Cristobal

I was really young, on my first real job, the year was 2000. There was a thing we did back then called "reading glossy magazines". The amount of crappy articles and ridiculous advice one could get from those things was equaled only to the delight of going through hundreds of thousands of colorful pictures about fashion, beauty, style and perfumes. The old version of scrolling, you might say. I still remember it was an evening after a long day at work, just home with the latest issue of Cosmopolitan. Got to an article (very deep stuff...) about "what kind of perfume each of the stars of Coyote Ugly would wear". For Piper Perabo, they were going with Cristobal. The notes and the bottle made me very curious, I've never thought about perfumes in terms of anything but three kinds of flowers and that's about it. To have fig leaf and carnation and sandalwood and in such an incredible bottle, I was transfixed. I got the perfume within the week, and the smell was everything I had hoped it would be and then some. The high of that exquisite pleasure has been the thing I've been looking for with every new scent I've smelled, never to be found again. I've had just two bottles over the years, it was expensive for me even back when it was in production and was hard to source in my country in the later part of the 2000s. It was my signature and my most prized perfume, it was mine in a way in which no other perfume ever was, and I was secretly happy that nobody else I've ever met ever wore it. I still have the last bottle with the last drop of brown juice in a corner. The last time I've worn it was the New Year's of 2020. I knew then that it was the end of an era for me, finishing up my last drops of Cristobal. Oh, so little did I know, really. There is NOTHING out there like it. Nine simple notes, an incredible experience. It will be forever missed.

I bought Cristobal on impulse on a very dark December day in Copenhagen while roaming the xmas-fuelled stalls of ILLUM BOLIGHUS searching for a scent to envelope myself into. This fragrance has captured for me the essence of Xmas magic: the butterflies in the stomach from that feeling that everything is possible at this time of the year, that most secret wishes are just about to come true and a miracle is just around the corner.The flickering of milliards of decoration lights all over town, the currant aftertaste of gluehwein lingering for hours on the pallet, the anticipation - it's all bottled in there under the ornate golden cap. It has indeed a "fizzy" note in it, which for me is a direct association with champagne, and the drydown settles into a complex vanilla-based slightly powdery aura that makes the scent sound solemn, almost pompous, slightly conservative ( there's an unmistakeable grownup note in there somewhere ) and lnto -the-late-hour-festive. Perhaps, since my memory of the settings of my first sniff is so strong, I can hardly imagine wearing it at any time of the year: will be repurchasing exclusively for wearing it in the last 2 weeks of December for as long as the bottle lasts: and it really does, in spite of me being a rather generous sprayer. Hope to find a parfum extrait that is under 400 EUR ( currently the only existing Ebay offer ) -that*ll be on my Xmas wishllist this year!:)

Cristobal is a sweet floriental, not a scent profile I'm partial to, but it is a cut above other similar offerings that were in fashion at the time of its release. Perhaps it is the fig note in the opening -then an unusual inclusion in perfume - that sets it apart, but Cristobal is pleasant throughout and nicely composed. Cristobal opens with the aforementioned fig note. Green and fresh, it provides a nice counterpoint to the vanilla that permeates this scent. The vanilla is not syrupy - instead it is somehow airy, giving a light, whipped sweetness to Cristobal. Floral notes follow, sweet and clean, getting increasingly powdery as this scent develops. It is mostly peony with a clove-like edge thanks to the carnation. The drydown is woody, complementing the vanilla beautifully. The soft florals remain as it fades, becoming a powdery, dry vanilla skin scent with remnants of carnation and peony. Sillage and longevity are moderate. A really decent, slightly unusual vanilla-floral scent, Cristobal is another underrated gem from Balenciaga (I recently was blown away by Cialenga). A transeasonal, breezy feminine scent, this is an easy reach for everyday use. Effortlessly excellent. 4/5.

Oh Gillie, thank you! You gave me Cristobal with your review! I always liked the smell, but than I never could figure out, when to wear it. It was bold, elegant, feminine, rich and mature. I thought the opera might be the right occasion? But than I see myself always wearing something different. It was strange. When I read Gilies review, I thought: Bollocks, comfort scent, pah, that is a big expensive night out frag. Cashmere, no, never, pure silk night gown. But for sure, Gillie was right! I sniffed it with her review in mind and it all felt in the right place. Cristobal is a perfect comfort scent! Since I know that and got it's purpose, I love it dearly. Now I need to stock up, I fear. The perfume itself is mostly fig and lots of patchouli to me. Creamy vanilla. Smells very expensive. Doesn't develop much.

