Why I buy Rare Beauty True to Myself Foundation from US stores for my New Zealand makeup kit

Why I am obsessed with the Rare Beauty True to Myself Foundation

I have been tracking the launch of the Rare Beauty True to Myself Natural Matte Longwear Foundation since it hit US shelves on April 2, 2026. For those of us with oily or combination skin, finding a product that actually stays matte without feeling like a heavy mask is a constant struggle. This 3-in-1 formula is designed to prime, cover, and set all at once, which simplifies my morning routine significantly. My experience with other Rare Beauty products has been great, but this specific skin-like matte finish is exactly what I need for the humid days we often face.

The price gap between US and New Zealand retail

I noticed early on that buying makeup locally in New Zealand often comes with a steep premium. When I compared the US retail price to what we usually pay at local high-end boutiques, the difference was clear. Even after adding the cost of moving the package across the ocean, I found that I could save money or at least get access to the full shade range that isn't always available here. I always use a shipping calculator to check the total landed cost before I commit to a purchase. Usually, the US stores offer much better deals and exclusive bundles that we never see in the southern hemisphere.

How I handle US stores that block New Zealand credit cards

One of the most frustrating parts of my shopping experience was discovering that many major US retailers, including Sephora and some high-end beauty brands, often decline orders that use international credit cards or ship to known package forwarding addresses. I have had my orders cancelled multiple times in the past because my billing address didn't match a US zip code.

To solve this, I now rely on the comGateway "BuyForMe" service. It is a form of proxy shopping where their team uses a US domestic credit card to purchase the items on my behalf. This effectively removes the risk of a cancelled order. If you have ever tried to buy a limited-edition launch only to have the store flag your payment as "suspicious" because you are in New Zealand, you know how vital this is. It is the safest way I have found to guarantee my Rare Beauty haul actually leaves the warehouse.

My method for international shipping to New Zealand

Once the foundation is purchased, I need a reliable way to get it home. I use comGateway as my primary freight forwarder because they provide a tax-free US address in Oregon. This means I don't have to pay US sales tax on my Rare Beauty order, which adds up to more savings.

The international shipping process is straightforward. Once my package arrives at their warehouse, I get a notification. I can then choose to consolidate it with other items I have bought from different stores to save on the base shipping rate. If you are new to this, I recommend checking out their step-by-step guide to see how the process flows from the checkout to your front door in New Zealand.

Managing import tax and delivery times

I always keep an eye on the current import tax regulations in New Zealand. Currently, for goods valued under a certain threshold, the process is quite smooth, but for larger beauty hauls, you should be prepared for GST. I usually check the FAQ on the comGateway site if I have questions about prohibited items or specific customs declarations for cosmetics.

In terms of speed, I usually see my packages arrive in about 5 to 8 business days using premium carriers. While some might prefer standard post, I find that for high-value makeup like the True to Myself Foundation, having tracking and a faster transit time is worth the small extra cost. We are well into 2026 now, and the logistics of buying from the US have never been more efficient for those of us living in New Zealand.