The must-knows for grabbing the Summer Fridays Iced Coffee balm from the US while living in Japan

February 08, 2026
The must-knows for grabbing the Summer Fridays Iced Coffee balm from the US while living in Japan

Why I am obsessed with the Iced Coffee trend

I have been watching the hype around Summer Fridays for a long time, but their new seasonal flavor, Iced Coffee, really caught my eye this February 2026. It is one of those US-exclusive drops that makes everyone else feel a bit of FOMO. While there are sometimes local sellers in Asia, I found that the markup can be as high as 50%. I would much rather buy directly from the source to ensure I am getting the real deal at the right price.

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I always keep an eye on popular products and latest US trends to see which shades are going viral. The Iced Coffee balm is perfect for that neutral, caffeinated aesthetic we all love. Since it is currently a US-first release, I decided to take matters into my own hands and shop like a local.

My experience shopping US stores from Japan

When I first tried to shop US store sites from my home in Tokyo, I realized it is not always as simple as entering a Japanese address. Many of these brands do not offer direct ship to Japan options, or if they do, the shipping fees are astronomical. That is why I started using a freight forwarder to get a tax-free US address in Oregon.

By sending my Summer Fridays order to a US warehouse first, I can often save on the initial sales tax and then consolidate it with other goodies I want. If you are curious about the process, there is a great step-by-step guide that explains the workflow of getting your own US address.

How I bypass credit card blocks with BuyForMe

I have run into a frustrating problem before where stores like Sephora or the official Summer Fridays site sometimes decline my Japanese credit card. It is a common issue because some US retailers block international payment methods or refuse to ship to addresses they flag as forwarders. I used to get so annoyed when my order was cancelled five minutes after placing it.

We found a solution through the comGateway BuyForMe service. Basically, I tell them what I want, and they buy it on my behalf using a US domestic credit card. It is the safest way I have found to guarantee an order goes through without those annoying automated cancellations. If you are struggling with a store that won't accept your card, this service is a lifesaver for getting those exclusive drops.

Shipping estimates for your Lip Butter Balm

Since the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm is quite small, I want to share what I found regarding logistics. It is always a good idea to check a shipping calculator before you buy, but here are my estimates for this specific item.

Metric Details
Box Weight Approx. 0.3 lbs to 0.5 lbs (including packaging)
Box Dimensions Small (typically a padded mailer or a 6x4x4 inch box)
Volumetric Warning Low risk. This item is dense and small, so you won't be overcharged for space.
Battery Check No lithium batteries. This is a standard cosmetic item.

I usually wait until I have a few items ready at the warehouse. Since international shipping rates can be higher for a single tiny tube, I like to group my lip balm with a few other skincare picks to make the most of the base shipping fee.

My step-by-step for using a package forwarder

I have refined my process for 2026 to make sure I am getting the best deal on Japan delivery. First, I secure my Iced Coffee balm using my US address. Once it arrives at the warehouse, I check my account to see the actual weight. I then use the estimate shipping cost tool to see which courier offers the best speed for my budget.

One thing I love about this method is that I am not limited to what is available in the local drugstores here in Japan. I can access the full US inventory. If you are worried about international shipping being too complex, just follow the how it works section on the site—it is much more intuitive than it looks at first glance.

Final tips for my fellow Japan-based beauty fans

I think the Summer Fridays Iced Coffee Lip Butter Balm is a must-have for 2026, especially if you love that warm, cozy scent profile. Shopping from the US is my favorite way to stay ahead of the local market and avoid those steep reseller prices. Just remember to use a reliable service to handle your buy from US ship to Japan needs, and don't be afraid to use BuyForMe if the shop gives you any trouble with your payment. Happy shopping!

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