The healing properties of Hungary’s thermal waters were discovered upwards of 2000 years ago, inspiring the build of more than 1000 thermal baths throughout the country. Tales of the magic that thermal water held spread across the globe, with travellers descending upon Budapest for the chance to experience the therapeutic powers of the water.
Capturing that magic and delivering Budapest’s skin secrets to the rest of the world is Omorovicza who, this year, share with us “The Cure”- an intensive, nine day reset programme for the complexion.
The Cure programme takes shape across three highly concentrated phases, each lasting three days and formulated to heal the skin and deliver immediate, visible results. The programme is designed to be undertaken once every three months or in the lead up to special events, allowing you to effectively hit “reset” on the skin and begin a new season with your freshest complexion possible.
For context, I worked through this nine day programme close to two months ago, ensuring this trial did not clash with other skincare trials I had scheduled, and giving me ample time to determine whether or not the results were temporary.
Given the potency of each ampoule, it is recommended that you do not follow your existing evening skincare routine for the duration of the programme, instead simply cleansing, applying the ampoule contents each night and finishing with a simple moisturisers. Seeking The Cure for my stressed skin, I began Phase 1 with an open mind.
PHASE 1. DAYS 1-3. RESURFACE AND BRIGHTEN.
The Phase 1 ampoules are designed to resurface the skin, harnessing a blend of glycolic and mandelic acids and proteolytic enzymes to exfoliate the skin, removing dull, flakey surface cells and leaving the skin prepped for Phase 2. Given the acidity of the Phase 1 ampoules I had expected my skin to look immediately brighter after Day 1 and feel noticeably more sensitive, however I did not experience a visible difference in the skin until I had completed this Phase. The morning after Day 3, I noticed that my skin did look brighter, the remnants of some lingering post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation had faded, and . What struck me most when undertaking Phase 1 of the programme was simply how much product was enclosed within each ampoule. I had enough liquid to thoroughly cover both my face and neck, and had to allow myself a few minutes before my face felt touch-dry. Given that the acids in Phase 1 resurface the skin, it is absolutely essential to wear sunscreen during this stage (although, sunscreen is essential daily so this point feels slightly redundant).
PHASE 2. DAYS 4-6. REMINERALISE AND REVIVE.
Now that the skin has been resurfaced, Phase 2 is able to revitalise and remineralise the skin beneath its surface. The results at this stage are less visible as days 4 through 6 of the programme exist to deliver a supercharged dose of Omorovicza’s patented Healing Concentrate deep into the epidermis, rather than on a surface level. Signs of fatigue are also reduced at this stage as a blend of sandalwood, ginseng and caffeine work to stimulate microcirculation, reduce inflammation and eliminates toxins. I did notice that my previously tired looking skin was appearing more well-rested, which made the pungent scent of the Phase 2 ampoules slightly more tolerable.
PHASE 3. DAYS 7-9. REconstruct and replenish.
Where the texture within the Phase 1 and 2 ampoules felt akin to a traditional serum, Phase 3 combines precious oils, easily massaged into the skin, to strengthen the skin’s lipid barrier and rebuild the skin’s integrity. It is in this phase that we return to the skin’s surface, with a blend of squalene, Barbary fig, kahai nut and chia seed oils working to boost elasticity and restore suppleness to the skin. It is on Days 7 through 9 that I see that largest change in my skin. My glow is back, the texture of my skin feels smooth and looks even.
This continues for the weeks that follow. Previous overindulgence in highly active ingredients have been erased, and as I undergo new skincare trials I feel as though I am working with a truly blank canvas. While this nine day programme does come at a serious expense, this is the kind of skincare I can see myself repurchasing as my skin often feels as though it needs a reset following months of back to back trials and reviews.
Omorovicza’s The Cure is available now at mecca.com.au.
Photography and styling: Gemma Watts
Products have been supplied to media without any obligation to review and all opinions are the author’s own.
