Cinnabar

Original Cinnabar, throughout the 80s, was my signature scent. I had just left home, and was finally on my own in the big City. My long, strange immersion into counter culture was beginning. I had inherited a genetic predisposition to seek out this world from my Monkey Block, Black Cat, Co-Existence Bagel Shop (et al) habitué/unwilling housewife/beatnik mom. It was time for my own version of Bohemia, and to forge my own identity. Since perfume is so synonymous with identity, I wanted a fragrance to accompany me during this pivotal life change. Prowling around in the downtown Macy’s, I walked over to check what was on offer at the Estee Lauder counter. Among all the pretty-pretty, gold-topped clear glass bottles was one with an eye-catching deep red cap. (I admit- the lush vermilions in the Cinnabar ad display also drew me in.) The fluid in the red-capped bottle was not a traditional perfume pale yellow. It was the rich color of Baltic amber, which conveyed potency. The name of the fragrance also intrigued me: Cinnabar. Cinnabar is mercury sulfide. It is an ore of mercury, once widely used to make jewelry and trinkets due to its gorgeous deep russet hue. It is quite toxic. A perfume with toxic and beautiful connotations was a perfect choice at that stage in my life. Original Cinnabar didn’t mess around. After you spritzed it, you were held captive. You didn’t own Cinnabar; it owned you. It is said that scents from the 70s and 80s were different; they were more powerful, with room-filling presence. This is absolutely true, and Cinnabar was no exception. It was a smoldering femme fatale; a contrast to the penetrative, white floral, aldehyde-heavy scents that were seemingly everywhere back then. Nothing wrong with those kind of fragrances. I just needed something different. Something slinky- that woke up at one in the afternoon. Something with kohl-rimmed eyes, wearing a drop-waist black dress, elbow length gloves, and draped with necklaces of glittering black glass beads. A something that smelled the way Pola Negri looked. After a spritz from the tester, I knew instantly that Cinnabar was that something. As the ads for it implied, original Cinnabar could conjure an exotic realm. Close your eyes: you are transported to a tapestry lined tent, lit by oil lamps. A profusion of knee-deep, colorful silk pillows invites you to recline languidly. A shrouded figure approaches, and offers you a hookah full of a mystery substance that fills the air with a spicy, cinnamon citrus cloud. Midnight at the oasis. I loved Cinnabar. The only flaw with it was, when reapplied in the late afternoon, it became oddly heavy and sludgy on me. I probably didn’t need to re-spray it after the morning’s application, but I couldn’t resist. Any shirt I wore while in my Cinnabar phase continuously radiated the scent until it was laundered. It was as though the fabric was clutching at it. The shirts were in the laundry basket, with the lid shut, inside of a closed closet- and you could still smell the Cinnabar. Powerful stuff, indeed. For a birthday one year, I splurged on a tiny frosted glass bottle of Cinnabar pure parfum. I'm remembering the color of the parfum as being quite dark- the deep tone of long-steeped, potent, exotic tea. The intensity of that stuff was-- beyond. I seem to recall that my skin would sting very slightly wherever I tapped on a precious drop. Only a tiny sting- but still. There must have been a very high ratio of essential oils in the parfum. This magical substance was reserved for very special occasions. I can still see that little bottle, sitting on the small platform in my medicine cabinet I made for it to honor its preciousness. I also had the scented body powder, which was a gift with purchase of the parfum. Unexpectedly, this form of Cinnabar turned out to be the most beautiful of all. Although a powder, it had a surprising richness, a deep spicy sweetness that enveloped you like a hug. With a vault full of these memories of the original Cinnabar, I was apprehensive when about to test my decant of the reformulated Cinnabar. What had been done to it, after all those years? Would it have become sharp and floral, or soapy? Would it be a pale, sad “imposter” imitation of itself? Or worse, would it be— boring? Eyes closed, I took an anticipatory sniff. After a moment, I smiled. And thought- “well hello, old friend.” No- it was not the Cinnabar of my youth. It was lighter, softer, and sweeter. But it did evoke the spicy, citrus cinnamon warmth I remembered so well. Familiar, yet not familiar... It felt a bit like greeting a beloved friend from decades gone by at the airport. This friend had changed of course (as had you), but as you hugged them hello, you remembered all of the reasons why you loved them. New Cinnabar did lack the original’s depth, but was still quite lovely in its own way. I spritzed it again. This lighter new formula was reminding me of something. At Christmastime, my mother used to push cloves into oranges in a decorative pattern. She would then nestle them into fresh pine cuttings arranged on the mantel. This new Cinnabar took me right back to the scent of those freshly spice-studded, juicy Christmas oranges. It’s funny- I had forgotten all about those fragrant offerings. Come December, I will make some of my own spiky spiced oranges in her memory. At this phase in my life, I have no interest in lying on the floor sunk into pillows in a dimly lit, smoky tent. There is nothing wrong with any of that; now, I just prefer a comfy chair, and a well-lit, orderly work space. This new softer Cinnabar, I think, suits the present era of my life. If I had the original on hand- sure, I absolutely would wear it. New Cinnabar would be my daytime choice; original Cinnabar would be reserved for after five. I would not recommend wearing the original version to the office, but this newer Cinnabar is work-friendly. However its designation as office-friendly is not to imply Cinnabar has lost its exotic spiciness. Its gorgeousness is now declared a bit more quietly, as opposed to when she parted the beads across the doorway with a dramatic swift gesture, her dark, kohl-rimmed eyes smoldering, declaring, in a sensual growl, "I'm... here." The resinous aspect of the original gave it a depth this new one lacks. And no question, the original for sure beats the new for wear time. The new persists for about four hours till skin scent phase. Original Cinnabar easily lasted through to next day’s shower. The new version does call for refresher spritzes, but I’ve found it doesn’t get that weird dark denseness when reapplied, the way the original did. There are twelve notes (!) in original Cinnabar that are absent in the new formula: “spices,” cinnamon (which really surprised me, as the new formula does smell cinnamon-y), incense, tolu balsam, amber, peach, bergamot, vanilla (also a surprise this is absent), vetiver, carnation, and ylang-ylang. With that long list of notes missing from the new formula, I am amazed new Cinnabar is as recognizably Cinnabar as it is. The addition of olibanum (frankincense) to the new formula gives it a nice bit of warm sweetness. Is the new Cinnabar “better” than the old version? No. But this modern version IS identifiable as Cinnabar, and has its own spicy sweet charm. I was worried the reformulation would be so far away from the old scent that I wouldn’t recognize it. But I can close my eyes, and sniff, and be transported- for just a moment- back to the Casbah. In the here and now, it is time to make new memories. I'm happy Cinnabar is in my life once more, to accompany me as I am attempt to negotiate the strange landscape that is the present. My experience with this new Cinnabar made me realize that yes- sometimes, in some small way-- you CAN go home again.

