Exactly where to put barrier cream for spray tan

Knowing exactly where to put barrier cream for spray tan sessions is the secret sauce to making a "fake" tan look completely real. We've all seen those giveaway signs—orange palms, dark crusty elbows, or weirdly stained cuticles—that scream, "I just stepped out of a tanning booth." If you want that seamless, "I just spent a week in Maui" vibe, you have to get strategic with your barrier cream. It's not just about slapping some lotion on and hoping for the best; it's about protecting the areas that naturally soak up too much pigment. ...

February 2, 2026 · 7 min · Ulrike Stonnie