Cinnabar

A WELL-KEPT SECRET "By my window pane, I keep oranges, limes and peaches from Andalusia. On my dresser, I painted flower pots with roses and jasmine. An ancient bowl is filled with cloves, vanilla beans and cinnamon stalks. On my bedside table, there is a brass oil lamp I brought from Arabia. Its oil is clouded with balms and myrrh. It is here I want to meet you at sunset, and spend one or many wise nights." This piece of text is an excerpt from an old poem. In my imagination, these words seem to describe in detail the scent of Cinnabar. This classic Estēe Lauder perfume was co-created by Bernard Chant and Josephine Catapano, two legendary perfumers of the 1960s and 1970s who were the "noses" behind many of the Lauder Group's creations. It was also rumoured at the time that Estée Lauder herself secretly added the last portion of ingredients to keep the secret of a new fragrance solely with her. And by the mid-1970s, secrecy was already key to the business. Both Yves Saint Laurent and Estée Lauder had undertaken a task aiming to revolutionise perfumery, with a new oriental intense fragrance. "Opium" (1977) by Yves Saint Laurent was a direct blow to the bland (bland? really?) citrus and moss scents that were conquering the perfume world at the time. The new YSL perfume was a joint creation of Jean Amic, Jean-Louis Sieuzac and Raymond Chaillanand. Lovers of the fragrance were dazzled by its erotic sophistication. The same situation happened with Cinnabar. But the impact was diminished as it was seen as an Opium copy, only because it was launched a few months later. No doubt there are some similarities between both perfumes, but there are also important differences to consider. First of all, the name "Opium" was deliberately provocative. In the USA for instance, the perfume only became widely available after a study showed that the product did not encourage drug usage. However, it not only had a strong oriental character but was also stunningly erotic and overpowering like no other perfume before it. A launch party at Studio 54, where Andy Warhol was also a guest, turned into an "opulent bacchanal" as described by the press, rather than an industry premiere as expected. The fragrance confronts us with strong frankincense, myrrh and a turmoil of various other resins. The balsams fight their way through a fierce army of spices including cloves, cinnamon, pepper and coriander, as well as a variety of sweet florals. A fresh, pungent carnation note serves as the referee in this energetic and voluptuous game. The fragrance revealed itself as mysterious and luxuriant as only some occult oriental ambiences and atmospheres can be. In contrast, the name of "Cinnabar" (1978) by Estēe Lauder stands for a bright red mineral (mercury sulphide), sometimes used as an orange or reddish pigment, the colour that both perfumes flasks also have in common. The name may also suggest "Cinnamon Bar", possibly a reference to the strong warm cinnamon note it contains. Although Cinnabar is obviously very oriental and close to Opium in fragrance style, it doesn't remind me of an Arabian caravan loaded with many different spicy and smelly goods on its way to a remote Souk. I picture it more in the style of a flamboyant and elegant James Dean driving down the Pacific Coast Highway in a Porsche 356. If Opium may stand for a half-naked Sherazade behind veils and curtains, Cinnabar reminds me of a typical, very well-dressed American socialite from the 60s and 70s strolling along Rodeo Drive. The spice blend is a little fuzzier and less lush. I also detect warm notes of caramelised mandarin or orange, the inevitable strong carnation and the characteristic "Lauder" accord dominated by cinnamon, flowers, incense, resins and balsam (mainly tolu), which we also find in other creations such as "Youth-Dew" by Estēe Lauder". Cinnabar does not assault us with an array of blunt spices. On the contrary, it wraps them in the surrounding balsams and woody notes, in a seemingly orderly way. These are very beautiful accords but in the form of a well-conceived beauty, a beauty that does not at all give us the arousing and sensual impression of its Opium rival. Certainly because of its intrinsic quality, but mainly because of its lead time and commercial daring, Opium won the market war between the two competitors, and slowly Cinnabar became a well-kept secret of an exceptional fragrance that could have led the way in the perfume industry. How can we rate this masterpiece? ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ - Opening: 9.0 (Caramelised citrus with warm spices and cloves, giving way to a heart with strong cinnamon, a bold carnation and sweet flowers.) - DryDown: 10.0 (The cinnamon endures till the dry-down is coveted by incense, balms, resins and a woody touch.) - Longevity: 9.5 (3 sprays last up to 12 hours) - Sillage: 8.5 (6~7 feet of sillage and up to 3.0 hours of projection with 3 sprays) - Uniqueness: 9.0 (similarities with "Opium" (1977) by Yves Saint Laurent and "Youth-Dew" by Estēe Lauder) - Wearability: 8.5 (not suitable for hot weather) - Versatility: 7.5 (can be worn almost anywhere, but never in the office, beach and gym, I recommend it as a fragrance for dusk or night) - Praise: 9.0 (it will reward you with lots of compliments and some passionate praise). - Quality: 10.0 (Fantastic) - Presentation: 7.5 (Simple and very discrete; the revised "Cinnabar" (2015)by| Estēe Lauder, is a lot prettier) - Price: 6.0 (125~150 euros / 50ml vintage bottle) ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ Overall rating: 8.59 / 10.00 - between 7 and 8 = above average; - between 8 and 9 = recommended; - above 9 = definitely not to be missed; My opinion: This is a perfume that I consider timeless and a striking masterpiece. Both its "somewhat outdated" scent (not for my nose), as well as its high price on the parallel market, justify never making a blind purchase. The "modern "Cinnabar" (2015) by Estēe Lauder is much easier to use, more feminine, and more "tame" than the vintage version. The vintage version is "only" a phenomenal perfume and a truly very precious item on any collector's shelf. Music: John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John - "Summer Nights".

