Product Review: Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm & Queen Of Hungary Mist

As temperatures drop and the days get shorter, I've noticed a definite shift in my mood. I'm craving cozy and quiet evenings at home, either trying new recipes and cooking up a big batch of soup, stew or chilli in the kitchen, or indulging in a bit of self-care à la skincare. Lately two new-to-me products have made this at-home skincare routine feel a little more luxe and spa-like: the Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm ($135) and Queen of Hungary Mist ($110).

For anyone who's new to Omorovicza, here's a quick primer. This all-natural, award-winning skincare line is infused with therapeutic, mineral-rich waters found only in Hungary, which have been renowned for their healing properties since Roman times. Combine these famous mineral-rich waters with nurturing ingredients, lush textures, and an aesthetic informed by the luxurious tradition of Hungarian spas and facial massage, and you get Omorovicza.

I had the pleasure of trying a Hungarian-style facial courtesy of Omorovicza in May, during which the aesthetician rigorously targeted every minute muscle of my face and layered on one glow-inducing Omorovicza product after another. The results were impressive: There was less inflammation in a burgeoning breakout and a mosquito bite on my forehead; my jawline and cheekbones were more defined; there was less puffiness overall; and my skin had a hydrated, plump look. Although I couldn't take a Hungarian facialist home with me to replicate the results week in and week out, I couldn't wait to elevate my at-home skincare via two of Omorovicza's hero products (which were kindly sent to me by their PR team).

The Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm combines mineral-rich Hungarian spa water with Hungarian Moor Mud, sweet almond oil, and orange blossom scent to make a deep-cleansing balm that removes all makeup (even waterproof mascara) and gently cleanses without stripping skin. The Moor Mud contains calcium and magnesium carbonates and humic and fulvic acids which promise to detoxify and purify, but it can also be messy and stains easily. For this reason, the cleansing balm also comes with a small scooping spatula and a little scrubby cleansing mitt that fits over 2-3 fingers.

This cleansing balm is as much about formulating an effective product as it is about making a product that elevates the average cleansing regimen and engages one's senses. First, there's the texture. The balm melts from an opaque thick black substance to a thin clear-looking oil that's warming on first contact. Then there's the scent of the product, which is more of a clean botanical spa smell that brings to mind fluffy robes and soft white towels and a relaxing spa than an overt cloying orange blossom. The product has a marvellous slip to it; you can amp up the at-home Hungarian spa experience by incorporating a few facial massage gestures while cleansing. Using the little spatula and mitt only adds to the overall sense that this is more ritual than routine. I love this cleansing balm, especially for clearing out the congested pores around my nose without stripping my skin of moisture. No wonder it's an award-winner and considered a hero product of the line.

The Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist is another award-winner/hero product. This neroli-, sage- and rose-scented facial mist was inspired by Queen of Hungary Water, the world’s first recorded perfume, formulated for Queen Elisabeth of Hungary in the 14th century. It's a pleasant post-cleanse toner and a refreshing mid-day pick-me-up. And again, those mineral-rich Hungarian waters nourish and hydrate skin.

For me, two things set the Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist apart from any other facial mist I've ever tried. First, it has the lightest floral scent that doesn't seem to be related to the scent sources at all; it's more of a papery floral fragrance, like narcissus or iris. Second, the atomizer dispenser produces a finer-than-fine mist that absorbs into skin instantly. We're talking the sort of mist that feels like standing next to a waterfall, the sort of mist where you can sprite yourself 5+ times and there are no visible water droplets rolling down your face. Remarkable.

Have you ever tried Omorovicza products? What are you using in your at-home spa/skincare rituals these days?

Shop the post