Table of Contents
See more about shipping to China
The logic behind the Summer Fridays obsession
I used to wonder why my social media feed was constantly flooded with the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm. It seemed like just another lip product until I realized the scarcity factor. In 2026, the 'Birthday Cake' flavor has become a legend of its own. Because it is a limited edition and often exclusive to the US market, it sells out in minutes in places like the UK or Australia, leaving those of us in China with very few options. I realized that the only way to guarantee I got my hands on one was to go straight to the source: the US website.
My experience taught me that the allure isn't just the scent or the holographic shimmer; it's the difficulty of acquisition. When I finally decided to buy it, I knew I couldn't just rely on standard retail channels. I needed a reliable shop us ship international strategy to make it work.
How I use a freight forwarder for US exclusives
Since Summer Fridays doesn't ship directly to my doorstep in Shanghai, I had to find a workaround. I've found that using a freight forwarder is the most efficient method. By using a tax-free us address, I avoid paying US sales tax, which helps offset some of the costs of moving the package across the ocean. I simply ship my order to the warehouse in Oregon, and they handle the rest of the journey for me.
I always recommend checking the international shipping rates before you commit to a purchase. Even for a small item like a lip balm, knowing the base fees helps me decide if I should add a few more items to my shipment to maximize the value of the international shipping fee.
Shipping Estimates for Lip Butter Balms
If you are planning to grab the Birthday Cake balm or the new Iced Coffee flavor, here is my personal estimate of what you are looking at for logistics:
- Box Weight: Approx. 0.3 lbs (0.15 kg). The balm itself is light, but the protective mailer adds a bit of weight.
- Box Dimensions: Very Small. Usually around 6 x 4 x 2 inches.
- Volumetric Warning: You don't need to worry about volumetric weight here. This item is dense and small, so you will likely be charged based on actual weight.
- Battery Check: This product contains no lithium batteries. You can ship it without worrying about the strict regulations often found on the prohibited items list for air travel.
Beating cancelled orders with proxy shopping
One of the biggest hurdles I faced when I first started shopping from US stores like Sephora or the official Summer Fridays site was the "Cancelled Order" email. Many US retailers are notorious for blocking international credit cards or flagging addresses associated with forwarders. It can be incredibly frustrating to see a limited edition item in your cart only to have the transaction fail.
I solved this by using the buy for me usa service. With this proxy shopping option, I just tell comGateway what I want, and they use a US domestic credit card to purchase the item on my behalf. It is essentially a guaranteed way to ensure the order goes through. For high-demand drops like Birthday Cake, this service is the safest way to make sure I don't miss out while the stock evaporates.
What I learned about import tax in China
Shipping to China requires a bit of planning regarding customs. I always make sure to use a shipping calculator to get an idea of the total landed cost. In China, cosmetics are categorized specifically by the General Administration of Customs. If the value of your package is under the 1,000 RMB threshold for personal use, the process is usually smooth, but you will still need to account for the potential import tax.
I have found that shipping a single lip balm can be expensive on its own, so I usually wait until I have three or four items to ship together. This spreads the cost of the freight forwarder across multiple products, making the "Birthday Cake" treat feel a lot more reasonable. If you're curious about other items that might be restricted, check our guide on restricted goods to ensure your entire haul is safe for transit.
By following this logic, I've managed to keep my collection updated with the latest US trends without ever leaving my home. It takes a bit of patience, but when that package finally arrives, the quality of the product makes every step of the logistics chain worth it.
