Helyszín címkék:
Domestic Brands and Unique Locations: In Search of Hungarian Beauty Secrets
Szabó Sára
What exactly will we be covering?
- Centuries-old knowledge of medicinal plant use in Pannonhalma
- The power of Hévíz’s thermal water: Omorovicza and the Le Primore Hotel & Spa
- Helia-D and the Herba Castle in Tolcsva
- Lavender, Tihany, and one of Hungary’s most modern lavender distilleries
Centuries-old knowledge of medicinal herb use in Pannonhalma
Few people know that the Benedictine monks of Pannonhalma have been cultivating and processing medicinal herbs since the abbey’s founding in 996. In the 11-hectare arboretum and medicinal herb garden of the Pannonhalma Archabbey, more than 30 varieties of medicinal herbs are cultivated, from which, among other things, cosmetics are produced -using local herbs, based on local recipes, and in small batches.
After exploring the garden, it’s worth stopping by the Fragrance Museum, where you can not only shop but also gain insight into the working conditions of traditional perfumers. The exhibition features numerous tools and raw materials used in the 18th and 19th centuries for the production of fragrances, and you can even admire the handwritten collection of recipes by Elek Reisch, a Benedictine pharmacist who lived in the 1700s.
The Power of Hévíz’s Thermal Water: Omorovicza and the Le Primore Hotel & Spa
Few Hungarian cosmetic brands are as closely tied to the country’s natural resources as Omorovicza. What makes its products unique is the mineral-rich thermal water of Hévíz and the extract from the mud of Lake Hévíz.
What’s more, you can try the brand’s premium products right on site at the wellness center of the Le Primore Hotel & Spa in Hévíz. Treatments include a Hévíz therapeutic mud facial, a deep-firming and regenerating facial, as well as various other facial and body treatments.
Another special experience is the 120-minute private hammam ritual, during which the specialists use Omorovicza’s product line developed specifically for Le Primore. The steam treatment and foam massage can be complemented by a singing bowl ritual upon request, thereby blending traditional bathing culture with a modern wellness philosophy during the treatment.
Helia-D and the Herba Castle in Tolcsva
One of the best-known brands in the Hungarian cosmetics industry looks back on a history spanning more than four decades. Helia-D’s history began in the 1980s, and today the brand combines its traditional active ingredients -such as sunflower stalk extract and Tokaj aszú-with trend-setting active ingredients and modern formulations in its own research laboratory. The brand’s cosmetics are still manufactured in Hungary, at a production facility in Veszprém.
However, a particularly interesting location in Helia-D’s history is not in Veszprém, but in the Tokaj-Hegyalja region. The brand operates the Herba Castle in Tolcsva as a medicinal herb and beauty center. In the Beauty Garden surrounding the building, visitors can get an up-close look at medicinal herbs that were once used in skincare -or are currently used in Helia-D cosmetics. In the exhibition spaces, visitors can admire both the 20th-century cosmetics collection and the stunning architectural details of this historic monument. At the castle, you can also participate in team-building activities and cosmetics -making workshops- and what’s more, you can even stay overnight in one of the Herba rooms! On top of all this, a visit here wouldn’t be complete without a little shopping: the castle’s café also serves as a Helia-D store, where, with the help of experts, you can test and select the cosmetics that best suit you -whether it’s a face cream infused with Tokaj wine extract, whose scent will remind you of your trip to the wine region for a long time to come!
Lavender, Tihany, and one of Hungary’s most modern lavender distilleries
The name Tihany is practically synonymous with lavender, so it’s almost impossible to explore the peninsula without coming across some kind of lavender-themed shop or product. Of course, it’s worth delving deeper into the history of this fragrant herb, because there’s certainly more to it than just lavender essential oil and syrup.
The Lavender Tihany products are special because, in keeping with the “farm-to-home” concept, everything from cultivation to the finished cosmetics is connected to Tihany. The essential oil is produced locally from the lavender grown on the peninsula -which was even blessed by Father Jerome- and serves as the basis for the natural cosmetics and soaps. At the Visitor Center, anyone can get a glimpse into the distillation process and observe the journey from raw materials to finished cosmetics.
The lavender in Tihany is more than 100 years old: its history dates back to 1926. That was when Gyula Bittera planted the first lavender bushes. In keeping with a respect for tradition, the demonstration workshop features furniture, pharmacy laboratory equipment, and other items that are nearly a century old!
Of course, you can also shop at the center for products with a refreshed look; among other items, you can purchase the limited-edition 100-year-old lavender essential oil. The Lavender Tihany Visitor Center -now in its 35th year- and the exhibition showcasing the history of lavender are open every day of the year.