Spice Bazaar with a Powerful Cinnamon Accord... When I first spray this, I get the comparisons to Youth Dew Estée Lauder & JHL Aramis, and a similar Coca-Cola fizzy-spiciness that some people get in Youth Dew Estée Lauder. But as it's drying down the cinnamon-incense (listed in the original) come more and more forward. It has vintage vibes and it falls somewhere between a vintage amber-spicy & vintage amber-woody to my nose. Overall I get a powerfully built cinnamon-incense accord - true to its name - on a vintage amber-woody-spicy scent. Jasmine here is a licorice-leaning soft purple, while orange & orange-blossom tilt it faintly orange. Olibanum is there, but it's helping to build the cinnamon accord. Patchouli is there lending some faintly soapy facets, and over time I notice the sandalwood giving me reminders of Organza Indécence Givenchy (although this isn't a dupe). Contrast to Youth Dew Estée Lauder: These are different, but there's a similar vintage amber-spicy vibe. Cinnabar is more of a disco-queen, with forward cinnamon (like the name suggests), while Youth Dew is more clove forward, and ladylike with slightly soapy aldehydes. Both have excellent performance. Contrast to Opium EDP 2009 Yves Saint Laurent: These are different, but again there's a similar vintage amber-spicy vibe. Opium has a more forward fresh-spicy accord and a wilder, raw vibe, while Cinnabar has a more forward cinnamon warm-spicy accord and 70s vibe. Both have excellent performance. Contrast to Cinnabar (1978) Estée Lauder: My grade 2 teacher used to wear the 1978 original and I always loved it. This 2015 version smells very similar - but if anything, the 2015 version smells slightly less vintage without the tolu balsam than what I remember, although overall it's a very good reformulation imo. Both have excellent performance. This is a must try for fans of cinnamon & incense. It's a longtime love for me. 10/10. Enjoy!

I haven't had an opportunity to smell the original Cinnabar, but I have been impressed with these current versions of the Estée Lauder classics. Youth Dew is the much more successful amber spicebomb from EL, and is undeniably beautiful, but I personally prefer Cinnabar, even this modern iteration. Less kitchen sink-y and more streamlined, featuring a lovely white floral heart, Cinnabar is more wearable for a modern audience than the aforementioned Youth Dew. The Coca-Cola element is absent, with a smooth balsamic base adding the sweetness here. It reminds me a lot of modern YSL Opium, with a frankincense-led balsamic base and an emphasis on white florals. Cinnabar has a sweet-spicy orange opening with the smooth, balsamic base evident from initial spray. The powdery white florals are clean and sweet, adding body and tempering the rich spices beautifully. I get sweet clove and perhaps nutmeg. It is wonderfully smooth and well-blended. The sweet, smooth amber base persists throughout, punctuated by some earthy patchouli and the remnants of the spices. It is wonderfully balsamic, with the non-smoky incense coming to the fore at the later stages. Soft woods complement it while lingering in the background. It is not the delicious Mysore sandalwood of vintage Opium, but is like a beautiful ghost of it. It fades to a dry, musky skin scent - it is at its most animalic here. Sillage is moderate and longevity is long-lasting. It is unisex by modern standards. Given its profile, Cinnabar is best worn in autumn/winter, but it is mild enough for daytime, everyday wear. A beautiful, underrated everyday amber, Cinnabar is a worthy alternative to modern Opium. Perhaps the same could be said for the vintage versions of both - Estée Lauder are known for remaining faithful to their original formulas. Great value too. 4.5/5.

