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Liudmila Chernetska

All the best tanning mitts – including one that reaches your back

Say goodbye to streaky legs… say hello to radiant skin

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There’s nothing we all love more than a sun-kissed glow. Thankfully, achieving a natural-looking, radiant tan in the comfort of your home has never been easier – no sun needed! A good bottle of fake tan will give you a beautiful, bronzed complexion while avoiding the risks of UV damage. Don’t worry, the days of a patchy and streaky fake tan are long gone (we’ve all been there!). The secret to a flawless fake tan lies in the application – and trust us, a great tanning mitt is the key to success.

Sophie Evans, St. Tropez’s tanning expert says: ‘It’s always worth having two mitts on the go: a “tanning” mitt and a clean mitt, for buffing. Or try the St. Tropez Dual Sided Velvet Tan Mitt, which has two sides. Definitely take the time to buff post-tanning – this is what a professional would do after a spray tan, to help remove tan from tricky areas such as hair lines and nails. Use the clean mitt (or even just the clean side of your mitt) to remove tan from the hair line, cuticles and nails. Around the hands, ankles, wrists and knees, use it to buff in fast, feathery motions over the skin. This helps to achieve a more natural finish.’

When it comes to tackling application in those trickier areas, James Read, founder of self-tan brand Self Glow, advises: ‘When applying self-tan to the face, add the product to the top of your tanning mitt, then fold the mitt to gently dilute the formula. Unfold and apply to the face for a soft, even glow.’

He adds: ‘For areas such as hands and feet, always use the leftover product on the mitt rather than applying more directly — this helps achieve a natural-looking finish. The same goes for arms: glide any excess product downwards to ensure a gradual fade.’

Perhaps the most challenging of them all is the back. While we’ve included a dedicated back applicator in our list, James shares a clever DIY trick: ‘Secure a mitt to a wooden spoon with an elastic band and apply the product to the back using the long handle.’ Who knew?

If you’re unsure where to find a good tanning mitt, don’t worry. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best fake tan mitts you can shop now. Happy tanning!

1

St.Tropez Double Sided Luxe Tanning Mitt

Double Sided Luxe Tanning Mitt
Now 17% Off
Credit: St.Tropez

This double-sided, velvet mitt will help you achieve a flawless and streak-free tan in no time. As Sophie advised, use one side to tan and one side to buff.

2

Bondi Sands Reusable Application Mitt

Reusable Application Mitt
Now 20% Off
Credit: Bondi Sands

A classic! This mitt is ultra-soft, reusable, machine-washable and great value at just £4.99 – you can’t go wrong.

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3

Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Soft Velvet Self Tan Mitt

Sunny Honey Soft Velvet Self Tan Mitt
Credit: Coco & Eve

This mitt fits like a dream. The glove-like design eliminates slipping, while the gentle, hypoallergenic velvet material guarantees smooth, even coverage.

4

Tanologist Mitt Duo

Mitt Duo
Credit: Tanologist

In this handy kit, you’ll find a larger mitt for the body and a smaller mitt for the face, ensuring a flawless tan from head to toe.

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5

Brushworks Tan Applicator Set

Tan Applicator Set
Now 25% Off
Credit: Brushworks

For ultimate coverage, this set goes beyond the basics. You’ll get a body mitt, a face mitt and a back applicator, ensuring no spot is missed – even those difficult-to-reach places.

6

Filter by Molly-Mae Large Self-tan Velvet Mitt

Large Self-tan Velvet Mitt
Credit: Selfridges

If there’s one person who’s cracked the code to a flawless fake tan, it has to be Love Islander Molly-Mae. This soft, velvet mitt is ideal for a beautifully blended tan.

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7

Coola Sunless Tan 2-In-1 Applicator/Exfoliator Mitt

Sunless Tan 2-In-1 Applicator/Exfoliator Mitt
Credit: Coola

Simplify your tanning routine with this 2-in-1 exfoliator and mitt. Use the exfoliating side to gently remove any dry skin and smooth any bumps to create the perfect base. Flip the mitt over to the soft terrycloth side to apply your fresh tan.

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