The opening of Cristobal is one of the most beautiful I have ever come across-bergamot and carnation and fig? I'm not real familiar with fig but if this is it, I am hooked! Cristobal has a spiciness to it that must come from that spicy little flower, carnation. It is deliciously smooth with a really classy vanilla base-in other words, it's vanilla but it doesn't scream VANILLA. The patchouli is almost non-existent on my skin, showing up only faintly in the tail end, which is fine by me since we don't always get along. Here it adds an earthy dimension to the sweetness in the drydown. All in all, this is a very sophisticated and classy autumn scent. A real wrist-sniffer. The sillage is moderate and longevity is good, lasting about 4-5 hours. Although I wish that beautiful opening could last forever!

I have been in love with Cristobal for a long time now. I am pulling my hair out as I cannot find the EDP version anymore :-( It is one of the most wonderfully created perfume I have ever smelled! The notes tickle my nose and wake my imagination up from the very first spritz! It is one of the fragrances that are not easy to describe... I think that the photograph of the model (the one on the top of the page) wrapped in silky, cool, royal fabric is just what Cristobal makes you feel when you wear it... Greeny-oriental-floral-smooth, the fragrance leads you through all olfactory experiences as it beautifully dries down... There are not many fragrances that make me go mmmmmmmmmmm while I close my eyes... Cristobal is one of them :-) Highly recommended whatever your olfactory preference is!

Tonight as I was reading reviews of Vince Camuto I realized I was longing for a scent, but I couldn't place what it was. I began searching through notes, launches, and my own reviews, but I still couldn't place the scent I was craving. Sherapop's review came into my sight, and Bingo! Cristobal is that very scent. Why on EARTH was this discontinued? How could the fragrance world, our own piece of the possibilities of heaven, be devoid of this beautiful, sensual fragrance? To me its a scent all its own; it doesn't smell like fig, or vanilla, or woods as much as it smells like "itself". Cristobal is so fascinating, unusual, and strangely sweet, it's the ultimate seductive fragrance.

Cristobal is definitely a beauty, also my olfactory-bank straight away gave as similarities vintage version of Laura Biagiotti Venezia and Alchimie of Rochas as closest relatives. Its that special touch of resinous happy woodiness, polished by good thick vanilla, that unites them three. All three are elegant, timeless and jammy-woodsy mood-lifters, all three are mega feminine on slightly gourmand side and your partner probably will hesitate - to undress this woman or to eat her alive “just like that”. I didn't know that Cristóbal is a port on the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal. Sounds just like an eccentric unisex name for a tomboy. Lovely name for a fragrance anyway.

I wasn't struck on this when I was handed the sprayed card at first, I put it into my bag and forgot about it. Later when I opened my bag, this magical perfume woke me up and made me very happy. I went straight back to the shop and bought myself a bottle and since then (1999) it's become my signature scent. It's such a smooth fragrance that it's difficult to know where one component begins and another one ends. An almost creamy vanilla is present throughout. It's so different to every other perfume I've ever encountered and for me, it's perfect. I'm going very slowly on my bottle now, it's been discontinued and I never want to run out.

Cristobal is one of the best made perfumes I have experienced. It is quite loud with its heavy patchouli and fig notes mixed with sweet vanilla. But because the quality of the ingredients - (wonder if it is not all natural) this perfume smells just divine. Gold is surely the right color - just as seen in the ads. It is so classy and wonderful. It is also my signature fragrance. Sassy1 I am sure what you have tried is a fake - I hope you get to try the real one and make a new reveiw. And then name comes of course from the founder of Balenciaga - the spanish - basque designer : Cristobal Balenciaga Eizaguirre.

This perfume is so hard to find for a reasonable price. It is my unicorn as I was on a quest to find a bottle after sampling it a few years back. Finally manage to find a 30ml bottle for a reasonable, sane price. Well, what can I say; this is really, really nice as I remembered it. The scent to me is like ice cold, airy, fizzy peach tea. Kinda weird since there is only carnation, bergamot and fig leaf in its top notes.I am in love with the opening. The drydown is light vanilla. The packaging of my bottle looks worn with bottle code 6D05. I am a happy camper.