This is unisex. I sprayed Aramis JHL, the supposed masculine counterpart to Cinnabar, on test strip to compare and JHL is a bit more masculine, especially in the opening. That's attributable to Cinnabar's white flowers manifesting more, I would think. But Cinnabar is still completely unisex. Estee Lauder's classic cinnamon trio are very similar to one another. And the brand description of Cinnabar is a bit funny. "In 1978, [Estee Lauder] decided the time was right for an Eastern-influenced fragrance." So in 1953 the time wasn't right? Compare Cinnabar with her Youth Dew. Cinnabar is a cinnamon-dominant fragrance (even though the florals manifest fairly strongly at times), although its interesting that this reformulation lists a clove note instead of cinnamon. But I consider cloves to be an earthier, darker cinnamon anyway, so its understandable. Perfumers do that. Lime instead of lemon was used in Martin Margiela's Under the Lemon Trees. I'm a cinnamon fragrance lover and these Lauder (and Aramis, which is owned by Lauder) classic cinnamon fragrances are great additions to my collection.

Estee Lauder Cinnabar Edp: 🗣Firstly I "LOVE" This Fragrance SO"Soooooo Much!! As My Dear Aunt, Used To Wear This, Youth Dew, And Elizabeth Arden Blue Grass!! And Just Before She Sadly Passed Away, She Started To Wear Gres Cabotine, After Smelling it On My Mum & I, And Really Liking It For The Spring & Summer, Bless Her!! All Smelt Absolutely "AMAZING" On Her!! The One Question That I Would Like To Ask The "Estee Lauder Beauty Company" Is Why They Allowed This Absolutely Stupid & Ugly Bottle Change Over, On Mostly ALL Their Classic Fragrances? Im Sure That Mrs Estee Lauder (The Founder) Would Absolutely Go Nut's, If She Saw How Cheap Looking, They Make Her Classic Fragrances Now Look!! If This Is Down To Her Grandaughter Aerin Lauder, For Godsake Girl, Catch Yourself On!! For Even Your Own Fragrance Bottles Used For Your Own Perfumes, Are Way Above The Glass Bottles Used Here!! And Remember We Are Talking About Real Classics That Suited Their Own Original Bottle Design!! Thank God, So Far, Youth Dew Seems To Have Escaped This Shameful Fate!!

I would have never bought a fragrance like this in my twenties. I wouldn’t call this a lighter version of Youth Dew because its just as much of a spice bomb. ( If this is toned down from the original, yikes!) I wish it came in a rollerball or dab on bottle because I have to spray this into the air to walk through in order to tolerate it. I’ve found that spraying it into a shallow cup and dabbing it on with my fingers is the way to wear it. I was surprised that my husband likes both this and YD because we’re a part of the “younger” crowd. I have had the most fun buying and trying older fragrances. Take the plunge! You just might be pleasantly surprised, and you won’t smell like every other person. Update: After wearing this for a while, I can now tolerate spraying it directly on. Well worth it.

I used to wear Cinnabar back when it came out in 1978, into the '80's and absolutely loved it! Smoky, spicy, a bit of citrus and lots of wonderful stuff at the base to make it resinous and wafting. I don't have that version any more, so I am reviewing the current edition. I have to say that it still smells awesome. Although the list of notes is not the same as the original, I personally find this new one just as rich and compelling. I am a die hard oriental spicy gal, with Opium, Youth Dew and Tabu at the top of my list along with Cinnabar. Similar but different. The silage and longevity are quite good! I am definitely fine with this version and the bottle is quite classy, as is the fragrance.

Cinnabar was my first love as a teenager. I've constantly owned and used a bottle since then and usually had a couple on hand. I was heartbroken when the formula changed and still feel very sad that Estee Lauder didn't love her as much as I do. I do own this new version but she pales in comparison to her predecessor. I came to Fragrantica in the hopes of finding an alternative that has the same qualities that I so fondly remember, but from what I have read, there is no real duplicate. I will stock up on the new version as my budget allows, but I'm disappointed that they have also discontinued the accompanying soap, powder and lotion. Yes, I used to wear it all!

