The Ilike Organic Skin Care line is one of the most popular Hungarian skincare lines at spas in Europe and America. Unable to buy skincare products in her Hungarian village, Ilike’s founder, Ilesi Molnar, first began creating skincare products in the 1950s for her own personal use. Growing up near Budapest, Molnar learned about the medicinal properties of herbs and healing waters from her great-grandmother, a celebrated local healer. When the Hungarian government began to let private citizens establish commercial businesses in the 1980s, Molnar founded Ilike Skin Care.
Other Hungarian products used in spas include the Eminence organic line; the ESSpa Kozmetika Organic Hungarian Skincare line; Eve Lom Cleansing Cream, which is a modern Hungarian-cult classic based on aromatherapy; Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm, which is a black thick balm that contains Hungarian Thermal Mud to help unclog pores, draw out impurities, and clear away dead skin and minerals that promote collagen production; and Torf’s organic Mud Moor.
Hungarian-Based American Spas
Popular American spas that follow Hungarian traditions can be found in most large cities. Some of the most renowned Hungarian-based spas include Aniko’s Hungarian Skin Care and Spa in Oakdale, Pennsylvania, Maria Morvay Hungarian Skincare in New York City, The New U Spa and Skincare in Omaha, Nebraska, the ESSpa Kozmetica spa in Pittsburgh, PA; The International Congress of Esthetics and Spa in Philadelphia, PA; the Ezentials Natural Health Centre and Spa in Hanmer, Ontario Canada; Budapest Kozmetika in McKinney, Texas; and the Eva Szabo Skin Care Spas located in Pittsburgh and McMurray, PA.
Relying on Nature
For her face and body products, Molnar uses fresh ingredients grown in her own herbal garden or harvested locally in the forest near Lake Balaton in western Hungary. Molnar also culls ingredients from the hillsides surrounding Prague. Natural ingredients such as rose hips, mud, mineral waters and green apples are used for their anti-inflammatory and healing properties. In her spa, Molnar uses natural gas treatments, including carbon dioxide, to oxygenate skin cells.
Cultural Differences
Cultural differences make skincare a serious business in Hungary. Hungarian women are more likely than Americans to have hour-long facials several times each week although they spend much less time on hair and makeup. Facials and other skincare treatments are also more affordable in Hungary. Hungarian cosmeticians also receive intensive training in skincare with most programs requiring three years. Thus, Hungarian cosmeticians are more likely to evaluate specific skin problems and design individual treatment protocols, including dietary recommendations.
Resources:
- Shari Mycek, Simple Secrets, Spa Magazine, Sept/Oct200: 108-116, 158.
- Dec 21, 2007, Bella Sugar Online, accessed Oct 10, 2008, Hip Hip for Hungary,