This classic Estēe Lauder perfume was co-created by Bernard Chant and Josephine Catapano, two legendary perfumers of the 1960s and 1970s who were the "noses" behind many of the Lauder Group's creations. It was also rumoured at the time that Estée Lauder herself secretly added the last portion of ingredients to keep the secret of a new fragrance solely with her. And by the mid-1970s, secrecy was already key to the business. Both Yves Saint Laurent and Estée Lauder had undertaken a task aiming to revolutionise perfumery with a new deep and intense oriental fragrance. Opium was a direct blow to the bland citrusy and mossy scents that were conquering the perfume world at the time. The new YSL perfume was a joint creation of Jean Amic, Jean-Louis Sieuzac and Raymond Chaillanand. Lovers of the fragrance were dazzled by its erotic sophistication. The same situation happened with Cinnabar. But the impact was diminished as it was seen as an Opium copy, only because it was launched a few months later. No doubt there are some similarities between both perfumes, but there are also important differences to consider. First of all, the name "Opium" was deliberately provocative. In the USA for instance, the perfume only became widely available after a study showed that the product did not encourage drug usage. However, it not only had a strong oriental character but was also stunningly erotic and overpowering like no other perfume before it. A launch party at Studio 54, where Andy Warhol was also a guest, turned into an "opulent bacchanal" as described by the press, rather than an industry premiere as expected. The fragrance confronts us with strong frankincense, myrrh and a turmoil of various other resins. The balsams fight their way through a fierce army of spices including cloves, cinnamon, pepper and coriander, as well as a variety of sweet florals. A fresh, pungent carnation note serves as the referee in this energetic and voluptuous game. The fragrance revealed itself as mysterious and luxuriant as only some occult oriental ambiences and atmospheres can be. In contrast, the name of "Cinnabar" stands for a bright red mineral (mercury sulphide), sometimes used as an orange or reddish pigment, the colour that both perfumes flasks also have in common. The name may also suggest "Cinnamon Bar", possibly a reference to the strong warm cinnamon note it contains. Although Cinnabar is obviously very oriental and close to Opium in fragrance style, it doesn't remind me of an Arabian caravan loaded with many different spicy and smelly goods on its way to a remote Souk. I picture it more in the style of a flamboyant and elegant James Dean driving down the Pacific Coast Highway in a Porsche 356. If Opium may stand for a half-naked Sherazade behind veils and curtains, Cinnabar reminds me of a typical, very well-dressed American socialite from the 60s and 70s strolling along Rodeo Drive. The spice blend is a little fuzzier and less lush. I also detect warm notes of caramelised mandarin or orange, the inevitable strong carnation and the characteristic "Lauder" accord dominated by cinnamon, flowers, incense, resins and balsam (mainly tolu), that we also find in other creations such as Youth-Dew. Cinnabar does not assault us with an array of blunt spices. On the contrary, it wraps them in the surrounding balsams and woody notes, in a seemingly orderly way. These are very beautiful chords, but in the form of a well-conceived beauty, a beauty that does not at all give us the arousing and sensual impression of its Opium rival. Certainly because of its intrinsic quality, but mainly because of its lead time and commercial daring, Opium won the market war between the two competitors, and slowly Cinnabar became a well-kept secret of an exceptional fragrance that could have led the way in the perfume industry. My opinion: This is a perfume that I consider timeless and a striking masterpiece. Both its "somewhat outdated" scent (not for my nose), as well as its high price on the parallel market, justify never making a blind purchase. The "modern" "Cinnabar (from 2015) is much easier to use, more feminine, and more "tame" than the vintage version. The vintage version is "only" a phenomenal perfume and a truly very precious item on any collector's shelf. Music: John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John - "Summer Nights".