* * * "Warmed with the deepest spice notes. Wrapped in the richest lacquer red." . . . (from vintage ad) In lacquer-red packaging, the original 1978 version of this classic oriental comprised 21 notes (per Fragrantica) that offered, in part, a spices and citrus top; cinnamon and carnation heart; amber and sandalwood base. Today's 2015 version comprises just 9 notes, with carnation omitted; yet I still detect clovy carnation throughout, which is why I bought a bottle. Though less potent now (and available only in 50ml), Cinnabar delivers the spices and carnation I adore.✿ Scent family: Amber Spicy Current formulation's longevity on me: long-lasting

The Short: I love this for cool weather. The Long: This sits somewhere between Knowing and Youth Dew. I enjoy both fragrances. I see why people say it is perfect for holidays. It is both soapy and cozy. This is bold in my opinion. So, spray it once and come back for seconds if it doesn't satisfy. [Moderation.] :D It lasts a solid 4-6 hours for me and longer on fabric. I do not recommend blind buy unless you really like spicy balsamic scents then, you are probably good to go. Just an aside. I think the bottle is a bore. It is well made but, still. A fragrance with so much character really warrants an interesting bottle.

I took a risk buying this bc I thought surely this was going to be a mix-mosh of that old attic, garage sale, mothball scent of yesteryear AKA the 80s, or worse- an unbearable powder-keg of undetectable notes. BOY WAS I WRONG. This is heavenly! Why have I slept on this? Reformulation, or not, this is an Autumnal Dream! It has that spicy vibe that I've been going crazy for as of late, it is simplistic in composition but blows it out of the park... I cannot wait to have my 2nd bottle of this, and I'm buying a second one as we speak. This is backup-worthy. I'm so happy my nose found this!

Reminds me of something a lawyer in the 80’s would wear. I feel brave when I wear this.. Very similar to Coco Chanel but less animalic in the dry down. As the name and bottle suggests, has a smooth but conforming outline. It develops from the top to bottom notes in a linear manner, almost reminiscent of going up an elevator shaft. That’s not to say it lacks complexity. The notes do not run astray into various directions but behave as a symphony, in relative unison. Very 80’s office vibes, in a ‘good’ way if that’s possible.

This is delicious. I am sure it is not nearly what it was (Cinnabar debuted the year I was born) but it is so different from all the sweeties today. I LOVE florals but I also love how they blend seamlessly with the fruits and spice. My Nanny wore Youth Dew, and I truly do enjoy YD, but Cinnabar has movement to the scent whereas YD is still. Cinnabar melds all the notes together. I’m not getting any individual notes but one solid scent. Love it. *brand new bottle from the Estee Lauder counter.

I have this and the remnants of a vintage bottle. I find them very similar. The longevity is good, and I wouldn't really want the trail any bigger than it is. (Moderate.). A really beautiful perfume. You wouldn't confuse it with vintage Opium, which I also have and love, but they're decidedly of the same genre. It makes me think of Christmas....gorgeous. Very warm and spicy. I usually am disappointed in reformulations, but they did a good job with this one. This perfume makes me happy.

this is so beautiful. it's mature but not too mature, im loving this as an 18 year old. it's sweet and works perfectly through autumn and into winter. it's not too christmassy. reminds me of glögg, a warm, toasty swedish christmas wine with lots of delicious fruits and spices, with the alcohol, of course. it's got that dried fruit feeling to it, with a pleasant acidity. im so addicted to the spice. if you like yog nog by lush, you will LOOOVE this.

I have this new 2015 version. I like it but I think that it is not so strong as many reviewers say, I can ́t feel it on my skin after some time. Maybe it is true that the new version is much lighter than the original. But I can ́t compare them. On the other hand the scent is really beautiful and it has a great development. If the longevity was better, I would be really happy with it. Perfect for cold evenings in a cosy room with a fireplace.

I will always love this perfume! I adore its sultriness. I adore its spiciness. I adore the memories it conjurs up. It's a gorgeously rich fragrance that's easily a signature scent. I, personally, love too many fragrances to relegate only one to be my signature. Cinnabar is a magical scent, complete with fire and ice. My skin/chemistry loves it. Some say it's "old lady". I say it's an eternal classic!

Cinnabar smells like stepping into a candle-lit room filled with clove smoke, warm patchouli, and a whisper of orange peel. It’s rich, spicy, and has that vintage drama that makes you feel like you’re wearing something with shoulder pads and secrets. Not for everyone, but if you like bold, churchy, cozy scents that stick around forever, this one’s kind of a vibe.

I love it. If You have a battle to win this is secret weapon.... September is so dry and sunny and I have no problem, to wear it. I love how it well blend in that dry September ....rich warm spicy character....wearing it makes you another woman. Goes well on young men; sensitive; shy; creative; edgy; artistic souls....

