Local Aussie markups vs. using a freight forwarder for the Rhode Summer Trio

May 16, 2026

The 2026 Rhode Summer Trio hype in Australia

It is May 2026, and if your social media feed looks anything like mine, it is currently saturated with the new Rhode Skin 'The Summer Trio'. Hailey Bieber’s brand has maintained its viral status on Xiaohongshu and TikTok, specifically with the limited edition 2026 Peptide Lip Tint shades: 'Guava' and 'Papaya'. These shades are currently US-exclusive launches, which has created a massive frenzy for shoppers down under.

Local Aussie markups vs. using a freight forwarder for the Rhode Summer Trio
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The formula remains the gold standard for that glazed look, but the real draw this year is the vibrant, tropical pigment that actually stays put. Because these are not yet officially stocked in Australian retail giants, they have become the most sought-after beauty items of the season. If you are looking for other popular products making waves this year, the beauty category is definitely leading the pack.

Resale prices vs. buying direct from the US

If you look at local marketplaces in Sydney or Melbourne, the price gap is honestly wild. I have seen 'The Summer Trio' listed for upwards of $180 AUD on resale sites. When you compare that to the US retail price of $58 USD (roughly $88 AUD), the markup is over 100%. Even when you factor in the cost of a freight forwarder, you are still coming out way ahead of the local scalper prices.

Many shoppers assume that international shipping from the US is too expensive for just a few lip tints. However, when you use a freight forwarder to consolidate your packages or simply to access US-only pricing, the math usually works in your favor. Buying direct from the Rhode US store ensures you get the authentic product without the "Australia tax" that local resellers tack on.

Shipping Estimates for your Rhode haul

To help you figure out if this fits your budget, here is a breakdown of what you can expect when shipping this specific set to Australia.

Metric Estimate
Box Weight Approx. 0.3 kg (0.6 lbs) including the mailer box.
Box Dimensions Small (Approx. 15cm x 10cm x 5cm).
Volumetric Warning Low. This item is compact and dense, so you will likely be charged by actual weight rather than size.
Battery Check No lithium batteries. This is a cosmetic liquid/cream product.

Before you hit the checkout button, it is a smart move to use a shipping calculator to estimate shipping cost based on your specific Australian postcode. You might also like to check our guide on how to bundle multiple beauty buys to save on the base shipping rate.

How to shop US stores from Australia

The main hurdle is that the Rhode US store often requires a US shipping address. This is where comGateway comes in. By using a tax-free US address, you not only get the items sent to a warehouse that ships to Australia, but you also avoid paying US state sales tax at the point of purchase. This can save you an additional 7-10% depending on the store's location.

Simply shop US store sites like you normally would, enter your provided warehouse address at checkout, and wait for the notification that your Peptide Lip Tints have arrived. If you run into any issues with a store not accepting your Australian credit card, some services offer a "Buy For Me" or proxy shopping option to handle the transaction for you.

Managing import tax and shipping rules

When bringing goods into Australia, you need to be aware of the 10% GST on low-value imported goods. While the import tax is usually handled at the point of shipping or upon arrival, it is rarely a dealbreaker for a beauty haul of this size. Most shipments under $1,000 AUD are relatively straightforward, but it is always good to stay informed.

Also, double-check the shipping rules for cosmetics. While lip tints are generally safe, some highly flammable perfumes or aerosol sprays can be classified as restricted goods. If you have questions about specific ingredients or shipping methods like DHL international shipping or FedEx international shipping, the help center is a great resource for quick answers.

By bypassing the local resellers and going the package forwarding route, you can get the 2026 'Guava' and 'Papaya' shades while they are still fresh and trending, without the exorbitant Australian markup.

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