If you’re a spray tan artist or a self tan connoisseur then I’m sure you’re aware of all the ways makeup brushes can enhance the tanning experience to ensure a flawless glow. Because gone are the days of just hopping in and out of a booth for a tan that typically ends up uneven and patchy. Now we’re getting (and giving ourselves!) custom luxury tans with major attention to detail that goes beyond just spraying on a tan. Spray tan artists use makeup brushes to blend the tan into places like the wrists, hands, and feet to avoid over-saturation, as well as to apply drying powder to lock in and prevent color transfer. While self tan users can pair makeup brushes with self tanner to contour their faces and bodies or to apply self tanner to hard-to-tan areas like the hands and feet

So whether you’re a professional or at-home tanner, read on for a round up the best makeup brushes that can be used for perfecting a sunless tan.

SPRAY TANNING

to apply drying powder:

Anisa Beauty’s Multi-Powder Brush

Thanks to its fluffy but dense shape, Anisa Beauty’s Multi-Powder Brush is made for applying loose powders like drying powders. The rounded top of the brush allows spray tan artists to press powder into the skin of areas like inside the elbows, behind the knees, and around the neck. What’s more? Its dense shape means the loose powder won’t be wasted between the bristles.

to blend the wrists:

Anisa Beauty Buffing Bronzer Brush

Everyone knows that blending spray tan solution around the wrists plays a major part in achieving a natural-looking tan. Well Anisa’s Buffing Bronzer Brush’s dense, oval-shaped brush head allows seamless blending of a tan without removing it. This means spray tan artists can achieve a perfectly-blended wrist without any harsh lines.

to blend larger areas:

Crunchi No. 1 Flat Top Brush

Whether your gun decides to “spit out” solution or a client is sweating during their session, a flat top brush like Crunchi’s is designed to seamlessly blend any trouble spots on larger areas of the skin.

SELF TANNING

to contour the face:

Real Techniques Soft Sculpting Contour Makeup Brush

The angled soft head of Real Technique’s Contour Makeup Brush makes it the perfect brush for contouring the face using self tanning mousse. The brush allows the mouse to quickly absorb into the skin at an angle that will create the perfect defined look.

to apply to the hands & feet:

Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Kabuki Brush

A stacked Kabuki brush like Coco & Eve’s is made for applying self tanning mousses into the hands and feet. The thick, flat top allows for even coverage and easily blendability.

BRUSH CLEANER:

Cinema Secrets Original Brush Cleaner

Cinema Secret's’ Original Brush Cleaner is the holy grail of cleansing brushes. You simply spray on the brush head, rub the brush head across a paper towel or cloth, and let the brush sit for a few minutes to dry before using again. No water necessary and it dries so quickly. This should be a staple in all professional spray tan artists’ kits.

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