Why am I paying Belgian markups for Merit Great Skin when US bundles are cheaper?

My take on the Merit Great Skin hype in 2026

I have seen the 'clean girl' aesthetic evolve over the last few years, and in 2026, the Merit Great Skin Priming Moisturizer has become the undisputed centerpiece of that look. I noticed it was one of the top us trends early this year, and for good reason. It’s not just a moisturizer; it’s a lightweight, glow-inducing base that makes my foundation look like actual skin. My experience with it has been nothing short of transformative for my morning routine.

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We often see beauty brands launch in the US months or even years before they establish a proper presence in Europe. Even now, finding Merit in local Belgian shops is nearly impossible, and the few boutiques that carry it often have limited stock. I decided that waiting for a local launch was a waste of time when I could just go straight to the source.

The price gap between the US and Belgian markets

I did the math, and the pricing difference is staggering. Merit’s US storefront offers bundles that simply don't exist here. For example, I wanted to buy the 'Great Skin' set which includes the serum and the moisturizer. In the US, this bundle is priced significantly lower than buying the items individually. When I tried to find similar deals on European reseller sites, I found that the individual prices were marked up by almost 30%.

I realized that even with shipping costs, I was saving money by purchasing directly from the US. I use comGateway to facilitate this. By using a tax-free us address, I avoid the local US sales tax at the point of purchase, which keeps the initial cost as low as possible before it even starts its journey to Belgium.

The reason your credit card keeps getting declined at US stores

I ran into a major wall when I first tried to check out. I had my Merit Great Skin Priming Moisturizer in my cart at a major US retailer, but my Belgian credit card was declined instantly. This is a common problem we face in Belgium. Many high-end US stores, including Sephora, Nike, and Apple, have strict security protocols that block international credit cards or flag orders sent to known package forwarders.

I found the solution through comGateway's "BuyForMe" service. Instead of me struggling with my own card, I let them handle the purchase on my behalf. Here is how I did it: I provided the product link and details to their team, and they used a US domestic card to buy the item. This is the safest way to guarantee my order doesn't get cancelled by the store's fraud filters. If you are tired of seeing that 'Order Cancelled' email, this service is the only way to go for difficult US storefronts.

How I got my Merit bundle delivered to Belgium

After my order arrived at my US address, I had to decide on the best way to get it to my door in Brussels. I went to the shipping calculator to estimate shipping cost before committing. I like that I can see the weight-based fees upfront so there are no surprises.

I recommend checking the international shipping rates frequently because they can fluctuate based on the carrier you choose. I usually opt for DHL or FedEx for my beauty hauls because I want my liquids to arrive quickly and safely. My Merit moisturizer arrived in less than a week, perfectly packaged and ready to use.

Calculating the total cost to Antwerp or Brussels

We cannot talk about US shopping without mentioning the financial side of imports. I always make sure to factor in import duties and VAT when I'm budgeting for a haul. Belgium has specific thresholds for customs tax, and it is vital to know these before your package hits the border. Check our guide on import tax to see how these fees are calculated for 2026.

I found that even after paying the Belgian VAT, the total cost for the Merit bundle was still lower than what I would have paid to a third-party reseller in the EU. Plus, I had the peace of mind knowing I had a fresh, authentic product directly from the brand.

What I checked on the prohibited items list

Before I ship any skincare or cosmetics, I always double-check the prohibited items list. While a moisturizer is generally safe, some beauty products like aerosols or high-alcohol perfumes are considered restricted goods. I made sure my Merit Great Skin Priming Moisturizer didn't fall into any of these categories. It's a simple cream-based product, so it passed through international shipping without any issues. If you are ever unsure about a specific ingredient, I suggest contacting customer support before you buy.