The method I use to ship Summer Fridays Iced Coffee and Birthday Cake balms to France
Why I am tracking down these specific Summer Fridays flavors
As of February 2026, the obsession with the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm in Iced Coffee and Birthday Cake hasn't slowed down. I noticed these specific limited editions are constantly sold out in Europe, or they are listed on resale sites for triple their actual value. These flavors became the gold standard for the 'clean girl' aesthetic, especially since the Iced Coffee shade provides the perfect neutral tint that is hard to find elsewhere.
I realized that buying directly from US retailers is the only way to get them at the retail price of $24. Even with the cost of international shipping, I still save a significant amount compared to buying from Parisian boutiques that hike the prices for imported stock.
Where I buy Summer Fridays in the US
I usually check the official Summer Fridays website first, followed by Sephora US or Kohls. These stores often restock the Iced Coffee and Birthday Cake flavors more frequently than their international counterparts. However, many of these US stores do not ship directly to my address in France, or if they do, the rates are astronomical.
To get around this, I use a tax-free US address provided by comGateway. This allows me to shop at US stores as if I were living there. When the store doesn't accept my French credit card, I utilize their proxy shopping service to have them purchase the items on my behalf.
My strategy using a freight forwarder
I prefer using a freight forwarder because it gives me control over the delivery. Once my lip balms arrive at my US address, I can choose when to ship them to France. If I am buying multiple balms or adding other US beauty brands to my order, I use the consolidation service to put everything in one box. This is the most effective way to lower the cost per item for international shipping.
I always use the shipping calculator before I place my order. It helps me decide if I should buy just two tubes or if I should add a few more items to make the base shipping rate more economical. You can also check the FAQ if you are unsure about how the storage and consolidation process works.
Estimated shipping specs for France
Since these lip balms are small, they are very easy to ship. Here are the estimates I use for my planning:
| Box Weight | Approx. 0.5 lbs (0.23 kg) for 2-3 tubes including packaging. |
| Box Dimensions | Small padded mailer or a 6x4x4 inch box. |
| Volumetric Warning | Low. These items are dense and small, so you won't be charged extra for large volume. |
| Battery Check | No lithium batteries. No special handling required for electronics. |
Handling French import tax and duties
When the package enters France, it is subject to local regulations. I always prepare for the import tax (VAT) which is typically 20% in France. Since the value of a few lip balms is relatively low, the process is usually quick, but it is a cost I always factor into my budget. For a detailed breakdown of how these fees are calculated, you might also like to check our guide on import duties.
I have found that using FedEx international shipping or DHL international shipping through my forwarder provides the most reliable tracking once the package hits French soil. They usually handle the customs clearance efficiently and send me a link to pay any outstanding VAT online.
Checking the prohibited items list
Before I ship beauty products, I always verify that they don't contain restricted liquids or aerosols. Lip balms are generally safe, but if you are adding perfumes or nail polishes to your US order, you must check the prohibited items list. Some flammable liquids are considered restricted goods and cannot be shipped internationally without special documentation. Luckily, the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm is a solid cream and faces no such issues.
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