Is Olive Oil the Secret to the Perfect Sunless Tan? I Tried Three Warriors to Find Out
Jas is the former Senior Content Specialist at Adore Beauty. A beauty admirer turned certified addict, she brings a sharp editorial eye and pop-culture pulse to everything she creates. Her words have appeared in The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, and Broadsheet. When she’s not producing viral content or podcasting about skincare, you’ll find her thrifting for vintage treasures or binging Bravo (strictly for research, of course).
Olive oil—there’s no middle ground on this one. You’re either Team Drizzle-It-On-Everything-Bread-Adjacent or side-eyeing it like it’s out to ruin your meal with the same fervour as coriander.
But when it comes to beauty, there’s no debate: olive oil has long been celebrated for its hydrating, antioxidant-rich, and skin-soothing properties—all of which I’ve experienced in skincare, but self-tanner? That’s a first.
Enter Three Warriors, the Australian skincare brand out to prove that olive oil deserves a starring role in your sunless tan routine.
This is no ordinary supermarket olive oil. We’re talking certified organic, toxic-free, and hand-picked from Flinders Island—from trees that have been pushed to their absolute limits by strong westerly winds (known as the Roaring 40s) in the Bass Strait.
The result? Olive oil that’s so pristine, so pure, so uniquely packed with rich nutrients and antioxidants. Yeah, the real fancy kind.
Intrigued (and pale), I selflessly volunteered my limbs to road-test the vegan range over the summer.
Here are my honest thoughts, plus a quick word on Adore Beauty’s newest self-tan brand, Three Warriors.
Why Three Warriors & What Is It?
You may be wondering: why warriors, why three of them, and what does that have to do with self-tan?
Three Warriors isn’t just a catchy name. For founder Corbin Halliday, the brand is rooted in his own journey of healing and returning to nature, inspired by his late father and the strength his family embodied in the face of adversity.
This ethos flows through every element of the brand, from the sustainable sourcing of ingredients to its commitment to being toxic-free, cruelty-free, and eco-friendly.
It’s not just about achieving a golden glow (although that’s a nice bonus); Three Warriors’ tanning range is a love letter to Tasmania’s unspoiled wilderness, using hand-harvested olive oil, aloe vera, and manuka honey to ensure every product is as kind to your skin as it is to the environment.
It’s sunless tanning that feels grounded, purposeful, and oh-so-luxurious.
But let’s cut to the chase—does it deliver the goods? I put the range to the test on my pasty limbs to find out.
1. Three Warriors Natural Gradual Tan.
Fast Facts:
- Key Ingredients: Aloe vera for hydration, Tasmanian olive oil for its antioxidant properties, and shea butter for nourishment.
- Buildable Tan: Ideal for those who want a natural, streak-free glow over time.
- Non-Greasy Formula: Absorbs quickly without leaving residue.
- Hydrating: Leaves skin feeling soft and supple, even on dry areas like elbows and knees...
My Three Warriors Natural Gradual Tan Review:
I’m going to go on the record and say this is the best gradual self-tan I have ever tried. Period.
Most leave me streaky, smelly, or both. For this reason, I gave up on gradual tanners for years, but Three Warriors’ reputation preceded itself, inspiring me to come out of hibernation.
It’s rich, luscious, and glides over the skin like butter on toast. It has a subtle, skin-like scent with hints of vanilla that isn’t just non-offensive—it’s actually… nice.
It has impressive sun-kissing skills, developing a healthy-looking tan over three hours, and by the next morning? A glow that says I’ve just returned from a tropical vacation.
Speaking of, I’m headed to Bali soon, and this is one non-negotiable on my packing list.
2. Three Warriors Self Tanning Mousse.
Fast Facts:
- Key Ingredients: Aloe vera for hydration, manuka honey for healing and antibacterial benefits, and Tasmanian olive oil for a nutrient boost.
- Quick Development: Delivers visible results in as little as an hour, with deeper colour the longer it’s left on.
- Eco-Friendly Formula: Free from toxins, synthetic dyes, and harsh chemicals.
- Best For: Those who want an instant, deep tan without compromising on skin health.
My Three Warriors Self Tanning Mousse Review:
For those occasions when time is of the essence—like when you realise the morning of your bridal dress consult that you forgot to self-tan... oops—there’s the instant mousse.
In just an hour, my skin went from ghost to glow—the boost of confidence I needed on what turned out to be such a momentous day.
On other occasions, I marinated in the self-tanner for a few hours longer, curious about what would happen if I pushed the limits just a little more. To my surprise (and delight), the tan remained natural-looking and didn’t veer into orange or green territory.
It has more of a prominent scent, though still natural and nowhere near as bad as others I’ve tried. No stale biscuit smell to be found.
My only qualm, if I could be so bold, is that it does transfer a little bit. So if you’re an overnight tanner like me, this is just something to keep in mind when choosing what bed linens and pyjamas to sleep in.
3. Three Warriors Radiant Complexion Serum.
Fast Facts:
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid for hydration, niacinamide for skin tone and texture, and collagen for a plumping effect.
- Multi-Benefit Formula: Combines skincare benefits with self-tanning properties for a 2-in-1 solution.
- Non-Comedogenic: Won’t clog pores or cause breakouts.
My Three Warriors Radiant Complexion Serum Review:
For my first foray into self-tan serums, I have to say I’m impressed.
With niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and hydrolysed collagen, this was no ordinary face tan.
It looks and feels like a lightweight serum but with secret, glow-getting superpowers. Its nourishing formula reinforces the skin barrier while developing a luminous, buildable glow.
It’s a little pricey, but a small price to pay for a safe, sunless glow your future skin (and self) will thank you for.
4. Three Warriors Face Tan Aqua Mist.
Fast Facts:
- Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, Tasmanian spring water for freshness, and rose oil for a calming scent.
- Gradual Build: Adds a subtle glow over time for a no-makeup look.
- Versatile Use: Works as a refreshing mist during the day or a last step in your skincare routine at night.
- Dermatologically Tested: Gentle enough for sensitive skin.
- Hydration Boost: Glycerin locks in moisture, leaving skin plump and dewy.
My Three Warriors Face Tan Aqua Mist Review:
I love a face mist as much as the next dehydrated complexion. Throw in a rose scent and some radiance-inducing ingredients, and now you’ve got my attention.
The Face Tan Aqua Mist is ultra-fine and refreshing, thanks in part to the aloe vera and glycerin.
It’s great for building a gradual glow, ensuring skin stays comfortable and hydrated while its formula gets to work, enhancing and evening out tone.
I didn’t find it sticky, streaky, or greasy, or experience any irritation. A welcome addition to my summer skincare regimen, but one I foresee being even better come winter.
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