5 Best Tanning Back Applicators Of 2025
Self-tanner is an amazing way to get a bronzed glow from the comfort of your own home. They are easy to use and fairly easy to apply until it is time to apply them to your back.
Most of us don’t have arms that can wrap around our bodies, so when we apply self-tanner to our backs, we are pretty stuck.
Luckily, the experts have been there and done that, and created some helpful tanning back applicators.
They make the self-tanning application so much easier, and they can easily be bought online.
A tanning back applicator covers those hard-to-reach areas, giving you an even, complete tan.
It takes the stress out of self-tanning, and you just need to worry about how best to enjoy your gorgeous, even new glow.
In this article, we’ll not only go over what these devices are, and how to use them, but we’ll also cover the absolute best tanning back applicators you can buy. Let’s get right into it!
What Is A Tanning Back Applicator?
A tanning back applicator is a gift from the gods. It is a super useful tool that helps you apply self-tanner evenly onto your back without help from anyone else.
It is pretty effortless to use and cuts out all the stress of applying self-tanner to your back. Tanning back applicators come in a few different forms, so you will just need to figure out which one is for you.
One type of tanning applicator is a long-handled tool with pads or sponges that the self-tanning lotion is placed upon.
Using the long handle, the self-tanner is easily spread across the back. A good tanning back applicator will give you a smooth and even application.
The sponges are washable and reusable, saving you money. This type of applicator can also be used all over the body in place of a separate tanning mitt.
Another type of applicator is a length of special material with handles on either end.
The tanning lotion is placed in the center of the material, and using both hands, you move the material back and forth on your back as if drying your back with a towel.
This spreads the self-tanner evenly across your back, getting into all the problem areas.
The 5 Best Tanning Back Applicators
There are some great tanning back applicators out there, but there are also some that aren’t so great either.
Luckily, we did the testing for you and found the absolute best products on the market today.
Through our own testing, reading of reviews, research, and more, we were able to find what we think are the absolute best.
We factored in:
- Price
- Quality
- User Reviews
- Ease of use
- … and much more.
But enough blabbing, let’s get to the best self-tanning wands and back applicators:
1. Skinerals Padded Self-Tanning Back Wand
Skinerals is a trusted name in self-tanning, so it’s no wonder that they have one of the best tanning back applicators on the market.
The brand is focused on using only natural and organic ingredients, giving your skin only the best.
The products as a whole leave your skin feeling nourished and protected after each use.
The back wand has an extended handle that helps you reach those difficult areas on your back.
The actual applicator surface is padded with a sponge that helps restore and rejuvenate the skin, all while spreading the self-tanning lotion evenly and stress-free.
The wand helps prevent your hands from becoming orange, and it can also be used on the rest of your body.
It’s a safe and gentle applicator that protects and rejuvenates your skin while helping to give it a gorgeous glow.
2. Slick Solutions Self-Tan Applicator
Applying self-tanner to your back is now as easy as drying your back after a bath or shower.
The velvety, soft band is really easy to use and can apply lotion to your entire back, not leaving any patches.
What helps it get into those hard-to-reach places is that it is stretchy, so you can really work it and contort it to fit your body shape.
The self-tanner applicator is made using a stretchable and durable microfiber cloth. The rope handles on either end are firmly stitched so they won’t break mid-application.
The applicator can even be folded and used as a tanning mitt for the rest of your body, so it serves more than one purpose.
To clean the cloth, you can simply throw it into the washing machine and dryer, making it stress-free and hassle-free.
It comes in a convenient travel bag, so you can take it around with you for touch-ups or tanning on the go!
3. Vive Back Lotion Applicator
The Vive Back Lotion Applicator is an all-around, easy-to-use tool when applying self-tanner to your back.
It can even be used for creams, gels, and other lotions.
It evenly applies self-tanner to the back and saves you from bending and twisting to get your back evenly covered with a glowing tan.
With a 17-inch handle, you can reach all the areas on your body. The applicator pad has a surface of 3.5 inches, so it also gets great coverage.
Made from durable lotus wood, the handle will not slip or crack, and the nonslip textured rubber grip ensures a firm grasp on the wand at all times.
The applicator has a rope loop at the end, which is perfect for hanging on the wall or slipping over your wrist for added security during application.
The applicator is up to standard hygienically. The lotus wood is coated with a transparent waterproof layer that makes it resistant to mold and mildew, perfect for safe repeated use.
It is a reliable and efficient self-tanning applicator that can be used all over the body if desired. The soft pads spread the self-tanner evenly while gently rubbing the skin to encourage rejuvenation and increase blood flow.
4. ModelCo Self-Tan Back Applicator
This self-tanning back applicator is your answer to those hard to reach places and have limited access to certain areas on your back.
A reusable self-tanning applicator gives you an even application and spread of your self-tanning lotion, all with some simple motions.
The applicator is made using velvety-smooth material and aids the even distribution and flawlessness of your self-tan.
The applicator can be used with any self-tanning lotion, gel, mousse, and even self-tanning mist. It gives great coverage on the whole back and reaches every little inch.
It is as simple as wiping the lotion across your back in a backward and forward motion with each hand.
The handles on either end are securely fastened, so there is no chance of them snapping mid-tan application.
