Sephora US often blocks Japanese credit cards for Summer Fridays Iced Coffee orders
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The reason Summer Fridays Iced Coffee is viral right now
If you have spent any time on social media lately, you have probably seen the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm in the limited Iced Coffee shade. It has become a staple for anyone wanting that perfect sheer cocoa tint with a scent that smells exactly like a morning latte. While other shades are often available, Iced Coffee has been consistently sold out across the Middle East and parts of Asia, leaving fans in Japan looking toward the United States to find stock.
The balm is loved for its vegan formula and the way it provides a high-shine finish without being sticky. In 2026, the demand for this specific aesthetic remains high. Since local retailers in Tokyo or Osaka rarely carry the full line, many shoppers try to shop US store websites directly to get the best price and guaranteed authenticity.
The difficulty of buying from US Sephora in Japan
Trying to order from Sephora US while living in Japan presents a hidden barrier that many do not expect. Even if you use a tax-free US address provided by a freight forwarder, Sephora has very strict security filters. These filters often flag and cancel orders that use credit cards issued outside of the United States. Many shoppers in Japan find that their transactions are declined immediately or cancelled within minutes of placing them.
This happens because many US retailers prefer domestic payment methods to prevent fraud. It creates a frustrating loop where you see the item is in stock, you have the funds, but you simply cannot complete the purchase. This is where understanding how it works when using a proxy service becomes essential for international beauty enthusiasts.
How the BuyForMe service solves checkout errors
To get around the issue of blocked international credit cards, comGateway offers the "BuyForMe" service. This is an assisted purchase program where a dedicated team in the US buys the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm on your behalf using a US domestic credit card. This effectively removes the risk of your order being cancelled by Sephora or other strict retailers like Nike or Apple.
By using this service, you ensure that the store sees a local transaction. Once the Iced Coffee balm arrives at the warehouse, it is processed and ready for shipment to your home in Japan. This is the most reliable way to secure high-demand items that are prone to cancellation. You can easily estimate shipping cost totals before you start to see if the service fits your budget.
Shipping estimates for your lip balm
When planning your purchase, it helps to know the logistics involved. Cosmetics are generally small, but shipping costs are determined by the weight and size of the parcel provided by the retailer.
| Metric | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Box Weight | Approx. 0.15 kg to 0.3 kg (including Sephora packaging) |
| Box Dimensions | Small (typically a 15x10x5 cm box or padded mailer) |
| Volumetric Warning | Low. This item is compact and will not trigger high volumetric rates. |
| Battery Check | No. This item does not contain lithium batteries and follows standard shipping rules. |
Because the item is so light, it is often a good idea to group it with other purchases. You might also like to check our guide on prohibited items to see what else you can safely add to your package to maximize your shipping value.
Importing cosmetics to Japan in 2026
Japan has specific regulations regarding the import of cosmetics. Generally, an individual is allowed to import up to 24 pieces of a single cosmetic item for personal use without needing a special license. Since you are likely only buying a few tubes of the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm, you should not face any issues with customs clearance.
However, you should keep an eye on the total value of your shipment. When the value exceeds a certain threshold, you may be required to pay import tax or import duties. You can find more details on these thresholds in our section on import duties. Staying informed about these rules ensures that your viral lip balm arrives at your door in Japan without any unexpected delays or fees at the border.
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