If Estée by Estée Lauder is the Chanel no 5 equivalent of the brand, then this is the Coco Chanel eau de Parfum of the brand. Cinnabar is a lot more tolerable for wear because there isn’t the potpourri type rose and carnation that’s present in coco. This makes this one far better blended, smooth, mild and wearable.

This newer version is more appealing to my nose that the vintage original. First spray....yes..you know it's Cinnabar. Toned down for sure...but I like what they have done in this reformulation...(surprisingly) Classic...mature...fabulous!!

GrandmaGaga, this is for the newest bottles and versions. There are lots of reviews for the more vintage bottles.

my favorite scent for 5 years. lasts long and smells like a potpourri or a nice hotel

I have the new bottle pictured in the photo above as well as the vintage perfume oil. It's difficult to describe the differences, broadly I'd say the modern iteration of Cinnabar is noticeably less deep and smooth than the vintage perfume oil. A tinnier midsection and the base smells more woody and dry. However, the essence of Cinnabar hasn't changed, she is still recognizably Cinnabar. Cinnabar has a unique and wonderful "tangerine" opening (citrusy orange and orange flower!) It dries to a lot of clove, cinnamon, and the soft, warm, roundness of carnation, along with other subtle floral notes. The base is deep and balsamic with powdery woods, some patchouli, and a powerful incense note. The dense, incense-y base is a key factor in this perfume. While nowhere near as sweet or foody as modern ambers, Cinnabar has gourmand qualities. You catch whiffs of a delicious, sweet, powdery cloud of clove and cinnamon, only to be kept in check by the powerful base which skews dry, bitter, and somewhat medicinal. A touch of vanilla keeps Cinnabar smelling rounded and soft into the deep dry down. This is a carefully judged and incredible balancing act brought to us by Lauder during their most creative and innovative period. As a brand, they've always seemed to value form and texture over complexity and intrigue, and as the years have gone by I have come to appreciate that. I'm happy Lauder hasn't altered the basic structure of this perfume, it smells distinctive and absolutely lovely. To me she will always be a classic and classy feminine, but by today's standards Cinnabar is completely unisex. Nobody would think twice if a man wore this, so men of Fragrantica, do not be afraid to give this incredible classic a try. My grandmother used to wear this perfume alongside another Lauder classic, Aromatics Elixir. She passed away a few years ago. Rediscovering the perfumes she wore has been a bittersweet nostalgia trip for me. I ended up buying bottles of both of them, they've become two of my favorites. Scent memory can be painful and overwhelming at times, but I'm glad to have it. Relating to the comparisons section: I'm far from the first person to take note, but Cinnabar resembles Estee Lauder's famous and enduring classic from 1953, Youth Dew. YD is even more of a throwback with aldehydes in the opening, and a spicier, more dense amber chypre base.There are echoes of the Youth Dew DNA in Cinni, but she is softer, smoother, and more floral. The more demure, polite younger sister of Youth Dew, but she has just as many insightful things to say. Another frequent mention is the famous and beloved YSL Opium. While broadly similar, I think YSL Opium has some key differences to Lauder Cinnabar. Clove, carnation, and incense are present, yes, but Opium is more piquant, with seemingly every spice in the cupboard thrown in, and it has always smelled strongly of myrrh. To my nose it has a more prominent and dirtier patchouli. Opium is more refined than either of the Lauder releases, but also substantially harder to wear.

I love this fragrance, but the bottle design is just terrible--aesthetics aside, it's just not very functional. You'd think that if Estee Lauder had to put out all their classic flagship scents in the same bottle, at least they would design that bottle in a somewhat utilitarian way. My bottle for Azurée (exactly the same, aside from the name printed on the front) was also weird and finicky, so I knew to be careful with the Cinnabar bottle, but when I removed the cap to spray it, the metal neck came off, exposing the plastic washer-thing, and the sprayer came apart from the bottle; I spilled some and was never able to put the neck back so that it would accommodate the sprayer and also allow the cap to be put back on. I ended up decanting all that I hadn't spilled; fortunately I had a clean bottle the same size so I didn't waste more than I spilled in the initial mishap. (That bottle cost a few dollars on Amazon, is all glass, and doesn't fall apart if you so much as look at it wrong--perhaps EL should use the same manufacturer.) I did contact the Estee Lauder customer service department, and the representative promised to send me a replacement bottle of perfume--except they don't have any more Cinnabar in stock. I accepted Spellbound instead. I hope this doesn't mean that they're going to discontinue Cinnabar. All they need to do is design a new, functional bottle. It doesn't even need to be fancy. But the current design is so wack that I have typed all these words without even reviewing the fragrance, which is so lovely and cozy and Christmassy that I probably won't mind smelling it for the next few days, as I invariably will, thanks to the aforementioned mishap. Update: This reformulation just doesn't smell nearly as complex as I remember the original smelling. It's quite nice, though, and the sweet balsamic drydown is similar to that of Youth-Dew, only with more orange and clove and less of the "Coca-Cola" accords. I'm going to keep my eyes peeled for a vintage bottle or decant at the right price. Josephine Catapano and Bernard Chant deserve better treatment than this tame reformulation. If the original Cinnabar was a "softer Youth-Dew," this is a softer Cinnabar, or possibly just a weaker, more floral-forward Cinnabar. It does remind me so much of a little clementine pomander that I made with cloves and a slightly desiccated clementine. After spraying this a bit more liberally (way more liberally than I would have ever dared spray the old Cinnabar, that's for sure), I'm kind of starting to love this--and I'm also noticing the similarities to Coco EDP, probably from all the eugenol (less rose but the same strong clove). Now I'm even sorrier that they couldn't send me a replacement bottle of Cinnabar instead of Spellbound, which I suspect I won't like nearly as much. But having Spellbound appeals to my completist instincts (I don't care about all the newer EL fragrances, but I like to have all the classics in my scent library, if only in decant form).