Oh Cinnabar! You gorgeous gorgeous one! You somehow arrived with the wrong foot, even though your timing was perfect! Forever eclipsed by Opium, my favorite oriental, Cinnabar comes first as well, showcasing different notes and moods, but still belonging to that pantheon of spices that Tabu and Youth Dew helped build. Review of late 70’s splash edp and 2010 edp. They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but if Cinnabar imitates anything, is simply the lineage that came before her. Tabu paved the way for animalic spices, Youth Dew followed in her Americana country style, and by the late 70’s, Opium was born, stealing all the flashes and staying in the spotlight for a whole decade. How could Cinnabar compete? Some time ago, I read in The Black Narcissus that most -if not all- vintage Lauders have a ‘rich divorcée accord’ that permeates, creating a somewhat stuffy style. In a way it’s true, but this rich divorcée gets down to business, gets her hands dirty, and when she throws a party, she spends the day in the kitchen making sure everything is perfect, before getting glammed up for her guests (and herself) and welcoming them with a warm smile. She wasn’t born rich and she knows her way around work. Maybe that’s Estēe all along. And like a true artist, that’s the part of her that lives in her perfumes! Cinnabar is a supercharged floral oriental, more floral than Opium and Youth Dew. It’s the spices from before but accesorized with the finest floral essences and the juiciest citrus notes to enliven them. Cinnabar throws the spice rack at you, but it doesn’t let it take over. Instead, the flowers soften the bang and the smoothness of the amber and sandalwood hover like a silk drape. And there’s everything but the kitchen sink in here! But it doesn’t overwhelm; bright aldehydes remove the opaqueness and make it feel like it was originally called, Soft Youth Dew! Estēe went that path before and for the big and shiny 80’s she wanted something a bit different. So, you get the cloves and the carnation and the spices, all dressed up in buttery ylang, dark roses, narcotic jasmine and tuberose, with bright flashes of light; aldehydes, lilly of the valley, mandarin, without smelling like a pomander. Neon lights at the discotheque. Peach and vanilla add some smooth creaminess, while sandalwood and incense bring it back to its oriental self before landing on a bed of oakmoss, musks and civet. The starchy feeling, like a hot iron and most likely from the aldehydes, is what separates it from the rest and to some makes it stuffy. I don’t feel that way. If Opium wears a bright kaftan, has a tanned glow and dances all night long in Les Bains Douches or Le Privilège, Cinnabar has dinner at a classy restaurant and then goes to Studio 54 to dance and have fun, sans drugs. She’s wearing a metallic bodice, silk pants and has her hair slicked back. Vintage Cinnabar is all this! 2011 Cinnabar has more of the starchy aldehydes, less florals and less spices, but still smells like Cinnabar, and seen from a 30+ year perspective, she’s finally eclipsed Opium (the modern); where current Opium smells cheap, plasticky and screechy, with a lot of hot iron starch, Cinnabar smells mostly like it used to, rich divorcée accord included. The difference is that in Cinnabar that comes natural! If you find vintage please dive in! But if you have the current formulas available to choose, forget Opium and go with Cinnabar. Time has been kinder with her, and today she eclipses momma Youth, Opium, Coco and everything in between that once upon a time stole her show.

