The price of Summer Fridays Iced Matcha Lip Butter Balm in the US is much lower than what UAE resellers are charging
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The 2026 Matcha Fever
If you have been scrolling through social media lately, you have probably seen the light green aesthetic everywhere. The Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm in Iced Matcha is officially the most sought-after beauty item of the 2026 Spring season. This limited edition flavor has gone viral because it provides a perfect, sheer minty-green tint that neutralizes redness on the lips while smelling exactly like a fresh matcha latte.
The problem for those of us living in Dubai or Abu Dhabi is that this specific edition is a US exclusive. While Summer Fridays is available at some local retailers, the Iced Matcha drops are often restricted to the US market or sell out within minutes, leading to a massive secondary market with inflated prices.
UAE Reseller Prices vs US Retail
In the United States, the Lip Butter Balm retails for $24. At current 2026 exchange rates, that is roughly 88 AED. However, if you look at local UAE classifieds or boutique resellers, you will often see this exact same tube listed for 200 AED or even 250 AED. That is a 150% markup just for a lip balm.
Even when you factor in international shipping, buying directly from the US is significantly more cost-effective, especially if you are grabbing a few other beauty favorites at the same time. Many shoppers are realizing that using a freight forwarder to consolidate multiple orders is the most logical way to refresh their vanity without overspending.
Why buying from the US can be tricky
You might think you can just head to Sephora.com or the Summer Fridays official site and put in your UAE credit card. Unfortunately, it is rarely that simple. Many major US retailers, including Sephora, Nike, and Apple, have strict security filters. They often block international credit cards or automatically decline orders that are being sent to a known shipping warehouse address.
It is frustrating to see your order cancelled three minutes after placing it, especially when you are trying to snag a limited edition item like the Iced Matcha balm before it disappears. This is where a standard tax-free us address alone might not be enough to get the job done.
The BuyForMe solution for UAE shoppers
When a store refuses to accept your payment method, the comGateway BuyForMe service is the best workaround. This is an assisted purchase program where the comGateway team buys the item on your behalf using a US-issued domestic credit card.
Using proxy shopping ensures that your order is treated like any other domestic US purchase. This virtually eliminates the risk of your order being cancelled due to a foreign billing address. If you are serious about securing the Iced Matcha edition before it sells out for good, this is the safest way to guarantee your order goes through. You simply tell them what you want, and they handle the checkout process for you.
Getting your package to the United Arab Emirates
Once your balm arrives at your US address, you have full control over how it gets to you. For a small, lightweight item like a lip balm, it is usually best to wait and consolidate it with other purchases—perhaps some new spring fashion or tech gadgets—to save on the base shipping rate.
You can use the shipping calculator to see exactly how much it will cost to bring your haul home. Whether you prefer the speed of FedEx international shipping or the reliability of DHL international shipping, you can choose the carrier that fits your budget. Most United Arab Emirates delivery options take between 3 to 8 business days once the package leaves the warehouse.
Understanding UAE import tax and duties
When you buy from US ship to United Arab Emirates, you should be aware of the local customs regulations. As of 2026, the UAE continues to apply a 5% Value Added Tax (VAT) on most imported goods. If your total shipment value exceeds 1,000 AED, you may also be subject to an additional 5% import tax (customs duty).
Because the Summer Fridays balm is a low-value item, it is unlikely to trigger heavy duties on its own. However, always keep your total invoice value in mind when consolidating multiple items. Staying under the 1,000 AED threshold is a smart way to keep your international shipping costs as low as possible while still getting those exclusive US products delivered right to your door in Dubai.
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