Ok, at first I hated this. Sometimes you and a perfume don’t hit it off straight away, right? Maybe the molecules were still all shaken up from the transportation. Maybe I wasn’t in a good mood. Who knows? Perfume is mystery. My first spritz of Cinnabar was a sour disappointment. I got no cinnamon at all. It was a patchouli fest. Offensive. Poorly constructed. I was angry at it. How dare you, Estée Lauder? But once I grounded Cinnabar in my dark wardrobe for 24 hours, I came back for it and was greeted with a cozy, spicy concoction. Finally, the cinnamon showed up. Cinnabar and I made up and now I can’t live without it. Yes, it does smell like a Yankee Candle. The thing is, I like Yankee Candles. I like pumpkin spice lattes. I like Gilmore Girls. I like all the autumnal cliches, and that translates to fragrance as well. As soon as The Body Shop released their Vanilla Pumpkin line this year, I went straight away to the mall to get it — their body butter pairs lovelily with Cinnabar, by the way. And with ELDOs Like This. You see, some people do want to smell like autumnal pout pourri. I know I do. And I could be delusional — like someone searching for a past lover in their new partners because they just can’t let go. But there is something Mitsouko-soft in Cinnabar’s cinnamon. The only thing I would change in Cinnabar would be the ratio of patchouli, just because I'm not that crazy about it, as it tends to remind me of sweat. But then, nobody's perfect — except, of course, for Mitsouko.

My mother wore the grand Orientals. Opium, Youth Dew, and Cinnabar. These icons have been seared into my olfactive memory since age 7. Cinnabar78 wasnt as refined as Opium77. It had a heavy, thick, compact weightyness to it. Here in Cinnabar 15, this is a xeroxed photocopy over and over again until Cinnabar78 barely remains. Cinnabar15 has been stripped down to its basic components that can make the brain read "Cinnabar" its dryer, thinner, starchier with the fresh pressed aldehydes of White Linnen. Its a dry woody scent with mild spice for autumn. Lilly in the heart stands in the center of the floral. The oilbanum asserts itself and the patchouli behaves. Its heavier on clove than cinnamon which throws it to modern COCO for a moment. Its not the rich oriental with depth anymore, its lost its rich luxury. Its now more of a day scent you can reach for in the colder months to keep you company. Definately unisex now. I miss the peach component to smooth down the scratchy woods. The heavy peach in Cinnabar78 made it distinctive from Opium and they took a major identity part out. Its a well worn memory of Cinnabar78. If you found Cinnabar78 too much then this will work for you. I need to wear Cinnabar15 a bit more to give my final thoughts. Its not a horrific reformulation, but I wanted just a bit more from it.

“cinnabar’s use as a color in the New World is exemplified by its use in royal burial chambers during the peak of Maya civilization, most dramatically in the 7th-century ‘Tomb of the Red Queen’ in Palenque, where the remains of a noblewoman and objects belonging to her in her sarcophagus were completely covered with bright red powder made from cinnabar.” —Wikipedia after apparently fading away in the 1990s, this was resurrected in 2015. i had no memories/associations for this one, just a curiosity about what Youth-Dew’s younger sister might be like. she begins with delicious pomander vibes before taking a lily(!) detour. traditionally, i’m— less than fond of the scent of lilies. but i have realized recently that a touch of lily, well-blended and weighed down with the proper resins, is actually quite nice. which brings us to Cinnabar, going through a brief stage which is like a lily dunked in Youth-Dew before transforming into the missing link between Opium and Coco: a spicy vermillion carnation, drizzled with dark honey, in a cloud of burning frankincense. I LOVE YOU, RED QUEEN. illustration : Google “tomb of the red queen” in Images for some good scarlet goth stuff /current edp

