I get many questions about how to self-tan without the application mitt, so I decided to write an article about it.
First, I would only resort to tanning without a mitt if I had absolutely no other choice It’s a good idea to buy yourself multiple tanning mitts just so you don’t really have to tan without one. Make sure you have a few of them “in stock”.
However, if you really have no other choice, I would recommend using a rubber glove to apply self-tanner. Some brands even sell self-tanner with rubber gloves to apply the self-tan, but I personally really love using the application mitt, just because it is softer and it spreads the self-tan more evenly.
How to self-tan without a mitt?
If you don’t have an application mitt, you can get creative and use either rubber gloves or even a sock.
Lets’ get into details:
Rubber Gloves
I feel like people use rubber gloves because they don’t really have any application mitts laying around the bathroom, but if you are going to self-tan then you really need to be prepared! You can’t be prepared and then apply it superficially and then complain about how bad the product is, it doesn’t work like that!
Another reason why people use rubber gloves is that application mitts tend to absorb the product more, but to be honest, I quite love that fact.
- Made from Eco-friendly Materials: Soft PVC and Cotton.
- Advanced Flocking Technology: Adopts advanced Flocking Technology that Weaves cotton and PVC Seamlessly, making you Superior Comfort and Soft. And also Features Excellent Protection from hot Water.
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You see, when it comes to tanning my hands, I really appreciate it when the tanning mitt absorbs a little bit of tan just because it absorbs the right amount for me to tan my palms. It really is just the right amount still hidden somewhere in the mitt for me to tan my hands without being worried if I applied too much.
You can use pretty much any type of rubber gloves to apply the tan, but I’m a super fan of tanning mitts.
Socks
I know. Socks? However, many people actually use socks to apply self-tanner. If you think about it, socks really tend to spread self-tanner a little bit more evenly than a rubber glove.
It also feels nicer on your skin compared to a rubber glove, so that’s another thing. Even thinking about applying self-tanner with a rubber glove makes me shiver, but that’s just me.
A lot of people use a specific sock, which is this one:
- Super Soft Material: This kind of super comfy fuzzy socks is made of high quality fabric, lightweight, cozy, warm, ultra soft and thick plush. Breathable for all day foot wear
- Winter Fluffy Sock: One size fits most person, nice length, above the ankle, no squeezing your feet in shoes around the house and your toe is not hurting, easy to slip on as well as off. They are stretchy but not loose or sag as cheap socks out there
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Just make sure you flip them around and use the inner part to spread the self-tanner. Also, make sure you put the self-tanner on your skin and then spread it with the sock.
The thicker part on the outside of the sock actually protects your hands a little bit more but people tend to put on a rubber glove and then the sock just to add additional protection.
After using the sock, put it in the wash but make sure you don’t wear it, you really don’t want to have tanned feet in the end.
With your hands
This is probably the scariest scenario, but some people apply self-tan with their hands without any type of accessories. If they can do it, so can you, but again, this is your last resort. The only thing you need to do is to wash your hands immediately afterward.
But, to be quite honest, I don’t really understand this technique because to me it doesn’t really make any sense. When applying your tan, you have to also apply it to your hands as well, right? But how can your tan stay on your hands if you need to wash them afterward?
You also can’t only wash your palms because gravity doesn’t really work that way. The only way for this to make sense is if you use a wet cloth and just go over your palms with it. As you can probably tell, I’m team application mitt!
- SMOOTH APPLICATION. helps create the smoothest, most awesome tan on the planet without the nasty tan hands
- BEST PRACTICE. slide your hand into mitt.put a small amount of b.tan self tan mousse or lotion onto the mitt. smooth all over your body in circular motions. ta-da! an awesome dark tan with no streaks. designed for lefties or righties - any hand will do!
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As I mentioned before, preparation for self-tan is equally important as the self-tanning process.
Read my how-to guide for applying tan evenly here.
Conclusion
I would still recommend you use the application mitt; if you think about it, it costs the same as a pair of socks or rubber gloves. It depends on what type of application mitt you like, but mine costs about $5 so it’s in the same price range as the alternatives others are using.
If you really don’t have any other choice, you can definitely get creative, just keep in mind to protect yourself properly and really think about how you’re going to use the socks or the gloves properly.
