Less is Moor: Trialling Omorovicza’s signature Moor Mud facial
This indulgent treatment will transport you straight to the thermal baths of Budapest
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Less is Moor: Trialling Omorovicza’s signature Moor Mud facial
This indulgent treatment will transport you straight to the thermal baths of Budapest
When it comes to mud, Liberty’s elegant interior might not be the first place that springs to mind. Especially in the UK, where the term ‘mud bath’ has more in common with a wet countryside walk than a peaceful healing ritual. Luckily, the Hungarian skin experts Omorovicza are specialists in the latter, bringing their magical mud-based philosophy to our Beauty Hall across a range of products and treatments.
Tucked away on the First Floor of Liberty’s Tudor flagship, I find myself in the tranquil Omorovicza treatment room, where I’ve come to indulge in a Revitalising Moor Mud Therapy Session (£175 for 60 minutes, redeemable against product). Hungary’s healing thermal baths and mineral mud from Lake Hévíz, the world’s largest naturally heated lake, form the basis of Omorovicza’s philosophy. Founded in 2006, the brand was inspired by the country's bathing culture, which was born from its unique geology.
Inside the treatment room, I’m transported to the Racz Fürdő - a spa built by founder Stephen de Heinrich de Omorovicza’s ancestors back in the 1800s. Hanging on the walls are photographs of the building’s sweeping stone arches - I close my eyes and imagine I’m there.
The treatment is centred around the notion of ritual, and begins with my therapist, Bozena, gently applying pressure all over my body as I lie on a heated bed, feet slightly raised to improve circulation. Then comes the first cleanse, using the brand’s famous thermal cleansing balm, the hero of the Moor Mud collection. The formula envelops my face in a deliciously thick layer of the silky black balm, which she massages into my face and chest to melt away makeup and impurities. I learn that Omorovicza’s Moor Mud comes from a seven-metre thick layer at the bottom of Lake Hévíz, where it’s been fermenting for over 2000 years.
This is followed by the Cleansing Foam, a green formula which smells like orange blossom - a scent that is repeated throughout the range. Afterwards, I’m spritzed with Queen of Hungary mist, a spray which can be used to refresh skin throughout the day. Bozena tells me that it was named after Queen Elizabeth of Hungary (b.1837, d.1898) who was known for her beautiful glowing skin and her many (younger!) suitors.
Post-cleanse, it’s time for a skin analysis. Bozena examines my face with a magnifying glass, identifying dryness in my cheeks and prescribing the right products for my skin type. She also suggests the Even Tone serum to address a patch of pigmentation, which contains a ‘smart melanin modulator’ to remedy the problem without lightening the skin.
Then it’s time for some Moor mud - this time in the form of the Refining Facial Polisher on my T-Zone, which is paired with the Gold Hydralifting Mask to nourish my dry cheeks. As the active ingredients sink in, I’m treated to a neck and shoulder massage while the mud works its magic.
After the exfoliator is removed, I’m treated to a slather of super hydrating Queen Essence toner, and a slick of Reviving Eye Cream. The eye cream smells like two freshly cut cucumber slices - a luxurious version of the classic spa day look. Each Omorovicza product also contains their exclusive Healing Concentrate, which is made by bio fermenting Budapest thermal water, transforming its 26 minerals into bio-available molecules which skin can then absorb and use.
Finally, it’s time for the famous Hungarian face massage. This is an invigorating and uplifting treatment using the ‘piano method’, which is exactly what it sounds like. Bozena’s fast fingers flick across my skin in a concerto of energising motions that leave my face bright and fresh. She finishes by applying a layer of Illuminating Moisturiser, Mineral UV Shield SPF and a slick of Perfecting Lip Balm.
I emerge back into the store like a newborn. My skin is softer than a Liberty silk scarf, and I’m floating on a cloud of mineral goodness. If this is what the Hungarian baths can do, then my next purchase will probably be a plane ticket to Budapest. If you can’t make it that far, then an Omorovicza Moor Mud facial at Liberty will take you there instead.
