Save €12 on the Summer Fridays Iced Matcha balm by ordering from the US instead of waiting for Italy restocks
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Why the Summer Fridays Iced Matcha Balm is 2026's Biggest Trend
If you have been scrolling through Little Red Book (Xiaohongshu) or TikTok lately, you have probably seen the pale green aesthetic of the 2026 limited-edition Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm in 'Iced Matcha'. It is currently the most sought-after beauty item in Hong Kong and across Asia, which has led to a massive stock shortage worldwide. In Italy, finding this specific shade at Sephora is nearly impossible right now, as most units were diverted to high-demand markets or sold out within minutes of the May launch.
The 'Iced Matcha' shade is loved for its sheer, cool-toned tint and that signature vanilla-matcha scent. Since it is a limited drop for 2026, many fans in Milan and Rome are turning to US retailers to secure their stash before it disappears for good.
The Price Difference: US vs. Italy
One of the biggest surprises for Italian beauty lovers is the price gap. In the US, the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm retails for $24. At current 2026 exchange rates, that is roughly €22. In contrast, when it is actually in stock in Europe, the price often hovers around €28 to €34 after local markups. By choosing to shop us store directly, you are already looking at a base saving of about €12 per tube if you manage to avoid the inflated reseller prices on the secondary market.
Shipping Estimates to Italy
When you are planning your haul, it helps to know the logistics. Here is a breakdown of what to expect when sending this specific product to Italy:
| Box Weight | Approx. 0.2 lbs (0.1 kg) for a single tube; roughly 0.5 lbs with protective packaging. |
| Box Dimensions | Small (Approx. 15cm x 5cm x 5cm). It is a very compact item. |
| Volumetric Warning | No risk here. The item is small and dense. You will not be charged for volumetric weight unless you ship it in an unnecessarily massive box. |
| Battery Check | This item contains no lithium batteries. It is safe for standard air travel. |
To get a more precise figure for your specific city, you can use a shipping calculator to compare different carrier speeds.
How to Buy from the US Using a Freight Forwarder
Since many US beauty retailers do not ship directly to Italy—or they charge astronomical fees—using a freight forwarder is the most efficient workaround. When you sign up for a service like comGateway, you get a tax-free us address in Oregon. This is a huge win because it means you don't pay any US sales tax on your Sephora or Summer Fridays website order.
Once your Iced Matcha balm arrives at the warehouse, the package forwarding service will notify you. From there, you can choose your preferred carrier. If you are in a rush to get that matcha glow, international shipping rates for express couriers like DHL or FedEx are quite competitive for small parcels.
Import Tax and Customs for Italian Shoppers
When the package enters Italy, you should be aware of the import tax rules. As of 2026, all goods imported from outside the EU are subject to VAT (IVA) at 22%. If your total order value is under €150, you typically only pay the VAT and a small carrier handling fee. If you go over €150, additional customs duties may apply. Even with the 22% VAT, the total cost of buying the Iced Matcha balm from the US often still beats the price of buying from a third-party reseller in Europe who might be charging €50 or more for a single tube.
Pro-Tips for Package Consolidation
Because a lip balm is so light, the cost of international shipping can be high relative to the item price if you only buy one thing. I always recommend using a international shipping service that offers consolidation. This allows you to buy the Iced Matcha balm, maybe some Rare Beauty products, and perhaps those US-exclusive snacks, and combine them into one single box. This significantly lowers the shipping cost per item, making your US shopping spree much more economical.
Before you ship, check the latest international shipping fees to ensure you are getting the best deal for your region in Italy.
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