Why I refused to pay triple for the Rhode Sorbet Lip Tint in Singapore

March 31, 2026

The Obsession with the Sorbet Edition

It is March 2026, and the beauty world is currently losing its mind over Hailey Bieber’s latest release: the Rhode Skin Peptide Lip Tint Spring 'Sorbet' Edition. If you have been on TikTok lately, you have probably seen the vibrant, semi-sheer shades of 'Peach Slush', 'Frozen Berry', and 'Citrus Squeeze' everywhere. These shades are designed to give that perfect 'popsickle-stained' look that is trending this season.

Why I refused to pay triple for the Rhode Sorbet Lip Tint in Singapore
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Living in Singapore, my excitement usually turns into frustration within seconds. Rhode Skin still does not offer direct shipping to our little red dot. Whenever a new drop happens, the items are snatched up by US customers within minutes, and within hours, they appear on local resale platforms like Carousell or Shopee at astronomical markups. I was tired of waiting for a local launch that never comes and even more tired of the idea of paying three times the retail price just to have a trendy lip balm in my bag.

The Price Gap: US Retail vs. Singapore Resellers

Let’s talk numbers because the difference is genuinely shocking. In the US, the Peptide Lip Tint retails for approximately $18 USD. Even with the 2026 exchange rates, that should only be around $24 to $26 SGD. However, if you look at local listings in Singapore for the limited edition Sorbet shades, prices are frequently hovering between $75 and $95 SGD.

I realized that even after paying for international shipping, I would still be saving a significant amount of money, especially if I bundled my order with a few friends or added other Rhode essentials like the Glazing Milk. The "Price Gap" is the main reason why I decided to take matters into my own hands. I wanted the authentic experience of buying from the official store without the middleman fee. To do this, I needed a tax-free US address to receive my goods before they were sent to me here in Singapore.

My Method for Scoring US Exclusives

Since I cannot ship directly to Singapore, I used a freight forwarder like comGateway. The process was much simpler than I expected. I signed up for an account and was immediately given a US shipping address located in a tax-free state. This is a huge win because it meant I didn't have to pay US sales tax on my Rhode order, which saved me even more money compared to shipping to an address in California or New York.

When the Sorbet Edition dropped on the Rhode website, I used my US address at checkout. Once the package arrived at the warehouse, I was notified and could manage the next steps. If you are new to this, here is a step-by-step guide on how it works. I also utilized their proxy shopping service, often called "Buy For Me," for a different order where the US store wouldn't accept my Singaporean credit card, though Rhode generally accepts international cards without much fuss.

Shipping Estimates for Your Beauty Haul

I know what you are thinking: "Is the shipping going to cost more than the lip tint?" It depends on how you ship, but for small beauty items, it is surprisingly affordable if you know what to expect. Before I committed, I used the shipping calculator to estimate shipping cost for my small box.

Metric Estimated Value
Box Weight Approx. 0.5 lbs to 0.8 lbs (0.23 kg - 0.36 kg) for 1-3 tubes
Box Dimensions Small (Approx. 6 x 4 x 2 inches)
Volumetric Warning Low. These items are dense and small; you won't be penalized for size.
Battery Check No lithium batteries contained.

I always recommend checking the international shipping rates to see which courier fits your budget. For my Rhode haul, I chose a standard FedEx international shipping option which arrived in about 5 days. Even with the shipping fee, my total cost per lip tint was still under $40 SGD—less than half of what the resellers were charging!

Understanding Import Tax and GST

One thing we have to stay mindful of in Singapore is the import tax. As of 2026, the GST rules for low-value goods (LVG) are well-established. When I imported my lip tints, I had to account for the prevailing GST on the total value of the goods plus shipping. It is always a good idea to check our guide on import duties and GST/VAT to ensure you aren't surprised by a bill at your doorstep.

Additionally, while cosmetics are generally fine, I always double-check the prohibited items list just in case I am tempted to add perfumes or aerosols to my shipment, as those have much stricter shipping rules due to their flammable nature. Thankfully, the Peptide Lip Tints are perfectly safe for international shipping.

My Final Tips for Singaporean Shoppers

My experience getting the Rhode Sorbet Edition taught me that you don't have to settle for local price gouging. By using a freight forwarder, I regained control over my beauty budget. If you are planning to haul the next Rhode drop, I suggest consolidating your items. You can shop from multiple US stores (like Sephora or Glossier) and have them all packed into one box to save on international shipping fees.

The 2026 'Sorbet' shades are beautiful, and they feel even better knowing I didn't pay $90 for a single tube. If you have been eyeing these US-exclusives, stop waiting for a local distributor that may never arrive. Start your own US shopping journey and get exactly what you want, when you want it.

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