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Why Rare Beauty is Still "The Moment" in 2026
It’s January 2026, and if you thought the Rare Beauty hype would have died down by now, you’d be mistaken. Selena Gomez’s brand continues to dominate the global beauty scene, not just because of the celebrity name attached to it, but because the products actually deliver. From the iconic Soft Pinch Liquid Blush to the latest 2026 skin-tint innovations, Rare Beauty has maintained its status as a must-have in every makeup bag.
For those of us in New Zealand, however, getting our hands on the full range—especially the limited-edition kits and US-exclusive shades—can still feel like a mission. Whether it’s local stockouts or inflated prices, the "standard" way of buying makeup often feels like too much work.
The Struggle for Kiwi Beauty Lovers
While some local retailers carry a curated selection, they often miss out on the massive seasonal drops or the specialized shades that go viral on social media. Furthermore, the price conversion and "New Zealand tax" often mean you’re paying significantly more than shoppers in the United States. If you are looking for a specific shade of the viral blush, Read more: How to Get Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in New Zealand Without Overpaying.
The Lazy Shortcut: Shopping US Stores Directly
The secret to being a "lazy" but smart shopper is going straight to the source. Shopping at Sephora US or the official Rare Beauty website gives you access to the entire 2026 catalog, including sales that never reach our shores. But how do you get a US store to ship to your doorstep in Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch when they don't offer international shipping?
The answer is simple: use a reliable package forwarder like comGateway. This service provides you with a US-based shipping address that you can use at checkout. They receive your packages and then fly them straight to New Zealand.
How to Use a Package Forwarder
Setting this up takes less than five minutes—perfect for the lazy shopper. Once you register with comGateway, you get a tax-free Oregon address. Oregon is a "no sales tax" state, which means you save an extra 7% to 10% on your purchase right off the bat. You simply enter this address as your shipping destination on the Rare Beauty website, and you’re halfway there.
Estimating Your Costs Without the Math
One of the biggest hurdles to international shopping is the fear of hidden fees. No one wants to be surprised by a massive bill once the package arrives. To keep things effortless, you should use a shipping calculator to get an instant estimate of what you’ll pay for the journey from the US to NZ.
By checking the international shipping rates beforehand, you can decide whether to ship one item or wait and consolidate multiple orders into one box to save even more. Consolidation is the ultimate pro-tip for the lazy shopper who wants the best value for the least effort.
Navigating NZ Customs and Restrictions
Before you go on a 2026 shopping spree, it is important to know what can and cannot enter New Zealand. While most makeup is perfectly fine, certain items like high-alcohol perfumes or pressurized aerosols can sometimes be flagged as prohibited items or restricted goods. Read more: Read This Before You Buy Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in New Zealand to ensure your specific products are safe to ship.
Regarding GST: Remember that for goods valued under NZ$1,000, the GST is often collected at the point of sale or by the forwarder, making the customs clearance process virtually invisible to you. It’s all part of the seamless, lazy-friendly experience.
The Ultimate Hack: BuyForMe Service
Sometimes, US stores can be picky about accepting New Zealand credit cards. If you find your order getting cancelled or the checkout process too frustrating, don't give up. You can use the BuyForMe service (also known as an assisted purchase). You simply tell the experts what you want, and they buy it on your behalf using a US payment method. It’s the ultimate "set it and forget it" way to shop.
Shopping for Rare Beauty in 2026 shouldn't be a chore. By using a package forwarder and these simple digital tools, you can have the best of US beauty delivered to your New Zealand home while you sit back and relax. Happy shopping!
