Your quest for that golden glow through self-tanning won’t end with the best self-tanner. You need something more. I’m talking about the accessories.
One of the most important of these accessories is self-tanning mitts or gloves. It is a fake tan essential every tanning enthusiast should have in their wardrobe.
By the time you finish reading this article, I’m sure that you will find the best tanning mitt for you. With this, steaky and blotchy hands after applying self-tanner will never be a problem for you.
So, let’s start!
Table of Contents
Why get Tanning Mitts?
Those who have been familiar with the process of tanning and the complications that come with it don’t need this answer. For those who are unaware, here it goes.
Tanning (specifically spray tanning) makes use of coloring compounds that leave a shade on your skin when applied and settled. This spray tan solution causes streaking on the skin and especially wherever it is applied in excess.
Moreover, when using spray guns, all spray guns tend to deliver a little leakage to the hands of the applicator. This is not because of their malfunctioning but because of the built-up pressure inside that finds it ways to the hands at first.
Later on, the same leaked spray tan solution causes dark streaking over the hands, which makes you look like a witch later.
Therefore, good tanning mitts might be the best investment you make before you start tanning at home.
Best Tanning Mitt Reviews
We all know it very well that price is not a big factor when it comes to tanning gloves. It’s the quality that matters. Nobody wants to ruin their hands after applying self tanner.
Although self tanning mitts are exclusively created to help you get away from blotchy hands, many fail to serve the function. One of the main reasons being poor manufacturing.
But don’t worry.
The 7 self tanning mitts listed below don’t fall in that line. Let’s see them.
1. Skinerals microfiber tanning mitts
What if I told you there’s a mitt out there that’s soft, reusable, efficient and most of all, inexpensive! Yes, this one tops my list because of these qualities.
You can check the mitt and it’s price out here (Amazon)
The Skinerals mitts are made of nicely chosen and woven microfibers that allow streak free tanning and keep the spray tan solution out of where it’s not supposed to be. They fit perfectly on all kinds of hands without slipping off.
On the inside, these mitts are lined with synthetic plastic that keeps out the spray tan solution at all cost (even if a little bit tends to seep inside!) On the outside, the microfibers are soft to all kinds of skin.
Moreover, the texture of these mitts allows you to exfoliate your skin with a smooth touch too.
I would also love to mention that these mitts are way durable than the others I came across. During the first few days of my experience as a professional tanner, I succumbed to using $5 mitts (because of frequent customers) and they were disposable.
However, when I came across these mitts it took my worries of trying to keep the mitts clean and reusable away. These mitts are absolutely long lasting (until you have a dog that wants to chew on them of course!)
Pros:
- Durable
- Long lasting
- Smooth texture
- No seepage
- Cheap
Cons:
- Not available in a variety of colors
2. Ultimitt Self Tanning Mitt
These ultimate tanning mitts are the ultimate solution to all your tanning worries. Check the price of this self tanning mitt out on Amazon.
Not as cheap as the ones we talked about before these, they are however worth the price tag. If you are looking to make a one-time, long term investment, you are looking at the right product.
As for the material these mitts are made of, it feels like heaven! It wouldn’t be wrong to compare the touch to having velvet worn around your hands.
What’s more fascinating is that this price does not bring you a mitt only, but a lot of other things inside the set too. For example, you’ll have two large and two small mitts, a ziplock bag to keep the mitts dry and safe, a suction hook and a guide.
The two large mitts can be used to even out the solution on your body whereas you can have a separate one for your face. Yes, the two smaller mitts are technically called the face mitts and can be used separately for your face (because it’s more sensitive and smaller in area.)
Also, these mitts tend to not absorb the tanning solution at large like the other mitts and spread it evenly on the skin surface.
Pros:
- Excellent material
- The set comes with accessories too
- Long lasting
Cons:
- Tight on the wrists
3. SwanMyst Tanning Mitts
Honestly speaking, the appearance of these mitts was way too appealing before I even tried these out.
The brown fur-like mitts are a shade of chocolate and cocoa. Easy to the eyes and beautiful to be put on the shelves, these mitts are the perfect option for a commercial tanner.
Not as pricey as other ones either, these mitts are not a burden on your wallet too. With a light price tag and fancy looks, you should get them in bulk if you’re running a tanning salon or planning to. Check the current price of this mitt here (Amazon).
Speaking about the material only, these mitts are as soft as heaven. When applied on the body or face, they tend to go with the texture and bumps, applying the tanner in a streamlined manner.
The inside of these mitts is stitched with a waterproof material and it does not let even a single drop of the solution inside. No matter how damp it gets, your hands are always protected.
These mitts are also easy to wash as all you have to do to wash them is put them under running water or just soak them in a bowl of warm water. Speaking of myself, I put them in a warm water bowl and watch the spray tan solution being given off to the surrounding water.