I loved the original Cinnabar as a teenager, and would borrow my Mom's all the time. One Christmas, she bought me my very own bottle (and the $39-with-any-fragrance-purchase beauty box) and I have to say, it's one of the best gifts I've ever received! Not only did it get me started on my beauty/makeup habit, but that fragrance was *chef's kiss*, as the kids say. Many years later, my original bottle is lost to time, but I recently picked up the new reformulation, and I was not disappointed. How can a fragrance with no cinnamon listed in its notes smell so much like cinnamon? And not "pumpkin spice" cinnamon - it's a sweet, smoky cinnamon. It smells kind of like an Atomic Fireball candy tastes (and I love it). If you're not into spicy gourmands you won't like it, but if you are, well - this is a complex, lovely fragrance at an appealing price point, and the new bottle that Lauder puts all their "classic" fragrances in is beautiful and substantial. I'd say it leans a bit more female, but I think that's just tradition talking; I'd be thrilled to smell this on a man. Sillage and longevity are great, and I do suspect this is more of a fall/winter fragrance.

Very lovely, old fashioned Spicy Oriental scent that manages to add a slight softness that really appealed to mother,but was simply just ok on me. This perfume smells like a spiced orange soap.Lilies, and Orange blossom combine with Tangerine and spices to make a scent that smells like Autumn. The scent is deep and indulgent, but there is a mildness to it that helps this feel more of a daily scent than most; this is one of the few old school Orientals I could see as work appropriate in colder months. I bought this for myself, and I rather enjoy it but my mother absolutely adored it so I couldn't help but give her a lovely gift. She told me she has always quite liked Opium from a far, but always found it was just a bit too much for her so finding something that scratches that itch with just a slightly more gentle approach really makes her happy. I look forward to this delightfully warm scent when I see her next <3

This was the signature perfume of my bonus mother whet I met her many years ago. A warm, generous scent that suited her personality perfectly. I have come to love it just as deeply as I love the woman who always smelled of it and always was there for me and my siblings when our birth mother went her own way. She’s gone, and when I tested the “New Cinnabar” I just couldn’t recognise it. Gone is the the feeling of being secure and protected. The new scent is beautiful, and has the warm and spicy feeling that I’m sure would appeal to a younger audience. But there is something missing. Perhaps the depths of animalistic tones that I seem to remember, perhaps some other, now banned, ingredient. If you don’t have a strong psychological bond to the old version, like me, I suppose this is a very good contestant if you look for a nostalgic trip to the eighties.

The original was an old and abiding love of mine but my last vintage buy of it was so badly degraded that I won't risk buying vintage again. So, the new version it had to be. I'm trying not to notice the notes omitted and ignoring how much less deep and syrupy. And there's that nod to Coco that wasn't there before. But judged on its own merits, this isn't bad at all. I rather like the strong tangerine opening and they haven't shied away from the spices, although I find them a touch dry in this version, I guess the scent simply needs time to chill and mellow. I think a spell in a dark drawer may fill out the spare frame of this youngster. I suspect this wouldn't be a successful blind buy for most people, It's quite forceful. Overall, this scratches my Cinnabar itch quite successfully.

This is a lighter take on a spicy oriental. It's really lovely. This doesn't have the same amber resinous depth that powerhouse orientals such as Youth-Dew and Opium have. It's more white floral and a bit sharper with the cloves. It doesn't have the same depth and coca-cola sweetness that Youth-Dew has. It also doesn't have the amber vanilla combination that Youth-Dew and Opium have. But these aren't bad things, Cinnabar has it's own character separate from those two. It also has a subtle green quality to it which I really love and I'm not the biggest fan of green fragrances. The dry down is beautifully spicy, green and woody. I really like this. Interestingly most spicy fragrances I would avoid in hot weather, but this is lovely in hot weather!

This is a bold, spicy and woody fragrance. The floral elements add a ladylike elegance, while the olibanum gives it a church-like, incense vibe. It’s warm and perfect for winter. It gives me a nostalgic, almost Christmas feel, which mostly originates from the citrus, to my nose. Even without cinnamon in the notes, it gives off a dry, spicy sensation that reminds me of straight cinnamon. The perfume is quite oily, leaving a noticeable layer on the skin after it dries. Ngl the scent is too bitter and mature for my taste but the quality is excellent and worth the price. If you enjoy strong, spicy, and "mature" fragrances, this one is a great pick!

I picked this up today through an Australian pharmacy chain (Priceline). They offer Cinnabar quite often at half price and although I've many times been tempted, today I finally succumbed. I hesitated because I already own a bottle of Opium (2009) and I find them quite similar. Cinnabar is a tad easier to wear though, I think. More casual, less va-va-voom! I'll easily wear it with jeans and a checked shirt. In fact, that wink of irony is probably the best approach to wearing something as baroque as this!