Your hands will be saved from turning orange due to an excess of self-tanning lotion and all that time wasted trying to twist and turn to reach some areas on your back.
It is cruelty-free and vegan, making it a great option for the eco-conscious. It can be thrown in the wash for quick cleaning, ready to be used again.
5. Body Reach Unbreakable Lotion Applicator
For an applicator that reaches all those impossible areas, this is the one for you.
It helps extend your range of motion, giving you access to self-tan your whole body on your own.
The applicator is made from a durable, bendable, and lightweight material, perfect for use over an extended period of time.
Being bendable, it really lets you get to those hidden and hard to reach areas that are usually left un-tanned. The handle is 14 inches long, so it has a good reach.
The double-sided sponge is made from a soft, hypoallergenic nylon material that gives an even and smooth spread of self-tanning lotion. The set comes with an additional 4 sponges, giving you use of the applicator for a longer time.
The sponges are removable, washable and non-absorbent. Your self-tanning lotion, cream or gel will not soak into the sponge, meaning you use less during each application.
It can be used to apply any other lotions or creams, and even aids in the treatment of dry skin, acne, sunburns, and other skin ailments.
How to Use a Tanning Back Applicator
- Cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize skin the night before application.
- To start, you will need to choose your favorite self-tanner. Lotions, gels, or mousses are the best options for applying self-tanner with a back applicator.
- Place a dab of self-tanner (however much you need) on the center of your back applicator.
- If you are using a long material strip applicator, place it over your shoulders and holding it in both hands, move the applicator backward and forwards, as if drying your back with a towel.
- If using a handheld applicator, use each hand, reach to your back, and rub in the self-tanner. It might help to look into a mirror to check that you are covering all the areas you usually miss.
- Repeat these steps until your preferred color is obtained.
- Leave the self-tanner to set for the required time before wearing clothing.
How to Care For Your Tanning Back Applicator
You must wash your tanning back applicator after each use to keep it hygienic and effective.
Each applicator should come with care instructions, so be sure to follow those carefully to ensure that the back applicator lasts as long as possible and gives you optimum results.
If you do not clean the leftover self-tanner from the applicator before the next use, it could leave you with a streaky and patchy tan.
It could also become moldy and grow mildew, which definitely is not ideal at all.
Tips for Using Your Tanning Back Applicator
A tanning back applicator is quite a nifty little tool. It doesn’t have to be used only on the back.
You can use it to apply tanner to other hard-to-reach places such as your feet, legs, and neck.
If you purchase a tanning back applicator with a long handle, it can also apply self-tanner to your whole body instead of using a tanning mitt. It cuts down the cost of self-tanning and gives you one less tool.
Use more tanning lotion than normal
When applying self-tanning lotion to your back, it is a good idea to use a little more than usual.
Ensure that the product is applied and rubbed into the applicator so you don’t get any blotchy or streaky areas when applied to your back.
Change directions when applying
As you rub the self-tanning lotion into your back, change the direction of your rubs.
Go from up and down to side to side, this will ensure that the entire product has been rubbed in evenly, and there won’t be any streaky lines left from the same direction of movement.
Applying self-tanning lotion is the most complex area between your shoulder blades.
If you find you have missed this area out or if it isn’t looking how you want it to, take a misting self-tanning spray, bend forward, bow your head and gently spray into this area, it will fix any mistakes.
Exfoliate first
The self-tanning lotion works by reacting with dry skin.
By exfoliating before applying the self-tanner, you remove any excess skin that might react with the lotion and create dark patches that will completely ruin the look of your tan.
An exfoliation mitt or brush will help you exfoliate the hard-to-reach places on your back. Also, focus on your knees, ankles, heels, and elbows.
Moisturize after exfoliating
Moisturize your skin beforehand as well. After exfoliating, you will need to rehydrate your skin. A lightweight lotion would work best, as it won’t sit on the skin and affect how the self-tanner sets.
The self-tanner will also prevent drier areas from turning orange or dark brown.
Moisturizer is also good to use after applying the self-tanner, as it keeps the skin hydrated and healthy, making the tan last longer as well.
Start from your feet
When applying self-tanner, start from your feet and work your way up. Your back will be one of the last places to apply it.
This helps avoid any dark patches from bending over, as you will do the lower parts of your body first before the top.
It also allows you to watch for any darker spots as you work your way up your body.
Know how to remove dark spots
If you have one or two darker spots on your body from the self-tanner, rubbing half of a lemon on the area for a few minutes and then gently rubbing the area with a damp towel should lighten or obliterate the darker spots.
Be patient while the self-tanner sets
Also, wait slightly longer than recommended for the self-tanner to set. This saves you in case you have applied it thicker in some areas.
Once you have waited long enough, apply a thin layer of baby powder to prevent the tan from transferring onto your clothes.
Final Thoughts
You no longer have to worry about those hard-to-reach places on your back and around your body.
Different, really good-quality tanning back applicators can be found on Amazon; you just have to decide which one is best for you and what you need.
Depending on your range of motion and the product you use, there is a tanning back applicator for you. It will quickly become your best friend when self-tanning time comes knocking.
Stop the twisting and turning in vain; rather use an applicator that will make your life so much easier. You really have no excuse for a pale back, or a badly applied tan anymore!
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