I am utterly addicted to this juice but cannot find it anywhere in my country. Always look for it when I travel, never succeed in finding this masterpiece. It is such a gem of a perfume! Please, does anyone know of a perfume that smells quite similar to Cristobal? I tried YSL's Cinema but it was just way too sweet with vanilla, although I can detect something in there that reminds me of the heavenly Balenciaga. So, if anyone comes across a similar scent, please please please let me know! Thank you fellow fragrance junkies XX

I had a devil of a time finding Cristobal. The harder it got the more determined I was to find it, like a hidden treasure. Zilch success on the internet, but a small perfume vendor in the middle of the mall had one bottle. He swears it is very popular in Europe, but if Macy's doesn't sell a frag. it doesn't move. See SANDRAS's review, says it all. It is autumny as I hoped, perfect for what it is, an oriental with some mellowing vanilla underneath.

What can i write about it? I knew this fragrance by description and reviews. A friend of mine gave a decant of it because it's discontinued. Finally by chance i found the last bottle in a shop and i bought it immediately! I ask you why now it's so difficult to find a commercial fragrance so elegant, so sensual, so intoxicating and so special? I love vintages at all!

Beautiful from beginning to end! Cristobal smells like good sweet vanilla pipe tobacco to me, rich and delicious. Strong but not overwhelming, C. is warm and comforting. It's a womens fragrance that would be lovely on men as well. I see from the ads above that C. has become rare and expensive. It's too bad this perfume isn't better known, it should be more popular.

I'm so sad it's been discontinued! The opening is unique, refined, elegant and inviting. Creamy sandalwood and sensual vanille, well-blended fig leaf and carnation, soft floral touch woody scent. I understand why people called its classy. When i wear this, i feel like unique, timeless and worthful gem (lol). What a shame it's been discontinued.

I am fully and completely IN LOVE with this perfume!I love the bottle,it's so elegant and the scent it's just perfect! I received it as a gift years ago and since then it's my favourite perfume of all times. I want to have it again,but unfortunetly I can't find it anywhere. Actually I can't seem to find any Balenciaga product in my country. :(

True love at first sight. This one is a classic, sweet and a little bit masculine at the same time. Unfortunately it has been discontinued but i have found 1 store who still has this delicious scent in their stock. So i will purchase me another very quick before it totally disappear.

I so wish this perfume would make a comeback! I never had it; I only smelled a sample of it... and I was hooked! It smelled so, so good!! Like you wanna eat it! I don't know what made it smell so great, but whatever that was, it was a success, in my opinion.

My go-to scent for cold evenings, dressing up, going to the opera. When I need the luxe of the old world this gem is all sophistication and class. Music and perfume entwined. So many memories in a bottle.

ahhhhh it wad my mom's favorite perfume and she would wear it on holidays and birthdays so obviously it brings up so much childhood memories.... but its so good!! mature and warm and great.

I have two bottles of this, one is Eau de Toilette and and one is Eau de Parfum! I can't seem to find any information about and EdP version of this.. Could my Cristobal EdP be fake??

What a pleasure my sister give to me. She uses Cristobal every morning to go to work... and woow, is a unique experience feel my house full of "Cristobal air" everyday. Great.

Pure luxury . I feel like a princess when I wear this beauty I am seriosly looking for back ups , so if anyone got bored of it and want to swap kindli PM me :-)

I have one word for it- Gorgeous! I am sooo in love with it. Very long lasting too....I put it on 6 hours ago and it is still just as intense.

To sarazonoz I found "Cinnamon Spice Perfume Oil" from The Body Shop to be similar to Cristobal. But it might be only to my nose.

You know it when you smell it. This is excellent. Seamless blending and luxe. Far ahead of its time. Close to perfection.

It was my perfume in 1999 after I bought my new NISSAN MAXIMA 1999 :) happy memories

Feminine and oh so elegant, I love it! Can't stop sniffing my arms..

