My secret for snagging the Merit Signature Lip Matte formula while it's still a US exclusive

The Merit Signature Lip Matte hype in 2026

I have spent the last few weeks watching the beauty community go wild over the Merit Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick in its new matte formula. Merit has always been a staple for my 'clean girl' aesthetic, but this specific launch is currently trapped behind a US-exclusive wall. Even as we move through March 2026, the brand has kept its retail footprint in Europe incredibly small, making it nearly impossible for me to find these shades in local Italian boutiques.

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I prefer this matte formula because it maintains the weightless feel of the original satin version while providing a blurred, soft-focus finish that lasts through my morning espresso. Since I cannot walk into a store in Milan to buy it, I have had to look at other ways to shop US store collections directly. I often browse us trends to see which shades are selling out first so I don't miss out on the most popular colors like 'Classic' or 'Antibes'.

How I manage Italy delivery from US stores

To get my hands on these US-only releases, I use comGateway. They provide me with a tax-free us address based in Oregon, which is a major win because it means I don't pay any US sales tax on my Merit order. Once my package arrives at their warehouse, I arrange for the Italy delivery.

I have found this to be the most reliable freight forwarder strategy for my beauty hauls. It allows me to shop like a US resident and consolidate multiple orders into one box to save on international transit fees. If you are curious about the logistics, you can check their FAQ for general details on how the process works.

Bypassing US store credit card blocks

One of the biggest hurdles I faced when I first started shopping from the US was the dreaded order cancellation. Many high-end US retailers, including Sephora and sometimes Merit's own site, have a habit of declining transactions made with international credit cards or orders sent to known shipping hubs. I have had several orders flagged and cancelled simply because my billing address is in Italy.

I solved this by using the BuyForMe service. This is essentially proxy shopping where the comGateway team buys the product on my behalf using a US-issued domestic card. It is the safest way I have found to guarantee my order goes through without a hitch. If you are struggling with a store that won't accept your payment, I highly recommend using this assisted purchase option to avoid the frustration of empty-handed wait times.

Estimating my total costs

Before I commit to a purchase, I make it a habit to use the shipping calculator. I enter the weight of a few lipsticks and the dimensions of a standard beauty mailer to estimate shipping cost to my home in Italy. This prevents any surprises when the final invoice arrives. Because the Merit lipsticks are so lightweight, the cost is usually quite reasonable, especially if I am already shipping a larger haul of US goods.

Handling Italian import duties

When shipping to Italy, we have to deal with the Agenzia delle Dogane. I always factor in import tax and VAT into my budget. Since 2021, all commercial goods entering the EU are subject to VAT, regardless of value. I find it helpful to read up on import duties to understand the current thresholds for 2026. Usually, for a small cosmetic order, the process is straightforward, but being informed helps me manage my expectations regarding the total landed cost of my Merit matte lipstick.

I have found that the slight extra effort of using a forwarder is worth it to own a product that won't be on Italian shelves for months, if ever. My makeup routine has never looked better, and I didn't have to wait for a European launch that might never happen.