The reality of the 2026 Rare Beauty Ulta expansion
As of February 1, 2026, the beauty landscape shifted when Rare Beauty officially expanded its footprint within Ulta Beauty stores. While New Zealand fans have long relied on local retailers, the Ulta launch introduced a variety of "Ulta-only" bundles and fresh 2026 shades that haven't hit the shelves in Auckland or Wellington. The pigment in these blushes lasts longer than a long-haul flight from LAX to AKL, making them a must-have for any serious collector.
See more about shipping to New Zealand
Why the exclusive sets are causing a stir
The hype surrounding the Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush (Ulta Exclusive Sets) isn't just about the branding. These sets often include travel-sized versions of the viral liquid blush paired with exclusive 2026 lip oils or highlighters that aren't sold individually. For those in New Zealand, getting these exclusives means having access to the newest formulations before they are eventually phased into international markets months later. Using a us package forwarding service allows you to shop these launches in real-time alongside US customers.
The myth of the impossible US beauty haul
A common misconception in the Kiwi beauty community is that shipping liquid cosmetics from the US is either prohibited or prohibitively expensive. In reality, modern logistics make international shipping for cosmetics quite straightforward. While Ulta itself does not ship directly to New Zealand addresses, using a freight forwarder provides you with a tax-free us address to receive your goods before they are sent to your doorstep.
Shipping Estimates for your Rare Beauty haul
To help you plan your budget, here is a breakdown of what to expect when shipping these specific beauty items to New Zealand. You can always get a more precise figure by using the shipping calculator.
| Metric | Estimate for Rare Beauty Sets |
|---|---|
| Box Weight | Approx. 0.5 kg (1.1 lbs) for 2-3 sets |
| Box Dimensions | Small (Approx. 15cm x 10cm x 5cm) |
| Volumetric Warning | Low. These items are dense and small, so you won't be overcharged for "air space." |
| Battery Check | None. These products do not contain lithium batteries. |
How to get these sets to New Zealand
The process is simpler than most people think. First, you need a US-based address. By signing up with comGateway, you receive a dedicated suite number in a tax-free state like Oregon. This means you avoid paying US sales tax at the Ulta checkout, which can save you up to 10% immediately. If you want to maximize your savings, looking into Prime membership benefits can offer reduced shipping rates and faster processing times.
Once your Rare Beauty sets arrive at your US address, you can manage the shipping from US to New Zealand through your online portal. For those who find US checkout systems difficult to use with international credit cards, a proxy shopping service can buy the items on your behalf. You can find a step-by-step guide on how to set this up on the provider's website.
Import regulations for New Zealand shoppers
When bringing beauty products into New Zealand, the most important factor is the GST. Currently, for low-value goods (under $1,000 NZD), the 15% GST is often collected at the point of sale by large retailers or through the parcel forwarding service. Rare Beauty blushes are not restricted items, but it is always wise to keep your total haul under the $1,000 threshold to avoid additional customs entry fees and complexity at the border. By consolidating multiple Ulta orders into one shipment, you can make the most of your international shipping service fees.
