I saved $42 on the Summer Fridays Iced Coffee Lip Balm by shopping the US Sephora drop from New Zealand

Why the Summer Fridays Iced Coffee Lip Balm is everywhere right now

If your social media feed looks anything like mine, you’ve probably seen the 2026 Summer Fridays 'Iced Coffee' Lip Butter Balm at least a dozen times today. This limited edition release has become a massive rising star on social media, specifically because of its perfect cool-toned brown tint and that nostalgic coffee scent.

The problem for us in New Zealand? It is a US-exclusive release for May 2026. Local Sephora outlets aren't stocking it, and it feels like we are being left out of the biggest us trends once again. Because it isn't available locally, the demand has sent secondary market prices through the roof.

The price gap: Buying from the US versus local resellers

I did the math and found that local resellers in NZ are trying to charge upwards of $85 NZD for a single tube. Meanwhile, the retail price at a tax-free us address via a US retailer is only about $24 USD (approx $40 NZD). Even when you factor in shipping, you are looking at a massive saving. I managed to save about $42 by skipping the local markup and ordering directly from the source.

The secret to shopping US stores from New Zealand

To get your hands on US-exclusive beauty drops, you need a freight forwarder. This gives you a dedicated US address to ship your packages to, which then gets sent straight to your door in New Zealand. It’s the easiest way to shop us store sites that don't offer direct international shipping. You can even check the international shipping rates beforehand to make sure the total cost fits your budget.

Solving the Sephora checkout block with BuyForMe

One major hurdle when trying to buy this balm is that US Sephora and other major retailers often block international credit cards. They might also decline orders if they detect a shipping forwarder's address. This is where the BuyForMe service becomes a lifesaver.

Instead of struggling with a declined card, you simply tell the comGateway team what you want. They use a US domestic credit card to purchase the item on your behalf. This is the safest way to guarantee your 'Iced Coffee' balm order doesn't get cancelled at the last minute. It removes the headache of regional payment restrictions entirely.

Shipping estimates for New Zealand shoppers

Before you hit the checkout, it helps to know what to expect for your package size and weight. Here is a quick breakdown for a typical Summer Fridays order:

You can use the shipping calculator to get a more precise quote based on your specific location in New Zealand. If you are worried about shipping liquid-based beauty products, you might also like to check the guide on prohibited items to ensure everything in your cart is good to go.

What you need to know about NZ import duties

In 2026, New Zealand’s rules on import duties and GST/VAT are still quite straightforward for small purchases. Generally, for items under $1,000 NZD, you likely won't face heavy customs delays, but it is always smart to keep a record of your purchase price. If you’re buying multiple tubes to split with friends, just keep an eye on the total value to manage any potential import tax.

Shopping the US drop is a much more affordable way to stay on trend without the local price hikes. By using a reliable international shipping partner, that Iced Coffee glow is only a few clicks away.