11 best tanning mitts for a flawless fake tan application every time
When it comes to perfecting your fake tan routine, it's no secret that application is everything. Enter: tanning mitts, the key to ensuring an even and streak-free (not to mention natural) result in a matter of minutes. Plus, they deserve extra bonus points for protecting our hands from being stained orange.
That said, as is the case with most beauty buys, not all tanning mitts are made equal and there are multiple factors worth keeping in mind when it comes to making your pick. Luckily, we’ve found our favourite ones with the help of celebrity tanning expert Emily Rose Lansley, who’s responsible for the faux glow of Gal Gadot, Maude Apatow, Kate Beckinsale and many more famous faces.
“Look for a tanning mitt that is washable and one that isn’t too thin,” Emily shares. “One that is thicker and made from a soft, velvety material will allow the tan to glide easily over the body leaving a streak-free application,” she adds. Below, we've compiled a list of the best tanning mitts to have on your radar. Here's everything you need to know.
Can I use a tanning mitt on my face?
“You can use a tanning mitt on your face,” says Lansley. “I personally prefer a brush as I have more control with contouring or ‘tan touring’ but a mitt is great for one even application.”
‘Tan touring’ can be done by placing tan where you would your contour – across the forehead, nose and cheekbones to add a subtly sculpted look to the face and the Skinny Tan Miracle Brush is a great option to reach for.
How do I apply fake tan with a mitt properly?
A tanning mitt should make applying fake tan a much more seamless, simple operation, so long as you take the time to prep. As with all fake tan routines, be sure to exfoliate the day before and “make sure your knees and elbows have barrier cream on them prior to application,” adds Lansley.
Then, apply the mousse, cream, gel or mist onto the body or the mitt directly and “sweep over limbs, taking care over knees and elbows and glide over with just one coat,” she says. When it comes to the hard-to-reach places, “get a friend to help you with your back or use an applicator such as the Three Warriors Self Tan Back Applicator.”
How do I wash a tanning mitt?
To wash your tanning mitts, “place your mitt in the sink, fill with warm water and scrub in a little baby shampoo,” says Lansley. Then, “rinse your mitt under warm water and allow the tan to come out until it runs clear and give it a good squeeze,” she adds, noting, “buying one with a thicker material will ensure it won’t lose its quality with washes”.
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Scroll down to view the best tanning mitts for a steak-free finish…
Why we love it: All good tanning mitts should buff in your faux bronze, leaving a streak-free glow that’s sure to garner a few compliments. But a great tanning mitt should do all of this while being sumptuously soft, enough so that you’ll happily use it on your face, last an incredibly long time and be washing machine-friendly, and this Bondi Sand find ticks every box. In fact, we’re avid fake tanners and have used the same mitt all year. So, clearly, it stands the test of time.
Why we love it: Unless you have a willing friend to hand or can move your body like a contortionist, fake tanning your back is no easy task. Luckily, Coco & Eve has a solution with an extra-long tanning mitt specifically designed for the hard-to-reach area. It’s incredibly easy to use with handy straps to move it across the body and it completely covers the whole area in less than a minute. Plus, it’s machine washable. Problem solved.
Why we love it: While most tanning mitts are black in colour, this vibrant green pick truly sticks out on any bathroom shelf. Double-sided in a rich velvet fabric, it’s super soft to the touch and the mitten-like shape means you can move your thumb to get into any smaller areas – in between the toes, inside the elbow or even behind the ears. As it’s on the thicker side, it also lasts a rather long time; just give it a good rinse and keep using it on repeat. Plus, it's the tanning mitt specifically designed for our favourite fake tan, giving it extra kudos.
Why we love it: Fake tan mousse is arguably one of the most difficult products to use, and it certainly will stain your hands without the help of a mitt, so this Skinny Tan one is sure to come in handy. With a waterproof lining, it’s a great pick for buffing and blending without the worry of orange fingers. Plus, it’s also machine washable, meaning it’s even easier to care for.
Why we love it: Not all of us are yogis who can easily touch our toes, so it may be wise to have a helping hand to avoid pulling a hamstring while trying to tan. With an extendable arm, adding extra length and two tanning surfaces – a soft sponge for buffing and a velvet mitt for blending – this Bondi Sands option is the perfect pick.
Why we love it: St.Tropez is one of the most famous fake tanning brands around, and for good reason. So, it’s no surprise that the brand stocks a great application tool to go alongside its bronzing mousses and creams. Sitting at the lower-priced end of tanning mitt options, its dual-sided, soft to the touch and has a waterproof inner lining to protect your hands from any product. Although, despite being washable by hand, we would say it’s not quite as durable long-term as the thicker velvet styles, so best for those who aren’t tanning too regularly.
Why we love it: St Tropez, St Moriz and Bondi Sands are huge household brands, so it’s great to see a smaller label, Lucy Bee, join these giants with a great tanning mitt. With a super soft, thick velvet fabric and double-sided design, it’s soft against skin (perfect for any sensitive folks) and can be thrown in the washing machine, ready to be used again in no time. And, it also comes in at a very purse-friendly price.
Why we love it: If you aren’t an avid fake tanner or are attempting your first foray into faux glowing, you may want to make only a small investment to start with. This budget-friendly one-sided St.Moriz tanning mitt costs less than a cup of coffee and can be used with mousses, mists, creams and more. It’s also machine washable meaning you can easily re-use, although it won’t last quite as long as the thicker, velvet styles.
Why we love it: Lansley recommended the Three Warriors Self-Tan Back Applicator as the one to reach those difficult-to-get areas. It has an extendable arm to add extra length, and one side features a sponge to minimise product wastage, while the other is a velvet buffing mitt to ensure a smooth and streak-free application.
Why we love it: A great tanning mitt not only needs to leave you with a streak-free glow but also has to help make the process as quick and as easy as possible. So, in some cases, the bigger, the better. Slightly larger than the other options, Utan’s XL Pro Tanning Mitt offers just that, allowing all hand sizes to slot straight in while an inner lining means no unwanted staining on your fingers. It’s also double-sided and made from a thick velvet fabric, two key plus points to any great mitt.
Why we love it: Ella & Jo is another lesser-known brand, although you may have spied its brand ambassador, Cat Deeley, using some of its creams and lotions. Soft and velvety, this tanning mitt is one of our favourite products from the label, alongside its gradual tanning moisturiser, which this mitt helps to blend in just beautifully. Plus, its bright pink shade does brighten up our bathrooms more than basic black.
