How to Apply Self-Tanner Without a Mitt: 5 Tanning Alternatives

The first alternative tool to reach for if you don't have a tanning mitt available is a set of rubber gloves. Grab the rubber gloves you keep under the kitchen or bathroom sink and get your tanning cream ready. Rubber gloves are a great alternative to applying self-tanner without a tanning mitt because they provide a clean and easy application that protects your hands.

They also won't absorb any self-tanner like a mitt does, saving you some additional product. Put on the rubber gloves, squirt your self-tanner onto the gloves, and apply all over your body. When you're done, quickly rinse the tanner off of the rubber gloves and avoid staining and streaking on your hands and fingernails. Then, store the gloves in a cool, dry place so you can reuse them for the next self-tanner application.

If you don't have any rubber gloves handy, you can also use a sock for self-tanner application. Go with a thicker sock that doesn't have a match and use it to give your skin a healthy tan glow. Slipper socks may be a great option for a self-tanner applicator because of their thickness.

We recommend you turn the sock inside out and then start applying self-tanner. When you begin smoothing the tanner over your skin, the sock’s fabric will absorb some of the liquid and give you a perfect hue. When you're finished, wash your hands and either toss the sock in the trash or wash it. But don't make the mistake of accidentally wearing the sock and getting self-tanner all over your feet and toes.

Cling wrap also makes a good tanning applicator alternative in a bind. It's inexpensive and an excellent way to avoid making a mess on your hands. Opt for a high-quality cling wrap product that doesn't stick or bunch up when layered. Start by wrapping a thick layer of cling wrap around your hand. The cling wrap should be somewhat tight but not so tight that it makes your fingers numb.

Try to position the cling wrap around your fingers as smoothly as possible before using this method to apply a self-tanner. This will ensure the tanner goes on evenly and doesn't look blotchy or rough. You should also check that there aren't any gaps in the cling wrap coverage over your hand or fingers.

The last easy alternative to applying self-tanner without using a tanning mitt is to apply it with your hands. This is the last alternative because there is a possibility of being left with dark hands and tanning residue that's tough to remove completely.

The reality is many people use their hands to apply self-tanner and have great results. If you can apply evenly with just your hands and not have a big mess to clean up afterward, this strategy may work for you. Once you're finished putting the tanner on, thoroughly remove the tanner and clean your hands off. Exfoliate your hands as soon as possible to keep the tone from setting into your skin and staining. Clean off your fingernails as much as possible so your hands don't look dirty.

If you're still determined to not use a mitt, there are some tips to help you get smoother, more natural results. Here are our best strategies for how to apply self-tanner without a mitt:

• Exfoliate Prior to Application – An essential step you can't skip when using self-tanner without a mitt is exfoliating. Use a gentle, high-quality exfoliating product to wash off the top layer of dead skin cells on your body. This will give you a fresh layer of skin to work with and help you avoid blotches and streaks. It will also help the self-tanner set better into your skin, giving you longer-lasting results.
• Shave Before Applying – You need to time your shaving perfectly, so you don't aggravate your skin and have problems with breakouts or irritation. It's a good idea to shave a few days before using self-tanner, so your skin is smoother during the application. Shave at least 24 hours before putting self-tanner on so you don't have any problems.

• Moisturize Right After – It's also important to treat your skin after you apply your self-tanner. Moisturize right after the application to lock in your color and avoid dry spots and mismatched tones on your body. Use an oil-free product to keep the moisture locked into your skin.

• Using Masking Tape – If you want to avoid getting spots of self-tanner on the bottoms of your feet, apply masking tape, especially if you are using a spray tanner.

Tanning mitt alternatives can work pretty well if you aren't able to access one. However, if you use self-tanner on a regular basis, it's best to invest in this inexpensive and useful tanning tool. Here's why you need a tanning mitt:

• Helps Prevent Streaks – No other application method can help you prevent ugly streaking in your sunless tan than a proper tanning mitt.
• Keeps Your Hands Protected – A tanning mitt also helps protect your hands from getting stained with the product. Sometimes, it's impossible to avoid getting self-tanner stains on your palms and fingers if you don't use a tanning mitt. It can be a challenge to thoroughly wash off self-tanner stains on your hands, so a mitt is a better option.
• Allows for Reusing – Tanning mitts are also designed to be used over and over again. You can get your money's worth by rinsing, washing, and reusing your tanning mitt anytime you want to boost your skin's summer glow. A good quality mitt can last for years if you gently wash it after each application.