Love this! So warm & sweet. But not too sweet, it's not cloying like similar fragrances tend to be. For me, this is a more floral & refreshing version of "Cinema" by Yves Saint Laurent, with the sambac jasmine note and nice ambery base. I don't feel it's as formal as the YSL's fragrance, though; I would save Cinema for more special occasions during the evening hours, whereas Cristobal has a more casual air, an all-year-round signature type of an aroma & to me is actually a prettier scent. I love the fact that it contains a beautiful blend of white floral notes (my favorite)& fig leaf which keep it smelling light & fresh enough for me to wear during the daytime or at the office. It is one of the fresher orientals I have ever had the pleasure of sniffing, besides Lacoste Femme, which is a sporty, clean floriental, but has short longevity on my skin. This scent also reminds me of Gabriela Sabatini (original)- which I adore- except Cristobal has a lot more sillage & WAY more lasting power! It's luxurious & perfect for those who like lighter orientals that are moderately sweet with lovely fresh, white floral notes. This has a real sparkling, effervescent quality to it, much like drinking a glass of nice champagne. It is a real pity they discontinued this. It is very classy, pretty & well-balanced as a floriental fume. Highly recommend, if you can get your hands on a bottle w/out paying through your nose. *By the way, also smells rather "french" to my olfactory sensibilities. So if your nose is a francophile like mine & you like some of the notes in this, get a sample or mini at least, you will not regret it.

Soft golden patchouli waves beating like sunbeams off of my skin. Gold honeyed woods and dominant patchouli softened by florals on the drydown. I only have a 5mL bottle and want more. The tiny bottle with the beautiful gold engraved cap looks like a lost treasure only to be found beyond the veil of the fairies. To break it down: It is a soft patchouli-fig combination moderated by elegant woods, the sweetness of peonies, dry floral carnation, the mellow flavour of vanilla and lush dewy freesia. The freesia became quite prominent to my nose just into the initial dry down- it just pokes its delicate petals into the composition for a brief window. There is also a hint of greenness to balance the composition and add depth. Vanilla and sandalwood are the most prominent in the base when all else has gone. This does not smell like a fragrance of the 90s to me. Well, it does in a way- while this fragrance is beautiful and elegant there is also a clumsiness to it in that the notes individually smell like parfums used in cheaper personal grooming products and knock off impressions of fragrances. I guess that speaks to its age, if anything this 'clumsiness' as I phrase it actually adds to its endearment- I guess it triggers the nostalgia of a simpler time. I loved the 90s. I am thoroughly impressed by this, I have been catching whiffs of it on my collar all day and enjoying it immensely. If only I could have a nice big bottle of my own to hide away. Sillage: good Longevity: good Overall fragrance: absolutely lovely, this is a very warm, comforting fragrance. I will be very sad when my little miniature runs out

This starts off bright, slightly green (I'm assuming from the fig), and sparkly. The bergamot definitely shows off at the beginning, but is quickly tamed by the powdery carnation. The floral notes don't stand out individually on me, but they add a lovely, feminine blend that definitely appeals to me and others around me. The sandalwood-patchouli combo arrives rather quickly. I'd say they decided to show up when the flowers did, but took their time to open up completely. By then, the vanilla appears---keeping the woodsy notes from strangling the others & the wearer---adding a tender touch of sweetness---never turning this into an Oriental-Vanilla. The drydown consists mostly of a woodsy-musky aroma on my skin, with just a hint of sweetness. On some days, I might prefer a bit more vanilla, but most days I think the dry down is rather sexy & elegant. From a passionately flirty beginning, to a tamed vixen of a dry-down....I like it a lot. 3 sprays (on skin & clothes) lasted most of the day on me. The wafts of Cristobal were wonderful!

This is so pleasant, sensual and nice that I can ́t imaging anyone not liking it. It ́s sweet, creamy, and so full-bodied it ́s hard to figure out how so much rich, luxurious and enjoyable scent can get room in just one perfume? Well, it can and without being to much that is. I think it ́s really suitable to wear during autumn and winter, but maybe a little to much during the warmer months. Almost covered by warm, oriental and golden aromas there is something cool and sparkling hiding. This make the perfume a little more interesting, even tough Cristobal is all about being non-edgy. It ́s pretty much the opposite, and that is of course nice. Maybe just a little to nice... I really enjoy it, but maybe it lack some personality. Not really reminding of some other perfume, but still not really standing out in a crowd. A perfume to wear when you ́re looking for sensual, embracing comfort. Not much could beat it in that genre. Longlasting and huge sillage.