Classy and opulent. Very boozy, in a way that people will immediately recognize as "perfume booze" and not "Mom's drinking again at 9 AM" booze. I was only able to spray it on a card, so I'm not sure how it would behave on skin. In general this type of fragrance turns absolutely rancid on me. However, based on the tester strip alone, this is very nice. It's in the same vein as other "old lady" orientals, but slightly tamer and sliiightly more modern. The clove in this is really lovely!

Old fashioned, but not in a stale way. The backbone is super similar to Youth-Dew. The olibanum, clove and incense in here are rich and deep and I'm sure many would find it smothering, but I think it's pretty enchanting. This is definitely a bygone era of perfumery, but I'm enjoying the old fur jacket in a casino vibe. Also really transporting to me to a hippy crystal shop. This stuff is nuclear powered - 1 spray is more than enough.

I bought this a couple of years ago after testing it at some EL counter. I was expecting cinnamon but could not smell any. A wall of cloves and orange peel hit my nose, I thought it was too spicy...but the dry down, an absolute delight, sweet, embracing, exotic, comforting and persistent. Excellent longevity. Mature and strong scent. Excellent with a linen shirt at the end of summer or with a soft cashmere jumper in winter.

These notes are weird. I tested the new version (new bottle) in a department store today and it definitely reminds me more of the notes of the original Cinnabar than those listed here. Prominent spices, especially cinnamon, with soapy undertones. It reminds me of Opium EDT 2009, but the longevity of this one is better. However, sillage of Opium EDT is much better. So pros and cons for each!

That's just a lovely, spicey and so comforting scent. First, I tried it on my wrist and it was a bit too much of spices and woodsy notes, after some hours it settled into warm and at the same time dry sandalwood, spices and white flowers. Later on, it gives off this hot press aroma from the linen that just have been ironed and had been washed in luxury, spicey soap.

This one has really grown on me this winter. I'd gotten it a number of years ago and felt a bit indifferent. It suffered by comparison to some other Orientals I really like, such as Obsession. But something inspired me to take a fresh look and I'm finding it quite enjoyable. It has a lower register somewhat earthy spice for me. Cozy and rather warming.

Cinnabar has been on my wish list for some time and I finally got it. This is a warm, spicy, exotic, and sexy scent. It's in the same vein as Youth Dew and Opium. It opens with sweet orange blossom and tangerine but then it's all about the spices. Spicy oriental fragrances are some of my favorites to wear in the winter. Can't wait!

The top is a bit stinky, and smells like the five spice powder in Chinese cooking. After the first few minutes, the scent gets gentle and smooth. Smells good from a bit distance. The spice melts into the florals. It reminds me of Aromatic Elixir, which is also a Bernard Chant perfume.

Very sensitive to the weather! I love this one for the fall but this year's season has been fairly warm. I tried wearing it about a month ago and found it very unpleasant and overwhelming. Now it's colder and this finally feels like the warm hug of cloves and incense I like so much.

A lighter, more flowery/feminine version of Youth Dew and Opium. I have not smelled the vintage version so I cannot compare.

Cinnabar is for anyone who likes Kenzo Jungle, Chanel Coco, Opium YSL. A cloves and jasmine marriage on a bed of patchouli.

To me, this smells a little like Coco because of the strong clove note. I like Coco better though.

I have to say I am disappointed with this perfume. I've had such luck w/ blind buys that I think I got to cocky. It doesn't smell sexy, mysterious, or daring at all and that was what I was expecting. It's just random Christmas candles in cheap candle store. I can't imagine wearing this and I won't, it will be air freshener for the bathroom. At least it wasn't that expensive. Live and Learn. I have a bottle of Spellbound coming, I hope that will be better. I think my blind buying days are done, it only worked w/ the house of Jean Patou. 9/14/21 Edit. I've decided that I will not use this as air freshener after all. While not what I was hoping for it is still a decent perfume. One that can be worn to daytime holiday events. You will smell like Christmas LOL but you won't wow anyone since this perfume is a little boring but still tasteful. I wish I had not blind bought this one and Spellbound and probably the vintage formulas were more along the lines of what I was looking for. I sampled Sensuous and was thrilled w/ that and blind bought Youth Dew and that has been amazing as well. I just wish Spellbound and Cinnabar impressed me the way Youth Dew and Sensuous have. Edit:11/17/21 I am wearing this right now and think this is the perfect holiday perfume. My husband and I were talking about Thanksgiving and Christmas and I had a sudden urge to wear this perfume. When I got this in the mail it was hot (man our summer was so hot!) and I was pissed it wasn't more like Vintage Opium so I judged it to harshly. But now I'm glad I didn't just use it as air freshener. This is the perfect perfume for a cozy evening at home gazing at the Christmas Tree. Holidays w/ our friends and family. A cozy comfortable perfume w/ lots of class.

This is not for the faint of heart. There is no note that throws me off. But it is very powerful that kind of reminds me of 1980s and earlier. I just prefer more subtle scents these days.

Good but a bit powdery and cheap smelling to me. 3/5