Why Summer Fridays Ube is trending right now
I’ve been scrolling through TikTok lately and the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm in 'Ube' is everywhere. It’s the latest addition to the 'clean girl' aesthetic, and let’s be honest, that purple tint is gorgeous for 2026. The problem? It’s a limited-edition flavor and currently a US Sephora early-access exclusive. If you are living in the Netherlands like I am, you’ve probably realized that our local beauty shops haven't stocked it yet, and they might not for months.
Because I didn't want to wait until it's sold out or discontinued, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I needed a way to shop from the US store as if I were standing in a Sephora in New York. That’s where a reliable freight forwarder comes into play to bridge the gap across the Atlantic.
My fastest method to get it to the Netherlands
When I want something this specific, I don't wait for standard postal services that take weeks. I use a parcel forwarding service to get my items quickly. My go-to is comGateway because they provide a tax-free US address in Oregon. This means I don't have to pay US sales tax on my Sephora order, which saves me a few Euros right at the start.
Once the balm arrived at my US suite, I could choose my preferred carrier. For a speed run, I usually pick DHL international shipping or FedEx international shipping. These carriers are incredibly fast at getting small packages from the US warehouse to my house in the Netherlands, usually within 3 to 5 business days.
Shipping Estimates and Logistics for the Balm
If you are planning to order this balm, it’s helpful to know what you’re looking at in terms of logistics. I put together these estimates based on my recent haul to help you plan your budget. You can also use the shipping calculator to get a more precise quote for your specific city.
| Detail | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Box Weight | Approx. 0.15 kg (0.3 lbs) for a single tube in a small shipping box. |
| Box Dimensions | Small. Typically around 15cm x 10cm x 5cm. |
| Volumetric Warning | Low. This item is very dense and small, so you won't be charged extra for volumetric weight. It's the perfect item to add to a larger shipment to maximize your international shipping costs. |
| Battery Check | No lithium batteries. This is a standard cosmetic item, so it's easy to ship. |
Before you ship, I always recommend checking the list of prohibited items just to ensure no new 2026 regulations affect cosmetics, though lip balms are generally safe.
How we use BuyForMe to skip Sephora order cancellations
I’ve run into a major roadblock before: Sephora US can be very picky. They often block international credit cards or instantly cancel orders that are sent to a known freight forwarder. It’s frustrating when you have the funds but the store won't let you spend them.
We solved this by using the comGateway "BuyForMe" service. This is a form of proxy shopping where their team buys the item for me using a US-based payment method. Because they use a domestic card and a residential-style purchasing process, the order is much less likely to be flagged or cancelled. If you’ve ever had your order declined by Nike or Sephora, this is the safest way to guarantee you actually get that 'Ube' balm in your hands.
Managing import tax and Dutch customs
Since we are importing from outside the EU, we have to consider import tax and VAT. In the Netherlands, the PostNL or your chosen courier will usually handle the declaration for you, but you will need to pay the VAT (typically 21%) plus a small handling fee once it enters the country.
I always check the latest rules on import duties to make sure there are no surprises. Even with the tax, getting an exclusive item that isn't available in Europe feels like a win to me. If you use a high-quality package forwarding provider, they make the customs documentation process much smoother, which helps avoid those annoying delays at Schiphol airport.
My final tip? Try to bundle the balm with other US-exclusive finds. Since the balm is so light, adding a few more items won't significantly increase your shipping weight, making the total cost per item much lower. Happy shopping!
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