Don't Waste Your Money is supported by our readers. When you purchase an item through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Best Self-Tanning Mitt

Last updated on October 11, 2022

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in a category.

Our Picks For The Top Self-Tanning Mitts

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Key Takeaway
 Top Pick

GAIYAH Self-Tanning Mitt

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

GAIYAH

Self-Tanning Mitt

This luxurious self-tanning mitt is made from soft velvet, offering a smooth glide. It is re-usable and washable. The mitt has a waterproof inner layer to protect your hands from product.

Overall Take

Luxurious TouchThis self-tanning mitt is made from soft velvet.

 Runner Up

b.tan Self-Tanning Mitt

b.tan

Self-Tanning Mitt

This cruelty-free self-tanning mitt is also vegan. It is easy to use and results in a streak-free tan. The mitt has a thumb pocket for extra control.

Overall Take

Cruelty-Free ChoiceThis self-tanning mitt is made from naturally derived vegan-friendly ingredients.

 We Also Like

St.Tropez Double-Sided Waterproof Self-Tanning Mitt

St.Tropez

Double-Sided Waterproof Self-Tanning Mitt

This self-tanning mitt is great for blending product and creating a flawless look. It prevents your hands from staining and reduces streaks in the tan. The mitt can be hand washed and hung to dry.

Overall Take

Great for BlendingThis self-tanning mitt creates a flawless look every time.

 Strong Contender

Bondi Sands Self-Tanning Mitt

Bondi Sands

Self-Tanning Mitt

This self-tanning mitt is easy to wash, dry and reuse again and again. It is durable and double-sided for ease of use. The mitt ensures you never have stained hands again.

Overall Take

Easily WashableThis self-tanning mitt is easy to clean and reuse.

Buying Guide

It’s easier than ever to get the bronzed look of suntanned skin at home, thanks to the proliferation of self-tanning mitts, towels and other tools.  These mitts help you apply self-tanner, while keeping your hands clean at the same time. You can have a golden hue in no time!

However, applying self-tanner isn’t as easy at putting on sunscreen or body lotion, even though it may look like the same process. Applying self-tanner needs to be done in a perfectly even way so that you don’t end up with dark or light streaks, patchiness and, maybe the worst issue of them all, orange hands. Using a self-tanning mitt can help you put on self-tanner in an effective way so that your tan looks smooth, even and natural. Not only that, self-tanning mitts are great for helping you prep your skin for the product, in addition to making it easier to go over missed patches in hard-to-reach places such as the middle of your back.

If you want to achieve that beautiful glow with your self-tanning mitt, it’s important to check what kind of material the mitt is made from. In order to avoid streaky or patchy application, opt for a material that is smooth without much texture, such as foam or velvet. This will ensure that your self tanner will go on evenly.

Be sure to also check the size of the mitt. While most mitts come in just one size, select one that will fit your hand comfortably and has some room to spare. However, it shouldn’t be too big that it could slide off during the application process.

What to Look For

  • Most self-tanning mitts are reusable, so you can apply self tanner on multiple occasions. Some are hand washable, and are easy to rinse off in the sink and hang to dry. Others go a step further and can actually be machine washed, making the cleaning process effortless and simple.
  • Look for a self-tanning mitt that comes with its own pouch if you like to keep things neat and tidy. This way, if you don’t want to wash the mitt right away or plan to use it the next day, you can keep it safe in the pouch without it drying out or leaking color all over your home.
  • To get the best tan, be sure to remove any unwanted hair at least 24 hours before, especially if you plan on waxing.
  • It’s important to exfoliate before you apply any self tanner, so buff rough areas such as your elbows, knees and ankles, and be sure to pay extra attention to any dry spots on your skin.
  • Be sure to apply self tanner with a self-tanning mitt once your body has fully dried after a shower. If you start while it’s wet, you will end up with streaky skin. Wait at least 10-15 minutes after a shower, and avoid using any bath products that leave an oily residue on your skin.
  • Did you know that your tanning products take about eight hours to set? If you’re running around during the day, you may end up sweating, which can lead to streaks. Ideally, plan to let your tan set overnight.

More to Explore

To best use a self-tanning mitt, wear it on your dominant hand to have optimum control and maneuverability. Apply a small amount of self tanner to the mitt and begin spreading it around your skin. Keep in mind that you won’t need to start off with a lot of product – a little bit will do the trick. Rub the mitt gently on your skin in circles or straight lines, and be sure to rub with an even amount of pressure.

Take extra care around dry area such as elbows or knees. These areas will absorb extra product, so you may need to dilute some tanner with a wet paper towel to get the color even with the rest of your skin.

From our partners