Why I decided to source my Summer Fridays Birthday Cake balm from the US instead of waiting for a New Zealand restock

The Birthday Cake balm hype in 2026

It is March 2026, and my social media feed is still dominated by one specific item: the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm in Birthday Cake. This limited-edition scent became a viral sensation in Thailand earlier this year, and the craze quickly spread to us here in New Zealand. The problem? Finding a tube in Auckland or Wellington is nearly impossible without paying a 300% markup to a reseller.

Start Your Buy For Me Request for Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm (Birthday Cake Edition)

Merchant Summer Fridays Sephora US Kohl's

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I noticed that while local shelves are empty, US-based retailers tend to restock this specific edition more frequently. Even with the distance, the base price in the US is significantly lower than what we see in our specialty beauty boutiques. I wanted that perfect shimmer and scent without the local price tag, so I looked into alternatives to get my hands on it directly from the source.

Why I shop from US stores for my beauty fix

When I compared the costs, the math made sense. Buying from a US store allows me to access the full Summer Fridays range, not just the limited selection we get locally. I often use comGateway to facilitate these purchases because it gives me access to a tax-free us address in Oregon. This means I don't pay US sales tax on my order, which helps offset the cost of sending it across the Pacific.

I’ve found that many US retailers offer exclusive bundles or "gift with purchase" deals that never make it to New Zealand shores. By choosing to shop us store directly, I’m getting the freshest stock and the best possible price point.

My experience using a freight forwarder for New Zealand delivery

Since most US beauty retailers don't offer direct shipping to New Zealand—or if they do, the rates are astronomical—I rely on a freight forwarder. This process is much simpler than I initially thought. I simply send my packages to my US warehouse address, and they handle the rest.

Before I commit to a purchase, I always use the shipping calculator to estimate shipping cost. It helps me decide if I should buy just one lip balm or if I should add a few more items to my cart to make the international shipping more cost-effective. Consolidating multiple items into one box is my favorite way to save on the total delivery fee.

The secret to getting past US store payment blocks

One major hurdle I encountered when I first started shopping abroad was "The Wall." Many popular US stores, including Sephora and occasionally the official Summer Fridays site, are notorious for declining orders that use international credit cards or are addressed to known shipping hubs. It is incredibly frustrating to see a "cancelled" notification minutes after placing an order.

We found the solution through the BuyForMe service. This is an assisted purchase program where the team at comGateway actually buys the item on my behalf using a US domestic credit card. I just provide them with the URL and the product details, and they handle the transaction. This proxy shopping method is the safest way to guarantee my order doesn't get cancelled by strict US merchant systems. It takes the stress out of wondering if my NZ debit card will be accepted or if my order will be flagged as "fraudulent" just because I'm shopping from abroad.

A note on New Zealand import tax and costs

When I bring goods into New Zealand, I have to be mindful of the local regulations. In 2026, GST is still a factor for most overseas purchases. However, because the Lip Butter Balm is a relatively low-value item, the import tax and duties are often manageable, especially if the total shipment value stays under the current de minimis threshold for duty. I always check the FAQ on the support site to see if there are updated alerts regarding New Zealand customs regulations to avoid any surprises at the border.

My step-by-step guide to ordering

If you want to follow my lead and grab your own Birthday Cake balm, here is the how it works breakdown of my process:

• First, I sign up to get my unique US shipping address.
• I search for the Birthday Cake edition on US sites like Sephora, Kohls, or the official Summer Fridays webstore.
• If the store blocks my NZ card, I immediately use the BuyForMe service to ensure the purchase goes through.
• Once the item arrives at the warehouse, I am notified and can choose my preferred international shipping service.
• I usually opt for a reliable carrier to ensure my package arrives at my door in New Zealand within a week.

Following this step-by-step guide has made my 2026 beauty hauls much more successful. I no longer have to wait for local stores to decide if they want to stock the viral trends I see online. I simply use a reliable international shipping partner and get what I want, when I want it.