The invisible wall between Italy and the Glossier Strawberry Balm Dotcom original formula

March 29, 2026

The 2026 Lanolin Comeback

I remember the collective heartbreak we all felt when Glossier moved away from their original formula. But as of March 2026, the brand finally listened to our pleas. The Strawberry Balm Dotcom has officially returned to its original lanolin-based glory. I noticed the hype immediately on social media because this specific 2026 restock isn't just about the scent; it's about that thick, nourishing texture that the vegan version simply couldn't replicate. My skin has always reacted better to the original formula, and the strawberry tint is the perfect sheer red for spring in Italy.

The invisible wall between Italy and the Glossier Strawberry Balm Dotcom original formula
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The shipping barrier facing Italy

There is a frustrating catch that I discovered the hard way. While the restock is live, it is currently a US-exclusive. When I tried to check out from my home in Rome, the website simply wouldn't let me proceed. This is the invisible wall many of us face in Europe—brands often launch their most anticipated products in North America months before they even consider a global rollout. We see the same thing happening in Spain and France, where beauty enthusiasts are scrambling to find a way to get their hands on the original formula without paying 500% markups on resale sites.

My method to shop the US store

I wasn't going to let a regional lock stop me from getting that strawberry tint. To get around this, I decided to shop US store options by using a package forwarding service. I set up a tax-free US address through comGateway, which allowed me to check out on the Glossier site just like a local customer. It was surprisingly simple; I just entered the warehouse address at checkout, and Glossier shipped my order there within a few days. If you are new to this, this step-by-step guide explains exactly how the process works from start to finish.

Shipping estimates for your haul

Before I placed my order, I wanted to make sure I wasn't going to be shocked by the delivery fees. I used a shipping calculator to get a rough idea of the costs. Since Balm Dotcom tubes are quite small, I actually bought three to make the journey worth it. Here is what I estimated for my package:

MetricEstimate
Box WeightApprox. 0.3 kg (0.6 lbs) for 3 tubes
Box DimensionsSmall (approx. 15x10x5 cm)
Volumetric WarningLow. This item is dense and small, so you likely won't be charged extra for volume.
Battery CheckNo lithium batteries. It is a standard cosmetic cream.

Because the item is so light, I recommend bundling it with other US-exclusive beauty finds to maximize your international shipping service value. My package was processed quickly once it arrived at the warehouse.

Importing to Italy without surprises

We all know that importing goods into Italy can be a bit of a headache with the Agenzia delle Dogane. When I used an international shipping provider, I made sure to account for the VAT (IVA) and potential handling fees. In 2026, the rules for small parcels are quite strict, so I always ensure my customs declaration is accurate. It is also a good idea to check the list of restricted goods before you add other items to your cart, though standard lip balms are perfectly fine for Italian import. My package arrived at my door in Milan about eight days after it left the US warehouse, and the original formula was worth every bit of effort.

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