Well, here I am, reviewing Cinnabar. I am at that point in the fragrance journey. I hesitated for so long to even so much as imagine owning a bottle, having admired it discreetly for so long, as it was deemed strictly a woman's fragrance. I mustered the courage several years ago to sneak a spray of it from the Estee Lauder counter and I was immediately smitten. However, at the time, I never thought I'd actually WEAR it. I have a bottle now (as pictured above, older formulation), I am wearing it—and I am loving it. Perhaps some of it comes from memory association, having recalled smelling it during what seemed to be simpler times; after all, I had a simpler brain and the last time this was worn in abundance I had yet to enter adolescence). However, as I now wear it, I don't immediately have the association with a matronly type or a 70s femme fatale, even. In 2021, the anxieties of gendering don't seem quite entrenched, and I do not feel emasculated in the least by wearing Cinnabar (as if that should be a concern anyhow). After all, there is Aramis JHL, the less floral counterpart that was geared to men (also marvelous but steering more into pines and woods direction) and there are other spiced orientals such as Jaipur Homme (the EDP is especially similar to Cinnabar). However, Cinnabar has its own exoticism and intrigue that sets it apart. Aptly named, there is a red energy to Cinnabar; it is warm cinnamon, clove and carnation, and most notably tolu balsam. Tolu is a terrific ingredient that's historically been a staple in orientals: tapped from the living trunks of Myroxylon balsamum , it is a brownish, sticky, semisolid mass. Diluted with the solvent properties of alcohol for ease of use, it imparts a cinnamic quality, but almost as if it imparts raw cinnamon bark, with it's uh...'barkiness?' It is woody, rich, vanillic, somewhat phenolic, but there is a je ne sais quoi that makes it stand out on its own. (Fun fact: the resin is still a component in common cough syrup formulas!). So, yes, there is this tolu that is so prominently featured, flanked by all matters of spice and flowers, but it stands out the most to my nose and is sheer pleasure. The dry down is bliss. The aforementioned tolu balsam is accompanied by incense, benzoin, sandalwood, and accents of patchouli and vetiver. All are detectable to my nose, but the whole is much greater than the sum of its parts. I am not known for pontificating over 'performance', but let's just say there is zero issue, at least with the formulation in my possession. No issue at all whatsoever. It performs well on everything with I come into contact as well, if that helps. I sampled the more recent formulation in the newer bottle, and as with performance, I don't endlessly quibble over formulations but I must say the newer formulation is, while still beautiful, a bit more thin and feminine in the dry down (perhaps in a feeble attempt to modernize it). Still decidedly unisex, however. If you can afford it, go for an older bottle that has been stored and handled with care by the seller. 10/10

So they say Cinnabar is a heavy hitter. A powerhouse perfume. I have to disagree strongly on this. Cinnabar is not a heavy hitter at all. Cinnabar is a bloody nuclear bomb of at least 50 megatons! This is far beyond powerhouse. Cinnabar ought to be caged and locked up excactly like Hannibal Lecter was in The Silence of the Lambs... with a hotline to the fire deptartment within reach. Cinnabar might very well self-ignite. In case I didn't make it clear yet: I love it. I am literally blown away, Cinnabar knocked my socks off and took my breath away in more than one sense. This is one strong motherf....! By default I don't belive in one-spritz-wonders, not on my skin. I have a couple of two-spritz-wonders, but I never expected to meet anything that would exceed that. I give in. Cinnabar is definitely a one-spritz-wonder. I took one (1) spritz and found myself in a fog so thick I could barely navigate - for hours. 12 hours later it behaves like normal perfumes do an hour after 5 spritzes. I don't know how they did it, but this potion is out of the ordinary in every aspect. So how does it smell like..? To me, note-moron as I am, it's a very, very spicy, hot, animalic, dirty-classy powerhouse perfume. Dramatic, mysterious, smouldering. A come-hither fragrance? Umm, yes.. a "come-hither if you dare" kind of thing maybe. So, Cinnabar... the name evokes associations to the mysterious east, spice markets, velvety night skies, mosques, Aladdin's treasures, slave girls dancing with covered faces. But is this what Cinnabar is really like? In the drydown, yes. Absolutely. In the drydown the aggressive, bold, shouting sensuality softens to unspoken promises, mystery, and a strange anticipation of something to happen. Once upon a time I went through a couple of bottles of Opium. I haven't smelled Opium since sometime in the 80'ies, but Cinnabar reminds me very much of it. I'm pretty sure Cinnabar kicks more ass than Opium did though. Correct me if I'm wrong. In my opinion it's in the vein of Knowing too. Until now I've considered Knowing to be the mother of all powerhouses. Now I'm not so sure... Their statements differ quite a lot. To put the comparison very short: If I was an executive and was going to fire my entire board and scare the shit out of them, I'd wear Knowing. If I wanted to fire my entire board and make them come back for more, I'd wear Cinnabar. Clove, cinnamon, patchouli, incense. What more can you ask for? This is a Grand Dame, not to be messed with - yet not overly formal, perhaps overly sensual. A Femme Fatale beyond imagination. A masterpiece. Period.

Well, I bought Cinnabar only a week ago, from Estée Lauder online, so of course I have the latest version, which I love to death!!! I love the bottle and the perfume. I think they are both superbly beautiful. The perfume is, for me, very richly oriental, but light and delicate at the same time. I get the tangerine, orange flower and jasmine to start, then comes the clove, lotv and lily, followed slowly by the base notes of olibanum, patchouli and sandalwood. (These are the notes, as listed on the EL site). It is beautiful, intoxicating, alluring, creamy, spicy, sweet, sensual, exotic, strong, with beautiful flowers, and the most gorgeous dry-down of the sandalwood, patchouli and olibanum (frankincense). But all the notes are quite evident right throughout the whole life of the fragrance, which is a very satisfying 24 hours!!, and I get lovely wafts of various things like the lotv suddenly, or the olibanum, and the patchouli seems to float along the whole way from about an hour in. The tangerine and orange flower stay pretty constantly throughout also, which I love! It's such a sweet, rich tangerine! It's truly a lovely, comforting perfume, and I completely adore it. I have never tried, nor even seen the original Cinnabar, and I can appreciate what so many reviewers here say about the change of formula - it looks so different for a start!, and must be very heart-breaking for many. I can completely understand that. It's terrible that these things are done, especially without telling everyone. At least you would know what to expect, wouldn't you? But, because I've only known the one I have, I'm completely and totally and gloriously happy with it. It is sublime!!!!!