This was a testing of another of my old minis, back from the time when it first came out. I think I acquired it by chance, as part of a coffret assortment. I don’t recall ever wearing it very much. Cristobal is one of those perfumes where the notes blend together so smoothly and completely that it’s hard to identify individual ones. It starts out sparkly, a little green, a little aldehydic, and a little floral, but quickly settles into a soft, sweet, powdery vanilla and pretty much stays that way until the end. It’s not a foody vanilla, but instead has the feel of a generic upscale designer perfume, the vanilla boosted by unidentifiable synthetics, the sort of thing that would be worn by women who have time to go out for coffee in the afternoon and shop at expensive boutiques. It has mega-sillage and lasts the better part of a day. This probably sounds awful, but I like the perfume. It just needs to be applied with great restraint.

EDT: This warm, soft fragrance opens with the rich coconut scent of fig leaves and something that is redolent of dried fruit. For me, there is nothing crisp here: I don't pick up any citrus bergamot or spicy carnation at all. The rosy peony emerges in the middle, but this is not a predominantly fresh or floral scent, as the warm vanilla and sandalwood basenotes take the stage, with just a little patchouli. Although musk is not listed, it seems to be there. When my husband sniffed my wrist he guessed that it was a Guerlain, I think because of the powdery vanilla drydown. I would call this a comfort scent, not edgy, not green. Although it has a promising richness in the beginning, the ending is not terribly elegant, more soft and hazy. If you are looking for one of those fragrances that make you feel wrapped in a cashmere blanket--this would be for you. Sillage: gentle, but present Lasting: on me: about 5 hours

This is such an interesting fragrance! Knowing that it's been long discontinued, I was excited to get a chance to try it from a decant. It's very much a "classic", rather than "trendy" perfume. I could see a cultured person (I think any person could be comfortable wearing this) spraying this on before going to the symphony or an art gala, or something in that vein; this isn't really a "throw this on and get groceries" sort of scent. Scent-wise, I really appreciate how well-blended the scent is: you can smell all the notes, as the perfume wears, but it progresses without you noticing. Although it's not my cup of tea, I am happy to have had a chance to sample this; it's my first experience with a Balenciaga fragrance.

Warm, creamy, sweetness. The carnation is ever so softly present, especially in the beginning, and gives it a gentle spice kick. I can definitely smell patchouli, sandalwood and vanilla, the white flowers too, although I can't identify them individually. I feel like I detect something else sweet and resinous along with the vanilla. Cristobal becomes very sweet on me after the dry-down, maybe even cloying. But, I find it yummy and lovely in the cooler weather. I think that I would not tolerate this well in warmer temps, it works best for me on a cool, crisp fall day, preferably in the evening. This does remind me of Sahlini La Femme, but spicier and sweeter.

I do hope Cristobal was more vibrant back in the day. The current version I'm smelling while ok, seems to lack any backbone. It's fresh and light verging on green, with the only spice coming from the carnation. The fig is definately leafy, not fruity at all to me and I do pick up some vanilla. But while the smell is nice, overall the whole thing comes off as thin and watery, lacking the dense richness I crave. I would say it may be a good contender for a summer oriental but doesn't hold up in cold weather. While I don't dislike it, it could definately be better. But as it looks like it's been discontinued that's not likely to happen.

I got a bottle today...bought it without testing. It is GOOD.The sweetness, the bitterness....the breeze of fresh peonie - everything is very well balanced. There is a delicious cherry note, kind of like in Samsara - thick, gooey cherry jam! Vanilla is elegant and not synthetic - just like vanilla dried beans, no less. This fragrance will be loved by the fans of sweet fragrances - Hanae Mori, Tempore Donna, Samsara, Paul Smith London.May be it is not a breathtaking fragrance and probably not a Balenciaga masterpiece, - but it`s very feminine and will make you feel the same.

Attractive and self-assured while still being gentle. Fig, vanilla and carnation are seamlessly interwoven to create the velvety texture of this sandalwood fragrance. Patchouli and carnation have aged gracefully, and with the spice of fig, provide boldness to an otherwise soft scent. Try Cristobal if the more daring, higher-contrast Coco Chanel EdT wears well.

