Self-tanning mitts are unquestionably useful. The streaks and spots that people try to avoid when tanning can be avoided with this method. On difficult-to-reach areas like the back, some people can even assist with applying fake tan.
But what if you don’t own a self-tanning mitt? It doesn’t sound like a good idea to use your hands.
There is a solution and a few other available household items that can also be effective, so don’t worry. You can learn the solution from this article!
Related: How to Tan Legs: 6 Fast Ways – Womens Health Tips
Table of Contents
5 Tips to Apply Self-Tanner Without a Mitt
Use Socks
For applying self-tanner, this is yet another fan favorite. Many pairs of socks can actually function almost like a mitt, allowing you to apply self-tanner without over-bronzing your hands.
It’s typically best to flip your sock inside out, apply the self-tanner directly to your skin, and then spread it out using the sock. You’ll probably find that with a sock, the tan goes on a bit smoother than it does with a rubber glove since there is almost always some product being held by the fabric.
Consider the difference between using a roller and brush to paint a wall. a spatula (ok, that is a terrible analogy, but you get the point), the roller will always have some product, allowing it to go on nice and evenly. They tend to be a bit thicker and will protect your hands a bit better. But one advantage of using socks is that they are cheap and simple to replace after a few uses.
Use Rubber Glove
Sounds a little absurd, huh? But a lot of people find that wearing a rubber glove works quite well, and a tiny minority even prefer it. Some self-tanning mitts (or other alternatives) have the drawback of absorbing a lot of self-tanner.
This not only wastes it but can cause it to apply a bit unevenly. You can use your sunless tanning product to its full potential by wearing simple rubber gloves because they won’t absorb any of it.
In fact, almost none of the fake tanning mitts have finger holes. The majority of your body responds well to this, but it can be a little challenging on areas of your body that are harder to tan. These areas benefit greatly from the flexibility that rubber gloves provide.
Rubber gloves are also useful for self-tanning because you can easily wash the product off afterward. You should be able to use the glove repeatedly if your self-tanner doesn’t contain any bronzer or guide color because nothing should adhere to it. You won’t have to worry about scrubbing your hands vigorously afterward to avoid turning them orange because they won’t let any of the product touch them!
Use Tanning Wipes
If a self-tanning mitt is too much of an investment and if the other alternatives don’t interest you, self-tanning wipes might be the answer to your woes! High-quality self-tanners are applied to towelettes to create self-tanning wipes. They do a good job of applying and avoid making direct contact with your hand.
But a word of advice; still wash your hands immediately afterward to avoid discoloration! To get that bronze glow, not much time is needed. But in the long run, these convenient self-tanning wipes may not be as cost-effective.
Use Sponge
We completely understand why many people are reluctant to use self-tanning mitts to apply self-tanner to their faces. The face is what people first notice, so it’s important to get it right! You needn’t worry, though; a makeup sponge can handle it!
Dispense some of that fake tanning product on the edge of the sponge and apply with care to the skin. Focus on prominent features of your face like your jawline, cheekbones, and sides of your forehead, then lightly spread your attention to the rest of your face. Use a makeup sponge to dot around the skin to even out the color because it is small and convenient to use.
Use Cling Film
This one may seem extremely strange, but it functions much more effectively than you might imagine. Take some simple cling wrap like Reynolds, wrap your hand in it completely, and you have yourself a make-shift fake tanning mitt.
Make sure you wrap your hand really well and don’t leave any exposed spots, but don’t wrap so tight that you cut off circulation! The smooth surface of the cling wrap will actually apply the self-tanner really well.
You should give it a try because some people actually prefer using this method to all others. Using plastic wrap to apply self-tanner is covered in detail in my full guide, which is available here.
How Do Self-tanner at Home in a Right Way?
- Choose a type of self-tanner. It can be challenging to select a self-tanning product that will work for you because there are so many on the market. Some formulas enable you to bronze your skin gradually over the course of a few days or a week, while others do so right away. While some last for a long time, others fade after a week or wash off at the end of the day.
- Remove thick hair from the areas you want to tan. When applying self-tanner evenly, thick hair can obstruct your efforts. You might want to shave or wax your legs (and arms, if necessary) to ensure you’ll be happy with the final appearance of your tan.
- Put on a pair of latex gloves or use a tanning mitt, both of which are typically found in drugstores. Your palms won’t turn “orange” as a result of this. The palms of your hands don’t naturally tan, so if you get a self-tanner on them it’ll be a dead giveaway that your tan came from a bottle instead of the sun’s rays. If you don’t have latex gloves or a tanning mitt on hand, you can continue to wash your hands in soapy water to remove self-tanner as you go.
- Apply it to your legs, torso, and arms. You’ll achieve a natural-looking tan by starting at your ankles and working your way up toward your torso. In the palm of your hand, squeeze a small amount of tanning lotion. Use broad circular motions to apply the tanner to your skin. Follow the instructions that came with your formula to determine how long to rub it in. In order to ensure that you don’t miss any spots, apply it to one body part at a time.
- To prevent the tan from seeping out of the skin, rinse with cool water. Too-dark areas should be retouched with tanner. You will need to remove a little of the tanner if you have streaky spots or patches that are darker than the surrounding skin.
- Whenever you feel the need to re-tan or at the end of the week, make sure to thoroughly scrub the tan off. To effectively remove the tan, use warm water and exfoliating body scrub or pair of exfoliating gloves. It might require several washes. Keep applying moisturizer, don’t forget. Then start the whole process again.
Conclusion
You still have lots of options if you don’t have a self-tanning mitt, including rubber gloves, cling film, and even your clean socks.
