Why I stopped waiting for Rare Beauty restocks in Malaysia and went straight to the US in 2026

March 20, 2026

The Xiaohongshu effect on Rare Beauty

I was scrolling through Xiaohongshu last week and noticed that my entire feed was flooded with the Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Luminous Powder Blush. If you have been following us trends lately, you know that Selena Gomez’s brand continues to dominate the beauty space. This specific blush-highlighter hybrid has become the most talked-about item in the Asian beauty community, but there is a major problem: it is almost impossible to find in Malaysia. Check our guide on Rare Beauty Luminous Blush restocks in Malaysia vs US Sephora inventory: Is the wait worth it?

Why I stopped waiting for Rare Beauty restocks in Malaysia and went straight to the US in 2026
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Why this hybrid blush is special

I personally love that this isn't just a standard powder blush. It combines the pigment of the famous liquid blush with the glow of a highlighter. In 2026, the trend has shifted toward that "glass skin" look, and this product provides exactly that without looking glittery. I found that the shade range at US Sephora is much more extensive than what we get locally, which is why I decided to look across the ocean to get my hands on the more unique shades like 'Joy' and 'Hope'.

The Malaysia stock struggle

I used to think that I just had to be patient and wait for Sephora Malaysia to restock. However, after months of seeing "Out of Stock" labels, I realized that the inventory levels in Asia are much lower than in the United States. Many of us assume that shipping from the US will be too complicated or that our orders will just get cancelled, but I found out that isn't necessarily the case if you use the right tools. You might also like to read more: Securing the Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Luminous Blush from US retailers to bypass Malaysian price hikes.

How I buy from US stores directly

When I want to shop us store sites, I use a freight forwarder to provide me with a tax-free us address. This is a game-changer because it allows me to shop at Sephora US or the Rare Beauty official site as if I were living in Oregon. It helps avoid those pesky US sales taxes that can add up when you are buying multiple shades. Once the items arrive at my US address, I can forward packages straight to my doorstep in Kuala Lumpur.

The BuyForMe solution for difficult retailers

One of the biggest hurdles I faced initially was my credit card. We often run into a wall where US stores like Sephora, Nike, or Apple block international credit cards. I’ve had my fair share of cancelled orders because the retailer didn't like my Malaysian billing address or they flagged my order for using a parcel forwarding service. This is where I found the most reliable solution.

I started using the BuyForMe (Assisted Purchase) service provided by comGateway. The process is simple: I tell them what I want to buy, and they purchase the item on my behalf using a US domestic credit card. This is the safest way to guarantee that my order doesn't get cancelled by strict retailers. If you have ever been frustrated by a "Payment Declined" email from a US shop, this service is exactly what you need to bypass those regional restrictions.

My experience shipping to Malaysia

Once my Rare Beauty haul arrived at the warehouse, I used the shipping calculator to estimate shipping cost before committing to the final shipment. I was pleasantly surprised to find that consolidating a few items made the shipping quite affordable. I also checked their FAQ and support center to make sure I wasn't shipping anything restricted, though makeup is generally very easy to clear through customs.

Costs and import tips

In Malaysia, we have a de minimis value for imports. As of 2026, I always make sure my total order value (including shipping) stays within a reasonable limit to manage any potential SST or import duties. Even with the shipping fees, I found that I was paying less than what resellers on local marketplaces were charging for these "rare" items. Check out this read more: Importing Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Luminous Powder Blush 2026 shades to Malaysia for less.

Feature US Sephora (via comGateway) Local Resellers
Stock Availability High (Full shade range) Very Low (Limited shades)
Price Guarantee Retail Price Highly Marked Up
Authenticity 100% Guaranteed Uncertain

If you are tired of refreshing your browser waiting for a restock that never comes, I highly recommend looking into package forwarding. It has completely changed how I build my makeup collection. Instead of settling for whatever is left on the shelves in Malaysia, I can now access popular products the moment they launch in the US. My Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Luminous Powder Blush arrived in perfect condition, and the glow is absolutely worth the extra step.

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