Applying self-tanner without a mitt can actually be quite difficult. You also run the risk of having your hands end up streaky and blotchy. So in this article, I want to talk about why these mitts are so incredibly useful and talk about the best self-tanning mitts currently on the market.
Let’s start by going over the best self-tanning mitts around, and then we’ll talk about how to use them and why they are so important for your sunless tanning routine.
5 Best Mitts For Self Tanning
There is a pretty wide variety when it comes to self-tanning mitts and gloves. Many that come very inexpensive or free with self-tanning lotions are made out of foam. These tend to not last very long, not spread well, and be difficult to use.
So in this review, I’m not going to be looking at these. None of the mitts on this list are particularly expensive, and I think you’ll find that for just a few dollars more, you’ll get a much better product that lasts far longer. If you’re going to invest time and money into a quality self-tanner, you might as well get the best applicator you can.
So in my creation of this list, I took a few things into account, including but not limited to:
- Price
- Quality
- Customer Reviews
- Ease of Application
- Ease of Cleaning
Alright, now to the list.
1. MineTan Self Tanning Mitt
This double-sided self-tanning mitt is velvet soft. It is a lovely color and makes your tanning experience the best it can possibly be.
But it’s not just beautiful, it’s tough and durable too. While it is durable, I recommend hand washing it to preserve the longevity of the fibers.
It works well with foams, mousses, and lotions, so it’s a versatile mitt that you can use for any self-tanning product that suits your fancy.
If you apply the self-tanner in circular motions using this mitt, you will have a glorious, streak-free tan. It is made with thick material so no self-tanner will soak through to your hands.
2. Skinerals Padded Microfiber Applicator Self Tanning Mitts (With Finger Mitt)
Get one on Amazon.
Probably the most popular self-tanning mitts on Amazon, the Skinerals Padded Microfiber applicator is a fantastic product with incredible lasting power. Many people mention that they have been using the mitt regularly for nearly a year and that it still works extremely well.
The material is a microfiber and is extremely soft. It allows for a really smooth application that leaves your tan streak-free and glowing.
Another thing that customers really liked about this mitt compared to some of the others on the market is that you can use both sides. So if you find that one side is getting a bit gunked up when you’re applying the self-tanner, you can use the other side as well.
It’s very easy to clean, and I’d encourage you to clean it after every few applications to keep it looking nice.
As you can see from the image, it also comes with a smaller “finger mitt” that you can use for smaller areas like around your face. Since the large mitt would be cumbersome and hard to maneuver, the finger mitt is perfect for small places.
Skinerals makes some fantastic self-tanning products, and this mitt is a fantastic compliment. Although it doesn’t specifically say it in the listing, many reviewers were pleasantly surprised to receive a sample of the self-tanner from Skinerals with their order, however, I certainly can’t guarantee this.
3. Famous Dave’s Sunless Tanning Mitt
Get it on Amazon.
Established in 1998, Famous Dave has been making high-quality tanning products for a very long time. Although this product doesn’t come with extras such as an exfoliator, or finger mitt, the self-tanning mitt you do get is of the absolute highest quality.
One of the things that helps this mitt stand out, although it’s not the only one on the market that has this, is the thumb hole. The thumb hole is double-sided just like the rest of the glove, stiched extremely well, and designed so that it won’t slide off. Some cheaper foam gloves on the market have a tendency to slide off during application.
The build quality is extremely high, allowing you to use this single glove for a very long time. It slides along the skin very well so application is quick, simple, and streak-free.
Although it doesn’t come with a finger Mitt, the design with the thumb makes it a bit easier to get to the tough-to-reach places like your face, feet, knees etc.
Overall this is one of the highest quality self-tanning Mitts on the market, and you seriously won’t be disappointed.
4. Gaiyah Self-Tanning Mitt Applicator
Get one on Amazon.
Gaiyah may not be a company you’re familiar with, because they don’t make self-tanners themselves. However, they do make one hell of a high-quality sunless tanner application mitt.
The mitt itself is made out of premium velvet so it’s extremely soft. It’s also re-usable and really easy to wash so you get the same quality fake tan application every single time.
Just like Famous Dave’s mitt, this one has a thumb hole for an accurate application that won’t fly off your hand. It’s double-sided so it works whether you’re right-handed or left-handed.
Unlike some of the cheaper self-tanning gloves on the market that are heat-sealed or made from a single piece of foam, the Gaiyah mitt is actually sewn together for higher quality and better durability.
Although it’s not my absolute favorite self-tanning mitt on the market, the Gaiyah is an extremely good value that you won’t be disappointed with.
5. Norvell Sunless Blending Tan Mitt
Get one on Amazon.
This may be the best value self-tanning mitt on my list. I don’t have a ton to say about it, because essentially it’s a simple, high-quality, low-cost self-tanning mitt.
However, it does have a few features that for the price, I really like:
Machine Washable – This mitt can actually be machine-washed and air-dried. Most other mitts have to be washed by hand. However, I’d warn you to not wash it with anything that you don’t want stained. It’s entirely possible for some of the leftover self-tanner to come off in the wash and stain other clothes.
Zippered Pouch – It comes with a nice zippered pouch to keep the mitt in. This helps keep the glove from drying out between applications, even if you don’t wash it.
Overall this is a quality self-tanning mitt at a great price. However, I’d suggest just paying a few dollars more and getting one of the gloves mentioned above!
How To Use A Self-Tanning Mitt
Alright, now that we’ve talked about the best self-tanning mitts on the market, let’s talk about some tips you should know when using them. Essentially you’re going to use the glove just like you would use your hand to apply the self-tanner.
First, take a second and check out the steps in this guide that I wrote, that will go over everything you need to know to prepare for your self-tan. It’ll also talk about what to do afterward, so keep the tab open.
Once you’ve read through that and prepared for your tan, it’s time to get the glove on. Put the mitt on your dominant hand, and apply some to the mitt. Start small, as you don’t want to have too much self-tanner on the mitt and not be able to spread it evenly.
If you’re used to applying sunless tanner with your hand, you’ll find you need less with the mitt as it’s more efficient at spread it, and keeping some on the mitt.
Be sure to not rub too vigorously, as this can result in a streaky tan. Just rub the fake tan in nice even circles or lines, and don’t rub too hard.
Be careful around your nose, mouth, neck, wrists, elbows, knees, and ankles. Since these areas are typically drier and have thicker skin, they tend to hold more self-tanner. Go over them briefly, or dilute the tanner with a wet paper towel to get an even look. Hopefully, if you read the guide I linked above, you know how important it is to moisturize before self-tanning.
Once you’re all done applying the self-tanner, and it’s had some time to dry, go ahead and wash your mitt. It usually works best to wash it gently in some warm water with a gentle soap such as baby wash.
Final Thoughts
A quality self-tanning mitt will completely change your entire self-tanning experience. It keeps your hands from getting stained or streaky, it allows you to apply the self-tanner more evenly, and it just makes for an overall better experience.
They are also inexpensive, so they’re certainly worth getting. If you’re looking for the right self-tanner to go along with your mitt, be sure to check out my buying guide.
