I have a confession to make: I’m not a huge fan of self tan. As a beauty writer, I feel like this is practically unheard of, but a truly natural-looking tan usually takes a lot of effort to achieve—from the application to the maintenance and removal—and, to be entirely honest, I just don’t enjoy the faff of it all.
But that all changed when I tried my first product from Three Warriors: a tanning brand which uses organic, nutrient-rich ingredients and prioritises a natural-looking finish. Three Warriors is a firm favourite among team MCUK, with Senior Health Editor Ally even trusting the brand for her wedding day tan, and when multiple members of the Marie Claire team vouch for a beauty brand, I listen.
After using the products, what most drew me to them was how foolproof they were to use. I’ve never been a particularly artistic person (which is to say: I can’t draw a straight line with a ruler), so applying self-tan on myself has always been the most stressful part of the process for me. I would always end up with dark, blotchy lines on my wrists or neckline: not exactly the natural-looking tint I was going for.
Three Warriors’ products are all built with ease in mind, from the bestselling gradual tan (designed to be layered over time to avoid harsh lines) to the Face Tan Aqua mist, which has a simple spritz and go application, ideal for even the clumsiest hands.
Not to mention, every product in the range is infused with naturally hydrating ingredients like Tasmanian spring water, olive oil, and marine collagen, so you won’t just be left with a sun kissed glow but also plump, smoother-looking skin. Excellent stuff. So without further ado, here are my top Three Warriors picks, along with links to shop them:
The best Three Warriors products to shop in 2026
1. Hydrabronze Tan Drops
Valeza wearing the Hydrabronze Tan Drops
This was the first product I tried from the brand, and it did not disappoint. First off: it doesn’t have the usual biscuit-y fake tan smell (which I find especially important for products I use on my face), plus the non-comedogenic formula means it doesn’t break me out. As someone with super sensitive, acne-prone skin, this is a real win for me. To use, I mix a few drops with my usual moisturiser and apply to my face as usual, making sure to blend it into my hairline and neck. Since I’ve started using this stuff, I have no need for foundation or concealer—it evens out my skin tone, blurs redness and pigmentation and gives my face a filter-like finish.
2. Gradual Tan
This is Three Warriors’ best-selling product, and it’s clear to see why. As a gradual tanning product, it's pretty hard to make a mistake, as the effect is subtle and can be built up slowly—I usually use it over two or three days to reach my desired colour, which lasts about a week on my skin. It’s no secret that I’m not a fan of the self-tan smell, but this actually smells good, and it’s a genuinely good body moisturiser too.
3. Exfoliating Tasmanian Sand Scrub
Removing tan has always been a pain point for me, but this sand scrub is genuinely a joy to use. It smells sweet and creamy—like summer in a bottle—and feels incredibly hydrating thanks to the blend of nourishing oils. The scrub particles—a mixture of walnut shell and Tasmanian sand—provide a thorough scrub without aggravating my sensitive skin, and the creamy formula rinses off easily with running water. It’s perfect for removing any remaining tan and prepping the skin before my next application.
4. Face Tan Aqua mist
We’re huge fans of tanning waters here at MCUK, and Three Warriors’ iteration is absolutely stunning. If you’re after a low-effort tanning product that’s subtle enough to use every day, this mist infused with Tasmanian spring water and hydrating oils is a great option. As a self-proclaimed clumsy girl, I appreciate the super-fine mist application, which is almost impossible to get wrong–I simply spray it on my face and pat it in. You can use the buffing brush if you want to ensure it’s blended in properly, but it’s so lightweight and subtle that I don’t usually find it necessary. It applies evenly across my face and décolletage, and I often spritz some on my shoulders and arms now that the weather is getting warmer and I’m starting to expose more skin.
5. Radiant Complexion Serum
Next on my list to try is this hydrating serum, which combines powerful active ingredients with a golden tint. With ingredients like niacinamide, hydrolysed collagen, hyaluronic acid, and saccharide isomerate, this clever serum helps to strengthen the skin barrier, boost skin elasticity, and enhance moisture retention.
6. Self-Tan Mousse
For more of an intense, express tan, Three Warriors’ self-tan mousse is perfect. Reviewers say it’s easy to apply, fast-absorbing, and leaves them with a beautifully deep tan with no orange hue whatsoever.
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