In a world where a sun-kissed glow is the be-all and end-all when it comes to radiant skin, there's no wonder we always look for the best tanning mitts to get the most out of our tanning products. Because even with the best fake tan, you need a good tanning applicator to really hit a streak-free home run.
From lotions to sprays, the market is full of options to achieve a golden glow, but what's most important is finding the best tanning mitt ideal for the product you are using. Or maybe, you don't need a mitt at all, but we would only argue that case if you were looking for the best gradual tan.
heat's best tanning mits at a glance:
Editor's choice: Bondi Sands Reusable Application Mitt, £4.99 on LookFantastic
Best budget-friendly tanning mitt: Isle of Paradise Tanning Mitt, £4.99 on Cult Beauty
Best high-end tanning mitt: FILTER By Molly Mae Tanning Mitt, £6.95 on Beauty Bay
Brands like Bondi Sands, Isle of Paradise and Coco and Eve are the perfect go-to if you're looking for a trustworthy tanning mitt that you can use in a multitude of places, even when using the best face tanner.
Check out our top finds below, and don't worry about making any self-tanning mistakes, as we've also found the best fake tan remover, too.
Happy glow-up!
SHOP: The best tanning mitts to buy right now
Editor's choice
www.lookfantastic.com
Enhance your self-tanning process with the Bondi Sands Reusable Application Mitt. Precise, streak-free results are practically guaranteed. A must-have for effortless and even tanning.
Review: "It works, it's black so can't tell any staining, though might hinder you from cleaning it properly. It's very soft & easy to use."
Pros
- Black means stains won't be obvious on mitt
- Made from velvety material
Cons
- May need to be replaced often
Best budget-friendly tanning mitt
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
This gorgeous mitt by Isle of Paradise prevents streakiness and blotchiness – plus a water-resistant barrier ensures no risk of stained palms. How could you say no to adding this to your tanning regime?
Review: "First tanning mitt I had used from this brand and it was really good at dispensing the tanning mousse onto my skin. It lasted around 5-6 applications before the side split which is usual to me. Would purchase again!"
Pros
- Streak-free finish
- Avoids orange palms
Cons
- Some reviewers claimed the mitt was too rough on skin
Best high-end tanning mitt
www.beautybay.com
We all know Molly-Mae, right? Well if you don't, just know she loves a flawless tan. Her brand Filter is the perfect solution for streak-free tan and their tanning mitts are top-tier.
Review: "My skin suffers from eczema and I'm insecure about my skin. I used this mitt and oh my this doesn’t cause flair-ups."
Pros
- Velvety mitt with a soft finish
- Larger than normal mitt so tan applies quicker
Cons
- None!
Best high-street tanning mitt
www.sephora.co.uk
Experience flawless tanning with Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Soft Velvet Tanning Mitt from Sephora. Luxuriously smooth application for a sun-kissed glow. A perfect tanning companion.
Review: "I love this product, the color is spot on everytime!! The application couldn't be easier and with the MIT it blends into your skin with no streaks or lines! I love the smell too! People actually ask where did I go on vacation all the time!!! The only one I'll use now!!! I have very sensitive skin and this actually moisturizes my skin and leaves it feeling healthy! I don't wear any makeup except mascara and I love that!!!!! I might have to try your hair products now too!"
Pros
- High-quality mitt
- Blends tan well
Cons
- Needs washing after every use
Best versatile tanning mitt
www.prettylittlething.com
Get a natural tan effortlessly with Sunkissed Eco Pack Double-Sided Velvet Tanning Mitt from PrettyLittleThing. Dual-sided, luxurious velvet mitt for flawless, eco-friendly tanning results. Your ultimate tanning essential.
Pros
- Double-sided for maximum performance
- Eco-friendly packaging
Cons
- Doesn't work with cream tanning products
Best back tanning mitt
www.sephora.co.uk
Sick of struggling to apply fake tan to your back? Skinny Tan's back tan applicator is the perfect solution for you. It comes with handles to make using the product that much easier - simply a dream.
Review: "Very useful to have when self-tanning alone. Easy to use once you get the hang of it, you need to arch your back to ensure you cover the middle of your back and having a mirror by you is a must to check you’ve not missed a spot. Overall great price and does the job."
Pros
- Makes hard to reach places easy to tan
- Soft, velvety applicator to prevent skin irritation
Cons
- Could be larger
Best streak-free tanning mitt
Experience the ultimate tanning transformation with the Velotan Tanning Mitt. Elevate your self-tanning routine to new heights and revel in a natural, sun-kissed glow without the fuss. This mitt is best if you're looking for a streak-free glorious tan.
Review: "This tanning mitt is the best I have ever used. It really does feel like velvet on the skin and spreads the product so easily. Love it and will be ordering more."
Pros
- Velvet touch mitt
- Machine washable
Cons
- Can only use one side of the mitt
Do self-tanning mitts work?
Absolutely, self-tanning mitts are highly effective tools for achieving a natural and streak-free tan. They are specifically designed to assist in the application of self-tanning products, such as lotions, mousses, and sprays.
Their soft and velvety texture ensures even distribution of the tanning product, helping to prevent uneven patches and streaks that can occur when applying tanners with bare hands. Extra fair and worried about looking orange? Make sure to check our fake tan for pale skin.
Do you wash a tanning mitt after every use?
Yes, it's recommended to wash your tanning mitt after every use. Cleaning your tanning mitt helps maintain its effectiveness and prevents the buildup of tanning product residue, which can lead to uneven application and potentially cause streaks on your skin during the next use.