Why am I paying half the price for the 2026 Summer Fridays Iced Coffee edition by ordering from the US?

The 2026 Iced Coffee hype on social media

I spent my morning scrolling through my Japanese social feeds and noticed one specific product appearing in every aesthetic transition video: the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm - 2026 'Iced Coffee' Edition. It seems like the entire beauty community in Tokyo and Seoul is obsessed with this specific limited-edition launch. The scent is described as a creamy, chilled espresso with a hint of vanilla, and the tint is that perfect 'your lips but better' cool-toned brown that is so hard to find in local brands right now.

I realized quickly that while everyone wants it, actually finding it in stock locally is a nightmare. Most of the sellers I found in South Korea were marking up the price by nearly 100%. I knew there had to be a better way to join the trend without draining my bank account.

My discovery of the massive price gap

When I looked at the US Sephora website, I was shocked. The retail price in the States is significantly lower than what I was seeing on local resale platforms. Even after considering international shipping, the math started to make sense. I keep a close eye on us trends to see which products are worth the effort of importing, and this lip balm is definitely at the top of my list for May 2026.

By using a freight forwarder, I can access the same prices that American shoppers enjoy. It feels like a small victory every time I see the US checkout price compared to the inflated prices in Seoul boutiques.

How I shop at US stores from Seoul

My process is actually quite simple. I use comGateway to get a tax-free us address in Oregon. This is a huge deal because it means I don't have to pay US sales tax on my purchase, which saves me even more money before the package even leaves the country. I simply enter that address at the Sephora checkout, and my Iced Coffee balm is on its way to the warehouse.

My secret to avoiding cancelled Sephora orders

However, I ran into a common problem that many of my friends have mentioned. Some major US retailers, including Sephora, Nike, and Apple, often block international credit cards or flag orders sent to known forwarding addresses. I had my first order cancelled almost immediately, which was incredibly frustrating when I knew the stock was limited.

That is when I tried the BuyForMe service. Instead of me trying to use my Korean card, I let the experts at comGateway handle the purchase for me. They use a US-based payment method and their own domestic shipping accounts to buy the item on my behalf. This is the most reliable way I have found to guarantee that my order doesn't get cancelled. If you are worried about a store declining your payment, I highly recommend using this service to secure your 2026 limited editions.

Shipping estimates for your lip balm haul

I know that shipping costs are always a concern when buying from overseas. To help you plan your budget, I have put together some estimates based on my own experience with this specific item. You can also use the shipping calculator to get a more precise quote for your specific order.

What I learned about South Korea delivery and taxes

One thing I always check before clicking 'buy' is the current limit for import duties. For South Korea delivery, we generally have a de minimis threshold of $200 USD for goods manufactured in the US (under KORUS FTA) or $150 USD for goods from other regions. Since Summer Fridays is a US brand, I usually feel safe as long as my total order stays under that $200 mark.

If you are ever unsure about how much you can bring in without paying extra customs tax, I suggest checking the FAQ on the comGateway site. They have a great breakdown of regional rules that has saved me from unexpected costs more than once. My Iced Coffee balm arrived right at my doorstep in Seoul within a week of reaching the warehouse, and I didn't have to pay a single won in extra taxes because I planned my shipment carefully.

I am already planning my next haul for the Summer 2026 season. There is something so satisfying about getting these viral products early and at the right price.