My secret to getting the 2026 Merit Beauty Glow Stick in the Philippines for much less than local prices

Table of Contents

• Why I had to have the 2026 Merit Summer Glow Stick
• The hidden price barrier we face in the Philippines
• How I used a package forwarder to shop the US store
• My estimated shipping breakdown for the Glow Stick
• Managing import tax and the de minimis rule
• Is the 2026 formula worth the extra effort?

Why I had to have the 2026 Merit Summer Glow Stick

I’ve been eyeing the Merit Beauty 'The Minimalist' (2026 Summer Glow Stick) since the first reviews dropped in April. If you’ve been following the beauty scene this year, you know the 2026 reformulation is a total shift from their previous versions. They finally added SPF 30, which is a big deal for those of us living in the Philippine heat. But the real star is the new 'Glass Skin' finish. It gives that wet, hydrated look without feeling like a grease trap on my face.

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I saw some influencers in Taiwan showing off the glow, but when I looked at the boutique import prices there, I was shocked. Even compared to local resellers here in Manila, the prices were nearly double the US retail price. I knew I had to find a different way to get my hands on it without emptying my bank account.

The hidden price barrier we face in the Philippines

There is an invisible obstacle when it comes to high-end US beauty brands. Often, these products aren't officially distributed in Southeast Asia, or if they are, they come through third-party boutiques that add a massive premium for 'convenience.' I realized that the biggest barrier wasn't the availability, but the regional price hiking. When I compared the US price of the 2026 Summer Glow Stick to what I was seeing on local pre-order groups, the difference was enough to pay for the shipping itself.

That is when I decided to take matters into my own hands. Instead of waiting for a local shop to stock it at a 100% markup, I went straight to the source. I wanted to shop us store directly so I could get the authentic product and the best price possible.

How I used a package forwarder to shop the US store

My first step was setting up a tax-free us address. Since Merit Beauty's US site doesn't ship directly to my doorstep in Quezon City, I needed a middleman. I chose package forwarding through a reliable provider to handle the logistics. It was surprisingly simple: I bought the stick on the Merit website, sent it to my assigned US address, and waited for it to appear in my dashboard.

I used comGateway because I’ve had good experiences with their speed in the past. Once the item arrived at their warehouse, I could choose my preferred shipping speed. For anyone new to this, using a freight forwarder is basically like having a friend in the US who receives your mail and then sends it to you in the Philippines.

My estimated shipping breakdown for the Glow Stick

If you’re planning to grab this stick, you need to know the logistics. Beauty products are small, but shipping costs can sneak up on you if you don't plan ahead. Here is my estimate for the Merit Glow Stick:

I always recommend using a shipping calculator before you hit the checkout button. It helps me decide if I should buy just one item or if I should add a few more things to my cart to make the international shipping service more cost-effective. Since the Glow Stick is so light, I actually ended up adding a few more Merit products to my order to maximize the flat base rate of the shipping fee.

Managing import tax and the de minimis rule

One thing I learned the hard way in the past is to always keep an eye on the total value of the shipment. In the Philippines, we have a de minimis threshold of PHP 10,000. As long as my total shipment (including shipping and insurance) stayed under that amount, I didn't have to worry about heavy import tax or customs duties. This makes it much easier to buy from US ship to Philippines without unexpected fees at my doorstep.

If you’re planning a larger haul, check out the guide on customs tax to see how the calculations work for higher-value items. For a single Merit stick or even a full face set, you should be well under the limit, making the Philippines delivery process very smooth.

Is the 2026 formula worth the extra effort?

After using the 2026 Summer Glow Stick for a week, I can say it’s definitely worth the effort of shipping it from the US. The texture is much more refined than the 2024 version, and the SPF 30 hasn't caused any breakouts on my sensitive skin. By choosing to ship to Philippines myself, I saved about 1,500 Pesos compared to the prices I saw from local 'ready stock' sellers.

If you want that 2026 glow without the 'middleman tax,' I highly suggest trying the international shipping route. It feels great to get exactly what I want from the US without feeling like I'm being taken advantage of by regional pricing gaps. Happy shopping!