5 Best Self-Tanning Mitts In 2025
I have been self-tanning for years, and one of the first lessons I learned was that your applicator matters just as much as the tanner itself. Applying self-tanner without a mitt can be quite difficult. You also risk having streaky and blotchy hands.
In this article, I will explain why these mitts are so incredibly useful and discuss the best self-tanning mitts currently on the market.
Let’s start by reviewing the best self-tanning mitts available. Then, we’ll discuss 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 of self-tanning mitts and gloves. Many are made of foam and come very inexpensively or free with self-tanning lotion.
These tend not to last very long, not spread well, and are difficult to use.
So, in this review, I’m not going to look at these.
None of the mittens 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, lovely in color, and will make 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. Elan Pure Self Tanning Mitt – Double-Sided Velvet Applicator
The Elan Pure Self Tanning Mitt has quickly become one of my favorites for getting a smooth, streak-free application every time. It’s a double-sided velvet mitt that feels super soft against the skin, and the material does a great job of distributing tanner evenly without absorbing too much product.
What I really like about this one is how easy it is to blend with. The velvet texture glides over skin without dragging, which means you’re less likely to end up with patchy spots on tricky areas like elbows and knees. It also rinses clean pretty easily – just hand wash after each use and it holds up well over time.
The mitt fits most hand sizes comfortably and the thumb pocket keeps it secure while you work. If you’ve been frustrated with mitts that slip around or bunch up mid-application, this one stays put. It works with mousse, lotion, and liquid tanners, so it’s a solid all-around choice no matter what formula you prefer.
3. Famous Dave’s Sunless Tanning Mitt
Established in 1998, Famous Dave has been making high-quality tanning products for a very long time.
Although this product doesn’t include 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 is the thumb hole. The thumb hole is double-sided, just like the rest of the glove, stitched 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 thumb design makes it easier to reach tough-to-reach places like your face, feet, knees, etc.
This is one of the highest-quality self-tanning mittens on the market, and you seriously won’t be disappointed.
4. Gaiyah Self-Tanning Mitt Applicator
Gaiyah may not be a company you’re familiar with, because they don’t make self-tanners themselves.
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 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 sewn together for higher quality and better durability.
Although it’s not my absolute favorite, the Gaiyah is an extremely good value that you won’t be disappointed with.
5. Norvell Sunless Blending Tan Mitt
This may be the best value self-tanning mitt on my list.
I don’t have much to say about it because it’s essentially a simple, high-quality, low-cost mitt.
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 mittens have to be washed by hand.
I’d warn you not to wash it with anything that you don’t want stained. Some of the leftover self-tanner may come off in the wash and stain other clothes.
Zippered Pouch – It comes with a nice zippered pouch to keep the mittens in. This helps keep the glove from drying out between applications, even if you don’t wash it.
This is a quality self-tanning mitt at a great price. 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 discussed the best self-tanning mitts on the market, let’s discuss some tips for 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 to check out the steps in this guide that I wrote. It covers everything you need to know to prepare for your self-tan and what to do afterward, so keep the tab open.
Once you’ve read through that and prepared for your tan, it’s time to put on the glove. Put the mitt on your dominant hand and apply some self-tanner to it.
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 spreading it, and keeping some on the mitt.
Be sure not to 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’ve applied the self-tanner and it’s dried, go ahead and wash your mitt. It usually works best to wash it gently in warm water with a gentle soap such as baby wash.
Final Thoughts
A quality self-tanning mitt will completely change your entire experience. I personally keep a couple mitts on hand so I always have a clean one ready to go.
It keeps your hands from getting stained or streaky, allows you to apply the self-tanner more evenly, and 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.
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