US Retail vs Netherlands Scarcity: Is international shipping the only way to get Summer Fridays Birthday Cake?

March 29, 2026

The Viral Hype of Birthday Cake Lip Butter Balm

As of March 29, 2026, the beauty world is fixated on one specific item: the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm in Birthday Cake. This limited-edition anniversary scent has become a staple in TikTok 'Get Ready With Me' (GRWM) videos, praised for its nostalgic scent and high-shine finish. However, for those living in the Netherlands, finding it at local retailers like SpaceNK or Sephora EU has become nearly impossible. The demand has far outstripped the local supply, leading to a surge in interest for [us trends](https://www.comgateway.com/trends/) that offer a way to bypass local stockouts.

US Retail vs Netherlands Scarcity: Is international shipping the only way to get Summer Fridays Birthday Cake?
Start Your Buy For Me Request for Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm (Birthday Cake)
Merchant Summer Fridays Sephora US Kohl's
EST Service Fee: $2.4 $1.2
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Plus, get 10% OFF international shipping on your first shipment.

US Retail vs Netherlands Scarcity: The Price Gap

When comparing the cost of purchasing this balm locally versus through a freight forwarder, the price gap is startling. In the US, the balm retails for approximately $24. Meanwhile, on European resale platforms or niche boutiques that manage to get stock, prices are often inflated by 50% or more. Because the item is so light, the cost-effectiveness of [international shipping](https://www.comgateway.com/international-shipping/) becomes clear, especially when you [shop us store](https://www.comgateway.com) sales that aren't available to the Dutch market.

Shipping Estimates and Package Details

To help you calculate your total landed cost, here are the estimated specifications for a single tube of Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm (Birthday Cake):

  • Box Weight: Approx. 0.15 kg to 0.2 kg (0.4 lbs) when packed in a standard shipping mailer.
  • Box Dimensions: Very Small (Approx. 15cm x 10cm x 5cm). This is a compact item that takes up minimal space.
  • Volumetric Warning: Because this item is extremely light and small, it is highly unlikely to trigger volumetric weight charges. However, if you are buying multiple units or adding larger items to your order, use the [shipping calculator](https://www.comgateway.com/calculator/) to ensure your package remains economical.
  • Battery Check: This item contains no lithium batteries or electronic components. It is safe for standard air travel without special dangerous goods handling fees.

Securing Your Balm from US Stores

Since many US retailers do not offer direct [Netherlands delivery](https://www.comgateway.com/destinations/NL/), savvy shoppers are turning to a freight forwarder to bridge the gap. By using a [tax-free us address](https://www.comgateway.com), you can purchase the Birthday Cake balm from Sephora US or the official Summer Fridays website as if you were a local resident. If you find that your Dutch credit card is being declined at checkout, you can utilize a proxy shopping service (often called "Buy For Me") where the forwarder handles the transaction on your behalf.

Managing Import Tax for Netherlands Delivery

When your package arrives in the Netherlands, it will be subject to local import tax and VAT (BTW). Currently, in 2026, all goods imported from outside the EU are subject to VAT regardless of value. To keep your costs predictable, it is often better to consolidate this viral lip balm with other [popular products](https://www.comgateway.com/trends/) you've been eyeing. Using a [parcel forwarding service](https://www.comgateway.com/freight-forwarder/) to combine multiple US orders into one box can significantly reduce the per-item shipping cost, making the international journey for a single lip balm much more justifiable.

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