Pros:
- Beautiful appearance
- Easy gliding
- Damp proof
- Easily washable
Cons:
- Hard on the price tag
4. Golden star Self Tanning Mitts
I had ordered these tanning mitts from over Amazon when it wasn’t even reviewed by a lot of customers properly. I don’t know why they caught my attention but they were truly worth it!
Available in black color, these tanning mitts can add to you tanning décor if you are a professional tanner. On the other hand, if you want them for self-tanning purposes, these are way useful than the commercial ones. Check this one out for yourself on Amazon.
These mitts come as a set of 3. The kit includes a body mitt, a face mitt, and an exfoliation mitt. You can and should use the exfoliation mitt before the solution application to even out your dead skin and prevent any streaking otherwise.
The best thing about this kit is that it comes with a 1-year warranty. I know nothing lasts that long but if the mitts come across wear or tear that isn’t supposed to happen normally, you can get them replaced easily (not that I’ve ever had to do it anyways!)
These mitts are also a perfect match for all kinds of tanning products. Not just tanning solutions but you can use these with all kinds of products regardless of their densities. The only thing that makes them so viable is that they don’t absorb everything they come across.
Pros:
- Dark colored
- Warranty included
- Traveling kit included
- Exfoliation mitt included
Cons:
- Gets hard after a few washes
5. Reneetan Tanning mitts
Do you know a few accessories that can go well anywhere, anytime? For tanning mitts, sometimes the mitts are too uncomfortable for a hand and fit only on a particular size range. Well, I found the solution to it. Check these Reneetan Tanning mitts out here (Amazon).
As much as decent looking these mitts are, they are the most adaptable mitts I came across in all of my search. Their universal shape and loose fitting have made them a must-be-available for all personal and professional tanners alike.
The good thing about these mitts is that they are the best for beginners in tanning. I remember being a rookie at tanning when I had first started getting familiar with these products and the mitts would be too sophisticated to put on and clean.
However, these mitts are easy to clean, fit and use. They don’t require a lot of expert help to be used properly.
The material these mitts are made of is out of this world. You won’t believe me but the soft velvety touch gave me an urge to wear them in cold weather for warmth, let alone tanning.
The insides are lined with fine plastic that does not let any tanning solution seep through it either.
Pros:
- Decent appearance
- Good for beginners
- Durable
- Soft velvety touch
Cons:
- Applicator not included
6. Famous Dave’s tanning mitt
Last but not the least; let’s look at something fancier than all of those we saw above.
The Famous Dave’s tanning mitts (Amazon) are a combination of all the features you would want in a tanning mitt.
The mitts are crafted in a way to prevent any seepage. Unlike other mitts that are chemically sealed at the borders, these mitts are sewn together. This keeps them together and prevents them from tearing apart too.
Apart from lotions, this mitt smooths out mousses very efficiently and leaves no traces behind such as streaking, etc.
Moreover, the use of these mitts is pretty simple and doesn’t need any expert guidance either. If you are a beginner tanner and doing it at your own home, these mitts should be your best choice.
Pros:
- Beginner friendly
- Hand sewn
- Soft material
- Reusable
- Extremely cheap
Cons:
- No significant cons
How to buy good Tanning Gloves
For most of us, buying is not a problem as much as buying the right thing is.
As for tanning mitts, you will have to choose the best fit so as not to compromise your desired tan.
How do you choose the best one? What should you look for? Let’s learn:
1. Material
The material of your tanning is the first and foremost thing to look for before buying because it will later decide the primary comfort. These mitts use different kinds of material inside and outside. For the outside, you can choose something as microfiber (soft and smooth). For the inside, choose something like plastic (impermeable and durable).
2. Size
You don’t want to wear a mitt that doesn’t allow your hand to breath or keeps falling off your hands, do you? Choose the perfect size of the mitt. Some mitts, however, are universally sized and will fit almost all hands.
3. Price
Technically speaking, tanning mitts are products that have to be discarded after a few usages anyways. Therefore, it should be best to spend the minimum on these disposable products because you have to get new ones soon.
How to use a tanning mitt?
- Put on the mitt on your hands. Make sure the mitts are snug and do not slide vigorously.
- Apply a little amount of solution to the mitts and rub against each other to spread it evenly.
- Very carefully and delicately, rub the mitts on your desired body parts. The solution should be coming off as a thin layer on top of it.
- Repeat the process when necessary.
- Once done, wash the mitts under warm water to keep them clean for the next use.
You can find a thorough guide on the topic here:
Conclusion
Tanning mitts are an essential part of the self tanning process. Unlike other methods, this process needs more precision and delicacy so as to keep the application even and prevent any streaking.
For that, you have to choose and use the best tanning mitts available in this wide range of the market.
I tried to put together my experience for you, now it’s your job to use it!
Happy tanning!
