Why the Summer Fridays Iced Tea balm isn't in Belgium and how I bought it anyway

May 12, 2026

Why I wanted the Summer Fridays Iced Tea balm

I saw the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm (Summer 2026 'Iced Tea' Edition) all over my social media feed in early May. While the brand is popular globally, this specific seasonal drop became a viral sensation on Japanese social media first. However, I noticed a problem: the version sold in US stores has a specific, deeper 'Iced Tea' tint that isn't available in local European boutiques or the smaller Japanese imports. I wanted that specific US pigment for my collection.

Why the Summer Fridays Iced Tea balm isn
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As someone who follows us trends closely, I knew this was going to sell out fast. The 2026 edition features a reformulated shea butter base that feels lighter than the 2025 version, making it perfect for the humid Belgian summer months I am expecting this year.

The hidden barrier for Belgian shoppers

My biggest frustration was that Summer Fridays often restricts their most exclusive tints to North American retailers like Sephora US or their own domestic website. When I checked local retailers in Brussels and Antwerp, they only carried the permanent collection. Shipping directly from US retailers to Belgium is either unavailable or prohibitively expensive, with shipping fees often costing more than the balm itself.

I also had to consider the risk of the package getting stuck. I always check the prohibited items list before ordering cosmetics, as some liquid-heavy beauty products have specific transport rules. Thankfully, lip balms are generally safe for air travel.

How I used a tax-free US address to shop

I decided to use comGateway to handle the logistics. By using a tax-free us address in Oregon, I avoided the US sales tax, which saved me a few dollars right at the start. I simply placed my order on the US website and set my delivery address to the warehouse provided by the freight forwarder.

I find this much easier than waiting for a local release that might never happen. Because I wanted to know exactly what I would pay, I used the shipping calculator to estimate the costs before I clicked buy. This prevented any surprises when the package reached the warehouse.

Shipping Estimates and Box Specifications

If you are planning to order this balm, you need to know what you are paying for in terms of weight and size. I have analyzed the package specs for the Summer 2026 'Iced Tea' Edition below.

Metric Estimate
Box Weight Approx. 0.5 lbs (0.22 kg) including protective bubble mailer.
Box Dimensions Small (Approx. 6 x 4 x 2 inches). It is a very compact item.
Volumetric Warning Low risk. The item is dense and small, so you will likely be charged by actual weight rather than size.
Battery Check No lithium batteries. No special hazardous material handling required.

My tip for Belgian buyers

Because the lip balm is so light, I recommend consolidating it with other items. Shipping a single 0.5 lb box to Belgium can be expensive on its own. I usually wait until I have three or four items at the warehouse before I ship them all together to maximize the value of the international shipping service.

My step-by-step guide to shipping to Belgium

I followed a simple process to get my balm. If you are new to this, here is how it works in practice:

  • I signed up for a free account to get my personal US shipping address.
  • I purchased the 'Iced Tea' balm from a US retailer using that address as my 'Ship To' location.
  • Once the warehouse received it, I was notified via email.
  • I chose my preferred courier for delivery to my home in Belgium.
  • I tracked the package through the dashboard until it arrived at my door.

If you get stuck at any point, I suggest looking at the FAQ section on their site, which covers most common issues with package tracking and warehouse holds.

What I learned about Belgian import taxes

When I ship to Belgium, I am always mindful of the 21% VAT. Since July 2021, all goods imported into the EU are subject to VAT regardless of value. For my lip balm, I had to pay the VAT and a small administrative fee to the courier. I prefer to shop us store items that are high-value or exclusive like this balm, as the extra tax is worth it for a product I cannot find in Europe.

I make sure my customs declaration is accurate. I listed the item clearly as "Cosmetic Lip Balm" to avoid delays with Belgian customs officials. Using a reliable international shipping provider makes this documentation process much smoother.

My verdict on the 2026 edition

The Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm in Iced Tea is exactly what I expected. The tint is a perfect sheer terracotta-brown that mimics the look of a chilled peach tea. It is significantly different from the 'Brown Sugar' or 'Vanilla Beige' shades already available in Belgium. By using a step-by-step guide and a reliable forwarder, I managed to get a "US exclusive" sitting on my vanity in Brussels just ten days after the launch.

If you are tired of missing out on seasonal drops, I recommend trying this method. It is the most direct way to bypass regional restrictions and get the exact products you see trending online.

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