Is a tanning mitt or brush better?

Author: Hobart Wiegand  |  Last update: Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Some people may prefer the convenience and speed of a mitt for larger body areas, while others may prefer the precision offered by a brush for more detailed work. Experimenting with both methods can help you determine which one works best for you.

Is it better to tan with a mitt or gloves?

The Final Decision: Tanning Mitts Are The Best Option

When it comes to achieving a flawless, streak-free, and natural-looking tan, the self-tanning mitt is the clear winner. It offers superior control over the application process, ensures seamless blending, and prevents unwanted staining on your hands.

What is best to apply fake tan?

6. Always Use A Tanning Mitt. For a flawless, streak-free tan and stain-free hands, always apply fake tan with an Applicator Mitt. It will help to evenly distribute and blend your tan, ensuring a flawless finish every time.

How to get the best results from self-tanner?

Your self tan will look so much better if you apply a light, oil-free moisturizer. The moisturizer helps to layer in a smooth surface so you don't get streaks. If you use a moisturizer it also absorbs excess self-tanner and prevents spots that darker in some areas.

How many times can you reuse a tanning mitt?

If you're applying tan once a week, we'd recommend washing your mitt every two weeks. Otherwise, if you are less frequent in applying tan, we recommend washing your mitt once a month or after every second application.

Best Fake Tan Routine At Home + Tanning Hacks You Need To Know

Should I wet my tanning mitt before tanning?

Yes, your skin should be dry prior to self-tanning, however, dampening your tanning mitt before applying your self tanner is a great self tanning tip for beginners especially to ensure an easy, smooth application. The key here is to gently wet your mitt before wringing it out completely.

What is the best self-tanner?

After extensive testing, we determined the highest rated self-tanner to be the St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse. It's an airy mousse that's easy to apply and blend and leaves you with a natural-looking glow. You can also customize the depth of color based on how long you leave it on your skin.

What not to do after self-tanning?

It is important not to wear tight clothing after applying fake tan as this can cause your tan to rub off or cause marks. This can make self-tanning in the morning more difficult as you must wear dark, loose clothing to avoid any transfer and you can't use deodorant or perfume.

Is it better to put lotion on before or after self-tanner?

Apply Moisturizer Before Tanner

After exfoliating your body, continue the prepping process by applying a moisturizer. You shouldn't apply self-tanner without moisturizing first, because skipping out on this prep step could potentially leave you with patchy color — this goes for your face and the rest of your body.

Is it better to fake tan at night or morning?

Applying at night gives your self-tanner time to develop a natural tan look. Things like showering, rain, or tight clothes can mess up your tan when it's trying to settle. And some tanning products will also stain! As the self-tanner process can take up to eight hours, applying right before bed is super convenient.

How to tan for beginners?

Our step-by-step guide to self-tanning
  1. Step 1: Exfoliate your skin. ...
  2. Step 2: Pick your self tanner. ...
  3. Step 3: Remember to moisturise. ...
  4. Step 4: Start applying your tan. ...
  5. Step 5: How to tackle your back. ...
  6. Step 6: Relax and wait for that summer glow. ...
  7. Step 7: Moisturise again to blend. ...
  8. Step 8: Fix up any mistakes before they set.

Are you supposed to fake tan your face?

The answer is yes! Hydrate the skin so your fake tan lasts longer and applies evenly. Avoid oils as this can make application tricky and it can react with certain self-tanners – breaking the formula down and making it patchy. Instead, use a light lotion or cream.

Is a brush or mitt better for fake tan?

Using a mitt is a popular choice for applying self-tanner because it helps to distribute the product evenly and prevent streaks.

What to use instead of a tanning mitt?

How to Apply Self-Tanner Without a Mitt: 5 Tanning Alternatives
  • Rubber Gloves. The first alternative tool to reach for if you don't have a tanning mitt available is a set of rubber gloves. ...
  • Socks. If you don't have any rubber gloves handy, you can also use a sock for self-tanner application. ...
  • Cling Wrap. ...
  • Hands.

Do you use a tanning mitt on your face?

Rub a small amount over your face in gentle, circular movements using an Application Mitt. To really nail that natural look, grab a blending brush and buff the product into your skin. Pay extra attention to the area around your hairline and jaw where harsh lines could appear.

Is 30 minutes a day in sun enough to tan?

Is 30 minutes a day enough to tan? It depends on your skin type. Those with fair skin likely need a bit longer, while people with darker skin may only require 15-20 minutes daily. Start slow and gently build UV skin tolerance over multiple sessions for the best color development.

How to get the darkest tan?

6 Top Tanning Tips for a Darker and Long-lasting Tan
  1. Exfoliate your Skin prior to Tanning. ...
  2. Keep your Skin Hydrated and Moisturised. ...
  3. Apply a sunbed cream or tanning accelerator prior tanning.
  4. Remove any kind of makeup and other cosmetic products. ...
  5. Choose foods that accelerate tanning.

What is the best tan accelerator?

  • Calypso Monoi Tahiti Bronzing Tanning Oil SPF15. ...
  • Pro Tan Beaches and Creme All-In Intensifying Serum (250ml) ...
  • ultrasun SPF30 Tan Activator Body 150ml , Pack of 1. ...
  • Power Tan Non-Stop Black Tingle Gelee (DHA Free) Hybrid UV Sunbed Tanning Accelerator Lotion 250ml.

How to self tan for beginners?

Follow these steps:
  1. Exfoliate. Use a washcloth to exfoliate the skin prior to applying a self-tanner. ...
  2. Dry your skin. ...
  3. Apply in sections. ...
  4. Wash your hands after each section. ...
  5. Blend at your wrists and ankles. ...
  6. Dilute over your joints. ...
  7. Give your skin time to dry. ...
  8. Apply sunscreen every day.

Does tan still develop after a shower?

Don't fret! Your colour will continue to develop and darken for a few hours (and a spray tan takes up to 24 hours to develop fully). That brown water disappearing down the drain? It wasn't your tan washing away, it was simply the cosmetic bronzer tanning formulators use to help guide you when applying your tan.

Should I shave my legs before or after self-tanning?

This seems easy enough, but a lot of people forget to shave before applying self tanner. However, you prefer to remove hair (waxing, shaving, laser, etc.) please do yourself a favor and do it before you apply product. Hair removal after-the-fact can remove your tan, leaving splotchy marks on your legs.

What is the number 1 rated fake tan?

Best fake tan formulas 2025 at a glance:
  • Best overall: Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam.
  • Best colour-correcting mousse: Bondi Sands Technocolor 1 Hour Express Self Tanning Foam.
  • Best for beginners: Tan-Luxe x Paris Hilton The Future Airbrush 360 Self-Tan Mist.
  • Best for natural results: St.

What tanner does Kim Kardashian use?

Ardell Body Drench Quick Tan Instant Self-Tanner

Kim Kardashian flashed her own bottle of Body Drench when showing off her travel makeup bag — and she definitely knows a good sunless tan! If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member?

What tan does Jennifer Aniston use?

In an interview with Redbook, Jennifer Aniston revealed that her favourite self-tanning product is the L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Tanning Towelettes, she says: "I like the L'Oréal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelettes.

Previous article
How long should I wait to wash my hair after the hairdressers?
Next article
What hairline is most attractive?