Getting the Summer Fridays Iced Matcha Lip Butter Balm delivered to Japan through a US proxy

Understanding the Iced Matcha Lip Balm fever in 2026

If you have been on TikTok lately, you have probably seen the signature green tube everywhere. Released on May 19, 2026, the Summer Fridays Iced Matcha Lip Butter Balm has become an overnight sensation. It is not just about the aesthetic; the formula is known for being incredibly hydrating without the stickiness, and this specific limited-edition flavor smells exactly like a fresh matcha latte from a high-end Tokyo cafe.

While the brand is popular globally, this specific drop was restricted to the US website. For beauty enthusiasts in Japan, this creates a significant challenge. You want the trend, but the checkout page says "no." This is a common scenario with [us trends](https://www.comgateway.com/trends/) where the most hyped products are kept behind regional borders for months before they ever see a global release.

Why this flavor is different

Unlike previous releases, the Iced Matcha balm features a slight tint that works perfectly for the "clean girl" aesthetic that is still dominating 2026 beauty trends. It sold out within hours of the initial launch, and the only way to find it now is through US retailers that do not offer direct [Japan delivery](https://www.comgateway.com/destinations/JP/).

Dealing with the Japan shipping hurdle

The main problem for shoppers in Japan is that Summer Fridays and many major US beauty retailers do not ship directly to international addresses. Even if you try to enter a Japanese shipping address, the system often won't let you proceed. This is frustrating when you are trying to keep up with the latest [popular products](https://www.comgateway.com/trends/).

Furthermore, even if you find a site that claims to ship internationally, the costs are often astronomical, sometimes exceeding the price of the balm itself. This is why many smart shoppers are turning to a [freight forwarder](https://www.comgateway.com/freight-forwarder/) to manage their logistics more efficiently.

Using a freight forwarder for US exclusives

To get around these restrictions, you need a [tax-free us address](https://www.comgateway.com). By using a service like [comGateway](https://www.comgateway.com), you get a dedicated address in a US state with no sales tax. When you buy the Iced Matcha balm, you simply ship it to that address instead of your home in Japan.

Once the package arrives at the US warehouse, the [parcel forwarding service](https://www.comgateway.com/freight-forwarder/) notifies you. You can then choose to ship it immediately or hold it to combine with other purchases. This method is highly effective for getting your hands on items that are otherwise blocked by regional shipping policies.

Avoiding cancellations with the BuyForMe service

Using a forwarder is a great start, but there is a bigger hurdle: the "Store Block." Major US stores like Sephora, Nike, and even the Summer Fridays official site have sophisticated systems that often block international credit cards. Even if you have a US address, if your billing address is in Japan, your order might get flagged and cancelled within minutes.

The Problem: Many US-based online stores decline orders that use non-US credit cards or identify a known forwarding address as the destination. This is meant to prevent fraud, but it often just stops legitimate international fans from buying what they love.

The Solution: This is exactly why the "BuyForMe" (Assisted Purchase) service exists. Instead of you struggling with the checkout process, comGateway acts on your behalf. You tell us what you want to buy—in this case, the Iced Matcha Lip Butter Balm—and we use a US domestic credit card to purchase it for you.

The Benefit: By using a local US card and a domestic buyer profile, the risk of your order being cancelled is almost zero. It is the safest and most reliable way to guarantee that your limited-edition beauty products actually make it out of the warehouse. You pay us, we buy it for you, and we handle the rest. No more "Order Cancelled" emails ruining your day.

Estimating your shipping costs to Japan

Before you commit to the purchase, it is wise to know what you are going to pay. Shipping a single lip balm might seem expensive, but when you use the [shipping calculator](https://www.comgateway.com/calculator/), you can see how the weights work. To make the most of your money, we recommend bundling the lip balm with other items you have been eyeing from the US.

When you [ship to Japan](https://www.comgateway.com/destinations/JP/), the price is determined by the weight and dimensions of the box. Small items like lip balms are perfect for "add-on" shipping, where you include them in a larger box of clothes or electronics to minimize the per-item cost.

Navigating prohibited items and import duties

When importing cosmetics to Japan, you need to be aware of certain [shipping rules](https://www.comgateway.com/blogs/category/prohibited-items/). Most lip balms are perfectly fine, but some beauty products containing specific chemicals or high alcohol content might be flagged. Always check the [prohibited items](https://www.comgateway.com/blogs/category/prohibited-items/) list if you are planning to buy perfumes or aerosol sprays along with your matcha balm.

Additionally, you should keep an eye on [import duties](https://www.comgateway.com/blogs/category/duties-and-tax/). For personal imports into Japan, orders under 16,666 JPY are typically exempt from [customs tax](https://www.comgateway.com/blogs/category/duties-and-tax/). If you are going on a shopping spree and buying multiple sets of Summer Fridays products, make sure your total value stays within these limits to avoid unexpected [GST/VAT](https://www.comgateway.com/blogs/category/duties-and-tax/) charges at your doorstep.

Check our guide on [import tax](https://www.comgateway.com/blogs/category/duties-and-tax/) for more detailed breakdowns of how these calculations work in 2026. By planning ahead and using the BuyForMe service, you can join the viral matcha trend without the stress of international logistics.