Tanning Accessories

Self Tan Gloves and Back Applicators

The right tools make self tan easier to apply. A mitt keeps the colour off your hands and spreads it across your skin, and a back applicator reaches the spots your arms can't. Exfoliating gloves for prep are here too.

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Three Warriors Eco-Friendly Tanning Mitt

£12.74 £15.00 15% offsaving

Three Warriors Beauty Buff Tanning Brush

£10.19 £12.00 15% offsaving

Three Warriors Exfoliating Glove

£12.74 £15.00 15% offsaving

Coco & Eve Velvet Self Tan Application Mitt

£12.00

Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Deluxe Vegan Kabuki Brush

Coco & Eve Deluxe Vegan Kabuki Brush

£11.99 £20.00 40% offsaving

A set of five black haircare products from Three Warriors, including a towel, shampoo, conditioner, hair oil, and hair mask, arranged on a plain white background.

Three Warriors Tan Routine

£119.16 £148.98 20% offsaving

Sold out

Bondi Sands Self Tan Application Mitt

£4.99

About Tanning Accessories

Choosing a Tanning Mitt

Look for a protective lining if stained hands are what puts you off. A double-sided mitt, like the Three Warriors and Gatineau ones, gives you more than one way to work. Check how to wash it too, because some are machine washable and some aren't.

Prepping and Applying

Exfoliating first gives your tan a smoother surface to sit on. A self tanning mousse is a good match for a mitt, and if your back is the problem, a back applicator will reach it.

Not Sure What You Need?

Want advice tailored to your skin? Start with our free online skin test. You can also contact our expert team for one-to-one advice, and read our blog for expert tips on building a routine that supports your skin goals.

Self Tan Gloves and Tanning Mitts

A self tan glove and a tanning mitt are the same tool. You put your tan on the mitt rather than your skin, then glide it over your body. Your palms stay clean, which is half the appeal. Three Warriors makes a double-sided velour one, with a second side for smaller areas such as your face and hands. Coco & Eve's is velvet with a protective lining.

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Self Tanning Back Applicator for the Bits You Can't Reach

Your back is the hardest part to tan on your own. A back applicator does the reaching for you. The Three Warriors one extends with a click and has a curved handle, so you can sweep tan across your back without asking anyone. Its foam head is designed to waste less product, and it folds down for storage.

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Exfoliating Gloves to Prep Your Skin Before You Tan

Self tan tends to catch on dry, flaky skin and go patchy. Exfoliating first gives it a smoother base to sit on. Wet an exfoliating glove and work it over your skin in circles, spending a little longer on rough spots like knees and elbows. Most people do this the day before, then apply tan to clean, dry skin. A reusable glove works on its own or alongside your usual body scrub.

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Expert Tip for Tanning Accessories

"Use the tan left on your mitt for the awkward bits, rather than adding more product. Knees and elbows soak up colour fast, so a light touch works better there. I'd also rinse the mitt after every use, because old tan left in it can go on patchy next time. And if you're using a back applicator, take it slowly. It's easy to miss a strip down the middle."

- Kimberley, Clinic and Customer Experience Manager.

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Top Fake Tanning Tips

Want a streak-free finish? Our guide covers how to prep your skin the day before, and why exfoliating makes the biggest difference.

read the tips

Three Warriors Eco-Friendly Tanning Mitt

£12.74 £15.00 15% offsaving

Three Warriors Self-Tan Back Applicator

£12.74 £15.00 15% offsaving

Three Warriors Exfoliating Glove

£12.74 £15.00 15% offsaving

Coco & Eve Velvet Self Tan Application Mitt

£12.00

GATINEAU Golden Glow Luxury Tanning Mitt

£12.00

Loving Tan Deluxe Applicator Mitt

£9.06 £13.95 35% offsaving

Frequently Asked Questions

What are tanning accessories?

The tools that go with your self tan. Mitts and gloves apply it or prep your skin first, and a back applicator reaches the spots you can't. None of them contain tan themselves.

Do I need a tanning mitt to apply self tan?

Not strictly. Bare hands work if you wash them straight away, though your palms can still pick up colour. A mitt keeps the tan off them and spreads it more evenly, and it pairs well with a self tanning mousse.

How do you use a self tan glove?

Start with clean, dry skin. Put a small amount of tan on the mitt rather than directly on your skin, then sweep it over one area at a time, blending as you go. Go lightly over knees and elbows, and use whatever is left on the mitt for them. Let your skin dry before you get dressed. Directions vary a little by brand, so check the pack.

How do you clean a tanning mitt?

Rinse it in warm water after every use and let it air dry, away from direct heat. Check the label before using the washing machine, as not every mitt can go in. Coco & Eve's is cold wash only.

Can I use a tanning mitt on my face?

The Three Warriors mitt is the one made for it, with a second side for smaller areas such as your face and hands. With any other mitt, use the tan left over after your body and go gently. If you'd like more control on your face, tanning drops mixed into your moisturiser are another way in.

How do you tan your back by yourself?

A back applicator is the easiest way. Extend the handle, then sweep a little tan across your back in long, even strokes. Overlapping each pass slightly helps avoid gaps. Rinse the sponge afterwards and let it dry fully before folding it away.

Should I exfoliate before applying self tan?

Yes. Dry, dead skin soaks up colour unevenly, and that's how patches happen. Most people exfoliate the day before. A glove does it quicker than your hands alone.