My skin looks like a million bucks but my Prequel Skin haul cost less than a HK brunch

February 17, 2026

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My skin looks like a million bucks but my Prequel Skin haul cost less than a HK brunch
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Why I am obsessed with the Prequel Skin hype

I recently fell down a TikTok rabbit hole and emerged with a desperate need for the Prequel Skin Lucent-C Vitamin C Serum. If you spend any time on the skincare side of social media in 2026, you have seen this bottle everywhere. It is the definition of 'derm-core'—products that look clinical, act powerful, but do not cost as much as a monthly gym membership. I kept seeing creators compare its 15% L-Ascorbic Acid formula to luxury serums that cost five times as much. As someone living in Hong Kong, I am used to paying a premium for imported beauty, but I decided I was done with the local markups. I wanted that US-exclusive glow without the flight to New York.

I always keep an eye on the latest us trends to see what is worth the international effort. Prequel Skin stood out because it is not just hype; the science behind the 15% concentration and the inclusion of Ferulic Acid and Ergothioneine makes it a powerhouse for brightening. I knew I had to get my hands on it, even if the brand does not ship directly to my doorstep in HK.

The price gap that makes my wallet sing

The price difference is honestly laughable. In Hong Kong, if I want a stable, high-potency Vitamin C serum from a reputable 'clinical' brand, I am looking at spending anywhere from HK$800 to HK$1,500 at high-end pharmacies or department stores. Prequel Skin Lucent-C retails in the US for around US$22. Even with the cost of shipping, I am still saving a small fortune. I calculated that I could buy three bottles of Prequel, pay for a international shipping service, and still spend less than I would on a single bottle of a comparable luxury brand here in Central.

My shipping estimates for Hong Kong

I know many of you worry about the logistics of shipping liquids from the US. I did some digging to help you out. When I plan my hauls, I always use a shipping calculator to stay ahead of the costs. Here is what I found for the Lucent-C serum:

  • Box Weight: The serum comes in a 30ml glass bottle. Including the product box and the outer shipping mailer, I estimate the weight to be approx. 0.6 lbs (0.27 kg).
  • Box Dimensions: It is a very small item. Expect a box around 6 x 4 x 4 inches if you are only buying one bottle.
  • Volumetric Warning: Since this item is small and dense, you do not need to worry about volumetric weight. It is not like a plush toy or a pillow where you pay for the 'air' in the box.
  • Battery Check: This product contains no lithium batteries, so you do not have to worry about any special dangerous goods surcharges or restrictions related to electronics.

I find that it is always better to bundle a few items together. Since the weight is so low, adding a second bottle or a cleanser hardly changes the shipping price, making the cost per item even lower.

How I handle US stores that reject my HK credit card

One hurdle I encountered is that some US-based skincare sites can be quite picky. I have had my fair share of 'Order Cancelled' emails because I tried to use my Hong Kong-issued credit card or because I used a shipping forwarder's address. It is incredibly frustrating when you just want to buy some serum and the store blocks you at the finish line.

This is where I started using the BuyForMe service. Instead of me fighting with the checkout page, I just tell comGateway what I want. They use a US domestic credit card to purchase the item on my behalf. It is an assisted purchase that basically guarantees the order goes through. If you are tired of your orders being declined, I highly recommend this proxy shopping route. It takes the stress out of the process, and I have found it to be the safest way to ensure my Prequel haul actually leaves the warehouse.

What I learned about HK import rules

One of the best things about living in Hong Kong is that we are a free port. Generally, we do not have to worry about import duties for personal shipments of skincare. Unlike my friends in Europe or the UK who get hit with massive VAT bills, my US hauls usually arrive without extra customs tax. However, it is always a good idea to check the prohibited items list just to be sure. While Vitamin C is perfectly fine, some specific medicated treatments might have different rules. For the Lucent-C serum, it is smooth sailing all the way to my mailbox.

My step-by-step to getting that glow

I have perfected my routine for these US hauls. First, I sign up for comGateway to get my very own **tax-free us address**. This is a huge win because it means I do not pay US sales tax when I shop online, which saves me another 7-10% right off the bat. Then, I head to the Prequel Skin website, fill my cart, and use my US address at checkout. If the store gives me any trouble with my payment, I switch to the assisted purchase option I mentioned earlier. Once the package hits my US suite, I get a notification, and I can ship it straight to Hong Kong. My skin is looking brighter already just thinking about it.

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