FUNAN Self Tanning Applicator Kit Review: 4-in-1 Mitt Set Tested

Quick Verdict

The FUNAN self tanning applicator kit is a well-thought-out bundle that solves a real problem: sunless tanner is genuinely difficult to apply evenly, especially on your own back. This 4-in-1 set — full-body mitt, back applicator with straps, mini face mitt, and bamboo kabuki brush — covers every body part without requiring professional help. The velvet outer feels good against the skin, the waterproof inner layer does its job, and the double-sided construction means each piece lasts longer than it would otherwise. At its price point on Amazon, it's a solid buy for anyone committed to regular self tanning. I'd rate it 4.3 out of 5.

What Is the FUNAN Self Tanning Applicator Kit?

I picked up the FUNAN self tanning applicator kit on a quiet Tuesday afternoon, mostly because I was tired of the uneven streaks left behind from using my bare hands. Self tanner has come a long way, but the applicator tool matters just as much as the formula inside the bottle. The kit ships with four distinct pieces: a generously sized full-body mitt, a back applicator fitted with adjustable straps, a smaller mini mitt designed for the face and feet, and a bamboo kabuki brush for blending edges and hard-to-reach contours.

The velvet material on the outer layer is noticeably softer than the standard terrycloth mitts I've used before — it genuinely feels like a second skin rather than a utility tool. Inside, there's a thick waterproof barrier that prevents any lotion from soaking through to your hands or clothing. That sounds like a basic feature, but I've had enough ruined shirt cuffs to appreciate that it works as advertised.

Key Features

• 4-in-1 bundle: Full-body mitt, back applicator, mini face/feet mitt, and bamboo kabuki brush in one package
• Velvet outer with waterproof inner layer: Soft application surface with no seeping or orange palms
• Double-sided design: Mitt and back applicator flip for roughly double the lifespan per piece
• Non-absorbent internal structure: Holds very little product, so your tanner goes on your skin, not in the trash
• Adjustable strap back applicator: Long-reach design with straps to secure grip for solo back application
• Machine washable and reusable: Throw in with regular laundry, hang to dry, use again and again
• High-density synthetic brush bristles: Soft, even blend without shedding or stinging

Hands-On Review

My first session with the full-body mitt was on a Thursday evening. I applied a medium-gradual tanner to my legs and arms, working in circular motions as most guides suggest. The velvet surface glides smoothly — there's none of that grabby, uneven drag I experienced with a cheaper mitt I used to own. Within about ten minutes, I had an even, streak-free base. The flexible thumb slot made a difference in control around my knees and elbows, which are always the first places to look blotchy.

Now, the real test: my back. I've tried long-handled tools, folded washcloths, and just hoping for the best. The FUNAN back applicator with straps changed that routine considerably. You secure the adjustable strap around your hand, and the double-sided pad gives you enough surface area to cover a broad swath without constant reloading. It took me two attempts to find the right strap tension — too tight and my hand fatigued, too loose and it slipped mid-stroke. Once I dialed that in, applying tanner to my own back became genuinely doable. Not effortless, but no longer a two-mirror, awkward-arm contortion act.

After each use, I tossed the mitt and back applicator in with my next laundry load on cold, gentle cycle, then hung them over the shower rod to dry. By the next evening, they were ready to go again. What surprised me was that the velvet retained its softness even after the fifth wash cycle. I half-expected it to stiffen up, but it didn't. The brush needed a gentler touch — I hand-washed it with mild soap and lukewarm water, which took about two minutes. No bristle shedding to report.

Is this kit perfect? The kabuki brush is dense, which is great for coverage but means you work a bit harder to buff out the edges if you prefer a very subtle, diffused look. And while the absence of a storage pouch isn't a dealbreaker, a simple drawstring bag would have been a welcome addition for travel or keeping the pieces together in a bathroom drawer.

Who Should Buy It?

• Anyone doing regular at-home self tanning who wants even, professional-looking results without a spray tan appointment
• People applying tanner solo, especially those who struggle to reach their own back without help
• Self tanner beginners who want a forgiving, easy-to-use tool set that reduces the risk of streaks and orange palms
• Eco-conscious shoppers who prefer a reusable, washable solution over disposable applicator pads

Skip this kit if you only tan occasionally — once every few months — and prefer disposable foam applicators for simplicity. The investment makes more sense when you're applying tanner weekly or biweekly. Also, if you already have a trusted mitt and brush that you love, the bundle may feel redundant unless the back applicator specifically solves a pain point for you.

Alternatives Worth Considering

If the FUNAN self tanning applicator kit isn't quite what you're after, here are a couple of alternatives worth a look:

• Bondi Sands Self Tan Applicator Mitt: A solid single-mitt option from a well-known tanning brand. Simpler and cheaper if you don't need the back applicator or brush, though it lacks the double-sided durability of the FUNAN kit.
• Salty Squad Back Applicator for Self Tanner: A dedicated back applicator tool with an extra-long handle and textured grip. Ideal if your primary frustration is upper-back application and you already have mitts you like.

FAQ

Final Verdict

The FUNAN self tanning applicator kit earns its keep. The waterproof velvet mitt alone made my weekly tanning routine noticeably cleaner — no more orange palms, no more uneven patches on my knees. The back applicator solved the one part of at-home tanning I've always dreaded, and the fact that every piece is double-sided and machine washable means this set will hold up over months of regular use. It's not a flashy product, but it does exactly what it promises, and it does it well. If you're shopping for a self tanner applicator on Amazon and want a complete, reusable solution, this kit is worth picking up.