My step-by-step plan for scoring Summer Fridays Iced Matcha in the UK vs waiting for a local launch

Why the Iced Matcha shade is trending right now

If you have been scrolling through social media lately, you have probably noticed a specific pale green tube appearing in every K-beauty influencer's handbag. The Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm in 'Iced Matcha' is the latest limited edition drop that has everyone talking. While it looks green in the tube, it applies as a sheer, glassy clear tint that perfectly complements the 'clean girl' aesthetic popular in 2026.

The problem for those of us in the United Kingdom is that this specific shade launched as a US exclusive. While we often get Summer Fridays products eventually, limited editions like this one tend to sell out in America long before they ever cross the Atlantic. If you want to stay ahead of the us trends, waiting for a local retail launch usually means missing out entirely.

The step-by-step plan to buy from the US

Since the Iced Matcha balm is only available on the Summer Fridays US site and at US Sephora locations, you need a way to shop like a local. My preferred method is to use a freight forwarder. This gives you a tax-free us address which you can enter at checkout on any American website.

First, you will want to create an account to get your suite number. Once you have that, you can head to the Summer Fridays website, add the Iced Matcha balm to your cart, and use your US address for the delivery. After the package arrives at the warehouse, you can then manage the onward journey to your doorstep in London, Manchester, or anywhere else in the UK. If you have questions about how the process works for specific items, the FAQ section is quite helpful for first-timers.

Shipping Estimates and Logistics Analysis

When ordering small beauty items, it is important to understand the logistics so you aren't surprised by the costs. Here is a breakdown of what to expect for a single tube of Lip Butter Balm.

Before you hit the buy button, I recommend using a shipping calculator to see how much the trek from the US to the UK will cost. Since lip balms are so light, it is often much more cost-effective to bundle three or four items together to maximize your shipping fee.

Standard international shipping vs comGateway

When looking at your options, you might compare standard international shipping vs comGateway. Many US retailers either don't ship to the UK at all or they charge a flat $40-$50 fee for a single small item. By using a dedicated forwarder, you can often access lower negotiated rates and, more importantly, combine multiple orders from different US stores into one box. This consolidation can significantly lower the price per item compared to shipping everything individually.

Always remember to check the prohibited items list before shopping. While lip balm is perfectly fine, certain pressurized skincare sprays or high-alcohol perfumes might have different shipping rules that you need to be aware of before they reach the warehouse.

UK import taxes and customs in 2026

In 2026, importing goods into the UK still requires a bit of paperwork. Since the UK is no longer part of the EU, you should be prepared for VAT (Value Added Tax) on items arriving from the US. Usually, for items under £135, the VAT is handled at the point of sale or via the forwarder's platform. For anything more expensive, you might receive a bill from the courier before delivery.

To make the process as smooth as possible, ensure your customs declaration is accurate. Using a shop us store service often simplifies this, as they provide the necessary documentation for UK customs clearance. This ensures your Iced Matcha balm doesn't get stuck in a sorting facility for weeks on end.