I really liked a lot Cristobal : it's a bit spicy, a bit warm, a bit seductive and the floral scents are present. Better for mature women, who want to be elegant every day, from morning to evening. Sometimes I think I'm too "casual" and "modern" for this perfume, which is a very good one.

I found the opening of this fragrance to be absolutely gorgeous. The fig, bergamot and flowers blend together beautifully. However, the drydown is far too sweet and strongly vanillic for me. It's extremely long-lasting, but I would only recommend it for colder days.

I love it,very good combination of vanilla and patchouli.Sexy and soficticated.I will buy it again..

If you like this one, try "La Femme" by Sahlini, I find it to be very similar but even better...

Very nice soft vanilla floral. Pleasantly scented to not offend others.

Sadly, this perfume taught me that I don’t like fig in perfume. I wear it sometimes though for the balsamic vibe, but otherwise no thanks

I don't think I can write a proper summary of this fragrance because it didn't stay long enough on my skin. The first time I tried with 2 big squirts, one on each wrist. There was a brief peppery note lasting for about 2 minutes, then it dried down to a very subtle and minimalist slightly sweet vanilla that lasted about 20 minutes and that was that. So I tried again with 5 squirts-wrists, elbows and cleavage-and had exactly the same response. My skin just seemed to gobble this up-in the 20 minutes that I could smell something, the something was plain, rather dull, muddled and understated to the extreme. It was boring, flat, and uninspired. Not unpleasant, just a void of nothingness really. Its not the longevity I'm complaining about-for example, Apres L'Ondee lasts barely an hour on me, but that hour is gorgeous. This, on the other hand, doesn't last and doesn't stand out.

It is not spicy on my skin at all. Very mild vanilla, fig and silent patchouli accord. Sillage and longevity is medium.

Yes. I am a huge fan of the original and although I always have a few scents on the go Cristobal was my 'must' and I always had a bottle of that. I am one of those who felt most 'me' wearing it, always received compliments and friends and family thought of it as my smell, as it were. For a while I too bought old bottles but a) these became far too expensive over time b) they contained sediment due to the ageing of the scent. I have always tried to find a new favourite but haven't been able to, though have had some nice experiments with Givenchy's Dahlia Divin and Dior's J'Adore. But so desperate was I to have Cristobal again that I had recently been very close to buying all the essential oils (eg of fig leaf and carnation) and perfumer alcohol etc. to try to blend them myself. Realising this could be a waste of money if I got the ratios/blend wrong, however, somehow when googling dupes I came across Black Point online, saw the rave reviews and bought a 50ml bottle of 117c Crystal Ball (for £20) a couple of weeks ago (c. 20.12.23). I can't tell you how happy I am! The blend of the scent is very good and amazingly smells just like Cristobal! The only thing is it doesn't last on my skin and although they call it EDP it doesn't feel like one. So I'll have to spritz more. But I've also had to do that with Chanel's Coco Noir since last Christmas when I bought it as an experiment – lovely warm scent (in the vein of Cristobal, J'Adore etc.) but unfortunately no staying power though an EDP. I recently read that putting on sweet almond oil – or similar – first can help a scent last on skin. But for Cristobal addicts do go and get this from Black Point!

I had never encountered Balenciaga CRISTOBAL before, whether in person or online, but a fellow fragrance traveler was kind enough to send me a sample of this now discontinued perfume. (Thank you!) CRISTOBAL is a smooth and resinous, lightly spicy oriental perfume. Everything is blended together beautifully, and my first reaction upon donning this creation was: "It's a perfume." There is definitely a density here which I have found lacking in many recent launches, both mainstream and niche. Something has changed in the approach to perfume making, it seems. This particular composition reminds me of several others in a vague way, although I would not say that it's a knock-off of anything else, or vice versa. Basically, CRISTOBAL offers a homogeneous layer of slightly sweet, vanilla and sandalwood-scented clean musk with far more base than flowers or spice. It's a pleasant scent and probably better made than some of the recent Balenciaga perfumes, which seem a bit synthetic by comparison. I wish that I understood the logic behind the house of Balenciaga better. Why did they hand over RUMBA to Ted Lapidus? Why did they discontinue LE DIX? Sometimes business and perfumery seem to be very much at odds, though they are and can only be partners in this enterprise.