Omorovicza

Everyone has days when work feels like a labor of love, but then there are the days when I come home to a shiny package filled with a jar of Omorovicza Plumping Cream ($260) — and suddenly I remember how lucky I am! I first informed you about the amazing wonders of Hungarian skin care products in December and about a month ago, I talked to you in more detail about the Budapest-based brand Omorovicza.

After using the cream for almost a month straight, I am grateful to find something that has noticeably improved the overall tone of my skin. Maybe it's the hyaluronic acid, omega-6 ceramides, the elastins, or the special Hungarian healing minerals, but my skin feels smooth, hydrated, and far less blotchy.

Just a small dab for your entire face and neck will do ya, which I think is great since it's so expensive. The ultrathick cream has a soothing and subtle rosy, lavender scent. It absorbs quickly and leaves your skin feeling hydrated, smooth, and even a little bit brighter. And here's a tip for those of you who don't have almost $300 to burn: ask for a sample. It will last you over a week and you can see for yourself if you think it's worth the investment.

A few months ago, I talked to you a little about the mineral- and vitamin-enriched waters of Hungary. They are believed to obtain natural and powerful healing properties that keep skin looking young, taught, and plump. In fact, in the 14th century, Queen Elizabeth of Hungary had such beautiful skin that at the age of 60, she married a 30-year-old man (and as the story goes, he thought they were the same age — although I'm guessing he was all about flattery rather than honesty, but whatever).

I also told you about a few Hungarian beauty brands, but one in particular, called Omorovicza, has become increasingly popular and is now available in London, Ireland, and the US. Although the products from Budapest don't come cheap, after testing them out, I found them to be nothing short of miraculous.

Omorovicza was developed a little less than two years ago by an American woman and her Hungarian husband, Stephen Omorovicza. There are 16 products in the skin-care collection that range from cleansers to treatment items. Each of the products contain 22 minerals, plus Vitamin C (with no added chemicals). They have a soothing rosemary and lavender scent and prices range from $75 — $260. The peacock, the symbol also on the Omorovicza family crest is apparent on the all-white, serene packaging, and when you purchase a product, a peacock feather adorns your bag. Call it a gimmick, but what can I say, I love it.

I've heard that the brand is gaining popularity in the A-list crowd, and celebrities such as Laura Linney and Daniel Craig (James Bond) are mad about the deep cleansing mud mask. I was most impressed by the self-heating thermal cleansing balm since it's smooth, invigorating, and black in color. But then again, I'm also a sucker for all things thermal. Do you think you could develop a hunger for Hungarian beauty products?

People worldwide are beginning to notice the incredibly youthful, taut, and smooth skin of Hungarians. Many feel that it has something to do with the local spring waters that have advantageous healing properties. I think it also has something to do with the fact that beauty treatments such as facials and scrubs are viewed as essentials — a means of gaining clean and clear skin.

Hungarians even go as far as to believe that treatments are economical because fewer skin problems lead to the need for fewer products. It also helps that beauty therapists are well-respected and have three years of training before they can work on clients. Here are a few Hungarian products I thought you might like to check out.

Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm ($102) is a black thick balm that contains Hungarian Thermal Mud to help unclog pores, draw out impurities, and clear away dead skin. It is also formulated with calcium, magnesium, zinc, and copper, which promotes collagen production while increasing moisture retention. Additional vitamins, and proteins from Hungarian waters, are blended in to help revitalize the skin.

For two more hot Hungarian skin care products read more