Table of Contents
Why I wanted the Iced Matcha scent
I have been following the viral TikTok reviews for the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm (Spring 2026 Trio) since it launched earlier this month. The standout in this bundle is clearly the 'Iced Matcha' scent. We don't have access to this specific collection in New Zealand retailers yet, and I noticed that local resellers are already marking up the prices significantly. I decided to take matters into my own hands and buy directly from a US store to ensure I received the authentic product at the original retail price.
The trio includes three full-sized balms, providing much better value than buying them individually. Since the Spring 2026 collection is a US-exclusive release for now, I had to figure out a way to get it delivered to my door in Auckland without paying double the price.
The price difference in New Zealand
I found that the retail price for the Summer Fridays Spring 2026 Trio in the US is $52 USD. If I were to wait for it to arrive in New Zealand stores—if it arrives at all—the estimated price would likely exceed $100 NZD. By using a tax-free us address, I managed to avoid US sales tax entirely, which kept my initial purchase price low. I used the shipping calculator to determine if the international delivery fees would eat up my savings. My findings showed that even with shipping costs, I was still saving about $25 NZD compared to buying from a local high-end boutique reseller.
Shipping Estimates for the Lip Butter Balm Trio
I calculated the potential shipping weight before I placed my order. Beauty products are generally light, but the packaging can sometimes be surprisingly bulky. Here is my breakdown for this specific item:
| Detail | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Box Weight | Approx. 0.35 kg (0.77 lbs) |
| Box Dimensions | Small (approx. 18cm x 12cm x 6cm) |
| Volumetric Warning | Low. This item is compact and dense; you will likely be charged by actual weight. |
| Battery Check | None. This product contains no lithium batteries. |
Because these balms are small, I recommend consolidating them with other items to estimate shipping cost more effectively across a larger haul. If you are only buying the trio, the minimum shipping weight for most carriers will apply.
Using a package forwarding service
I chose to use comGateway as my freight forwarder for this purchase. I needed a reliable way to get my package from the US warehouse to New Zealand. I have found that using a parcel forwarding service is the most efficient way to access US-only releases like this Summer Fridays set. I simply shipped my order from Sephora to my provided US address, and they handled the rest.
If you find that a US retailer does not accept your New Zealand credit card, I suggest looking into an assisted purchase option. I have used the BuyForMe service in the past when my payment was flagged, and it simplified the entire process. You might also like to check our guide on consolidating multiple beauty orders to save on international transit fees.
Dealing with New Zealand GST and customs
I always check the rules for import duties before I ship anything to New Zealand. Since 2019, New Zealand has required offshore sellers and package forwarding companies to collect 15% GST on low-value goods (items under $1,000 NZD). I made sure to factor this into my total budget so there were no surprises when the package arrived at the border. You can read more about customs tax on the official logistics blogs to ensure you are compliant with current 2026 regulations.
My step-by-step guide to buying from the US
I followed this step-by-step guide to ensure my Lip Butter Balm Trio arrived safely:
- Step 1: I signed up for a freight forwarder account to get my unique US shipping address.
- Step 2: I visited the US Sephora website and added the Summer Fridays Spring 2026 Trio to my cart.
- Step 3: At checkout, I entered my US warehouse address as the delivery destination.
- Step 4: Once the package arrived at the warehouse, I was notified via email. I checked the weight and selected my preferred shipping speed to New Zealand.
- Step 5: I paid the shipping fees and the GST, then tracked my package until it reached my door in Auckland.
I found that the how it works section on the provider's website was very clear, making it easy for me to manage the shipment even during the busy spring season. My Iced Matcha balm arrived in perfect condition, and the total cost was far lower than what I would have paid locally. By being a smart shopper and understanding the logistics, I managed to get the latest 2026 beauty trends without the local markup.
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