-water" look that provides 12-hour hydration and a mirror-like shine.
For beauty enthusiasts in Switzerland, however, these specific formulas are often difficult to find. While local department stores carry global brands, the newest 2026 releases frequently hit US shelves months before they reach Zurich or Geneva—often with a significant price hike.
The Swiss Shopping Dilemma: Scarcity and Markups
Is your Swiss beauty budget being utilized effectively? If you are buying these trending items locally, you are likely paying a premium for distribution and local retail overhead. Smart shoppers have realized that even with the cost of international shipping, purchasing directly from US retailers like Sephora US, Ulta, or brand-direct websites can result in substantial savings, especially when buying multiple shades or limited-edition sets.
How to Access US Beauty Retailers from Switzerland
The primary hurdle for Swiss residents is that many US beauty brands do not ship directly to Europe, or their shipping fees are prohibitively expensive. This is where using a freight forwarder becomes essential. By using a freight forwarder like comGateway, you are provided with a tax-free US address. This allows you to shop at any US online store as if you were living in the States, avoiding US sales tax and gaining access to domestic-only promotions.
Overcoming Payment Barriers with Proxy Shopping
Sometimes, US retailers refuse non-US credit cards or billing addresses. If you find your Swiss card is being declined at checkout, you can utilize a proxy shopping service. Often referred to as a BuyForMe service or assisted purchase, this feature allows the logistics provider to buy the items on your behalf, ensuring you never miss out on a viral product drop due to payment restrictions. Check our guide on proxy shopping for a step-by-step breakdown of how to use this service.
Navigating Swiss Import Tax and Customs
When shopping cross-border, it is crucial to understand the import tax regulations in Switzerland. As of 2026, all goods imported into Switzerland are subject to Value Added Tax (VAT), or MWST. While the de minimis thresholds can change, you should generally expect to pay the standard VAT rate on the total value of your shipment. However, by sourcing your watery glossy lipsticks at US prices—which are often 30-40% lower than Swiss retail—the total cost including tax usually remains lower than buying locally.
The Math of Saving: Shipping Rates and Consolidation
To truly maximize your savings, you should look at international shipping rates and consider package consolidation. Instead of shipping one lipstick at a time, you can hold multiple purchases at your US address and ship them all at once. This significantly reduces the cost per item.
Before you commit to a purchase, use a shipping calculator to estimate shipping cost. This transparency ensures there are no surprises when your package arrives at your door. For those who plan on frequent hauls, exploring Prime membership benefits can offer even deeper discounts on international shipping fees and faster processing times.
Prohibited Items and Safety Compliance
While lipsticks are generally safe for air travel, it is always wise to double-check the 2026 regulations regarding cosmetic ingredients and pressurized containers. You can view the list of prohibited items to ensure your beauty haul complies with freight forwarder and airline safety standards. Most "watery" lipsticks are non-flammable and perfectly safe for DHL international shipping or FedEx international shipping, but checking the restricted goods list is a vital step for any international shopper.
By leveraging a US address and a reliable logistics partner, you can stay ahead of the 2026 beauty trends and keep your lips looking perfectly glossy without overspending in the Swiss market.
