Why rhode Highlight Milk is Hard to Find in Singapore
If you have been searching for rhode Highlight Milk on popular local platforms like Shopee, Lazada, or even Sephora Singapore, you have likely hit a wall. The brand, led by Hailey Bieber, has not officially stocked its products in Singapore. While rhode ships to major markets like the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, and several EU nations, Singapore is conspicuously absent from their official shipping list. This exclusion means that the only way to get authentic rhode Highlight Milk delivered to your doorstep in Singapore is through international purchasing services or gray-market resellers.
It is important to understand why this matters. The local beauty market in Singapore is sophisticated, with consumers heavily influenced by K-beauty trends and the 'glass skin' aesthetic. However, the 'glazed donut' look that rhode popularizes is increasingly popular among Singapore's 18-35 demographic. Because the brand does not offer direct shipping, many buyers turn to resellers on platforms like Carousell or Beauty Beat. While these options exist, they come with significant risks: inflated prices, potential authenticity issues, and a lack of consumer protection. For those who want the genuine article without the guesswork, using a dedicated international shopping service like Big Apple Buddy (BAB) offers a structured, reliable path to ownership.
For beauty enthusiasts in neighboring countries like Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan, the situation is similar. While some regions may have selective stockists, the most consistent method for accessing the full shade range of rhode products remains third-party consolidation services. These services act as your personal shopper in the United States, buying the product for you and handling the complex logistics of international courier delivery.
How to Order rhode Highlight Milk via Big Apple Buddy
Using Big Apple Buddy to purchase rhode Highlight Milk in Singapore is a straightforward process designed to bypass the brand's shipping restrictions. Here is how the workflow typically operates for Singapore-based buyers:
Step 1: Select Your Shade
First, visit the official US rhode website. The Highlight Milk (Product ID P525016) comes in several shades, with Shade 01, 02, and 03 being particularly popular. Since you cannot buy it directly from Sephora US with free or cheap shipping to Singapore, you will need to add it to your cart. Then, initiate a purchase request through Big Apple Buddy. You will specify the item, the shade, and your shipping address in Singapore.
Step 2: Purchase and Consolidation
Once your request is submitted, a Big Apple Buddy shopper purchases the item from the US retailer (such as Sephora US or the rhode website directly) using their US warehouse address. This step is crucial because it ensures the product is bought from an authorized retailer, guaranteeing authenticity. The item is then received at their New York facility. If you are buying other US beauty products, you can consolidate them into one package, which significantly reduces the per-unit shipping cost.
Step 3: International Shipping to Singapore
From the US hub, Big Apple Buddy ships your consolidated package to Singapore via express couriers like FedEx, DHL, or UPS. For a small cosmetics parcel like the rhode Highlight Milk, the transit time is typically 3-5 business days after the item is dispatched from the US. This is significantly faster than standard postal services, which can take weeks and often get stuck in customs.
Step 4: Customs Clearance and Delivery
Upon arrival in Singapore, the package undergoes customs clearance. As detailed in the next section, you will need to pay the applicable Goods and Services Tax (GST). Once cleared, the courier delivers the package to your doorstep. The entire process, from placing the order in the US to having the product in your hand in Singapore, usually takes 7-12 business days end-to-end.
Understanding Costs, GST, and Customs in Singapore
One of the most common concerns for Singapore buyers is the total landed cost. It is not just the price of the product; it includes service fees, international shipping, and Singapore's import taxes. Let's break down the financials so you know exactly what to expect.
The Base Product Cost
The retail price of rhode Highlight Milk in the US is approximately USD 28 (roughly SGD 35.80). This is the baseline cost. When you buy through a reseller in Singapore, you might pay SGD 67.90 or more, which is nearly double the US price. Using a service like Big Apple Buddy allows you to pay closer to the US retail price, plus the cost of getting it here.
Service and Shipping Fees
Big Apple Buddy charges a service fee for purchasing and handling the item. For a single item order under USD 200, this fee is typically around USD 30 (SGD 38.40). International shipping via express courier for a lightweight cosmetics parcel (approx. 200g) from New York to Singapore usually costs between USD 50-60 (SGD 64-77), depending on dimensional weight and fuel surcharges. If you consolidate multiple items, the shipping cost per unit drops significantly.
Singapore GST and Customs Duties
A critical piece of information for Singapore buyers: there is no customs duty on cosmetics. Singapore's duty-free list includes cosmetics, so you do not pay the typical 7-10% import duty that applies to electronics or clothing. However, you must pay the 9% Goods and Services Tax (GST).
Since January 1, 2024, the GST rate in Singapore increased from 8% to 9%. Under the Overseas Vendor Registration (OVR) scheme, GST is collected on imported goods. For shipments valued under SGD 400 CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight), the GST is usually collected by the courier upon delivery. For shipments over SGD 400, it is also levied at the border. In the case of a single rhode Highlight Milk order, the total value is well below SGD 400, so the 9% GST will be added to your shipping invoice or collected by the courier (FedEx/DHL) before delivery.
Total Cost Estimate
Let's look at a realistic total for one bottle of rhode Highlight Milk shipped to Singapore via Big Apple Buddy:
- Product Cost: SGD 35.80
- Service Fee: SGD 38.40
- Shipping: SGD 64.00 (estimated)
- GST (9% on total): ~SGD 12.40
- Total Landed Cost: ~SGD 150.60
While this is higher than the local reseller price of SGD 67.90, it is important to note that this price guarantees authenticity, the exact shade you want, and a seamless delivery experience. If you buy multiple items, the shipping and service fee are amortized, bringing the per-unit cost down closer to the reseller price while maintaining the benefit of authorized purchasing.
Local Alternatives and Climate Compatibility
If the total landed cost of rhode Highlight Milk via international shipping seems steep, or if you need the product immediately, there are excellent local alternatives available at Sephora Singapore and other retailers. Additionally, Singapore's tropical climate (high humidity and heat) affects how highlighters perform, so it is worth considering products that are formulated for longevity in humid conditions.
Top Local Alternatives
- Fenty Beauty Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick: Available at Sephora Singapore for around SGD 37. This cream-to-powder stick offers a buildable, dewy finish that is very similar to the liquid formula of rhode. It is widely available and easy to shade-match in-store.
- Glossier Haloscope Dewy Highlighter Stick: Also available at Sephora Singapore, priced around SGD 38-42. This stick highlighter provides a 'no-makeup' dewy look that aligns with the clean-girl aesthetic popularized by rhode. It is a solid, portable option that works well in Singapore's heat.
- Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Radiant Concealer: Priced at approximately SGD 51 at Sephora. Many Singaporean beauty enthusiasts use this as a multi-purpose highlighter. Its hydrating formula with hyaluronic acid makes it suitable for dry patches, which can occur from air conditioning in Singapore.
- Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek Cream Stick: Available for around SGD 34. This multipurpose stick is a direct semantic cousin to rhode's brand positioning, offering a clean, vegan formula that can be used on lips and cheeks for a unified, dewy look.
Climate Considerations
Singapore's average humidity of 80-90% can cause heavy, cream-based highlighters to slide off the skin. The rhode Highlight Milk is a liquid formula that is designed to be mixed with moisturizer or worn lightly, which can actually perform well in humidity if applied correctly. However, if you prefer a more long-wearing option, the cream sticks mentioned above (Fenty, Glossier, Milk Makeup) are formulated to set and stay put. For those who love the rhode aesthetic but want local availability, these alternatives offer a similar glow with the convenience of immediate purchase and no shipping wait times.