Cinnabar, the female fragrance best suited for a man. Sounds like a bad deodorant advertisement, right!? Funny as it sounds, though, if this fragrance were created in the 21st century it would almost certainly be unisex, and probably lean masculine. Gosh those feminine fragrances of the 50’s - 60’s - 70’s were just thick and amazing. If you couldn’t tell by the initial review, I’m a male in his 40’s. An 80’s baby. I was with my wife on a special trip and decided to pull for my Aramis JHL. I was so disappointed. I finished the bottle. Not a drop left. I told my wife these JHL bottles are becoming so hard to find. And when they are found, the seller wants $250 - 400. Remember this scent sold for like $40 - 80 bucks in its day. I remembered that Youth Dew, Opium and Cinnabar all drew comparisons. I went on Mercari, found a cheap bottle $40 including shipping on a 1.7oz nearly full. Wow! Stunning! This fragrance is 98% the same as Aramis JHL. The big difference are the aldehydes up top for the first few minutes. After that, they’re almost identical. I will say that I think the vintage Cinnabar may be a bit louder, seldom a bad thing. I’m looking forward to wearing this more. I hope that the other men out there read this review and don’t balk at the feminine marketing of this fragrance. You would be sleeping on one of the finest fragrances for men. Don’t be like JH Lauder, the man whose wife (Estée) had to create a fragrance under a new name because he was too proud to wear a female targeted fragrance. Be a man! Wear it! You’ll be glad you did. :) Happy Hunting!!

I've worn and loved Cinnabar since the 80's when I was a young woman. From the first sniff I thought it was a spiced up version of Youth Dew but Youth Dew didn't thrill me quite like Cinnabar. I lived in a cold climate then and Cinnabar was the most warming, spicy, smoldering, lush beauty of a fragrance. Men LOVED and complimented my perfume when I wore Cinnabar. I haven't smelled the new version and my bottle is several years old, probably more than several. I have quite a bit left in the spray bottle and I use Cinnabar out of a decanted portion in a roller ball bottle. It really wears like a perfume strength. Less is more here. To me Cinnabar is festive and a perfect holiday season scent. It's incense, spice and everything nice and I never ever thought for a moment in all my years that Cinnabar and Opium were even closely alike. I like Opium on others but never felt compelled to wear it. I don't wear all the heavy cowl neck sweaters and riding boots and winter gear where I live now but Cinnabar is just made for that. Even in southern CA I will dot on Cinnabar when the mood strikes any time, any season. Pulse points. Cinnabar is and will always be in my top 5 of all time and it deserves a love note from me for all our great years together. Spice girls, you need to have this one! Happy holidays! Editing to add: After wearing Cinnabar yesterday and before showering this morning I can still smell it on my skin, not wearing any of the clothes from yesterday, not sprayed but rather dabbed on my skin, not in my hair either. Wow! That is amazing potency!

This was my aunt's signature scent, I would love it when she hugged me as a child and I was wrapped in a soothing fragrant cloke of this fragrance. She gave me one of her bottles in the late 90s which I held onto and would smell the from the cap over the years as a memory talisman of sorts. Fast forward to 2025 and I've fully immersed myself into fragrance and entered into my vintage perfume era. Is it a surprise that I'm finding that my favorite decade for perfume is late 1970s-1980s? Probably not...there's just something so freaking unique about fragrances released during this time, before fruit/vanilla/gourmond took center stage. Cinnabar is a vibe. She's an independent woman who knows what she wants; she's experienced and it shows, but in a way that's sexy, not cocky. She's a little old school but was a rebel in her day, the younger more salacious sister to Youth Dew. But she's classy, she speaks in articulate cursive, is assertive and confident. My nose is most attracted to the sillage, and have found that this fragrance can go beast-mode if sprayed to liberally. I only apply this to my shoulders, back of the neck, inner elbows and wrists; otherwise I gas myself out! It's warm and cozy, an amalgamation of rich spices, indolic florals, animalic aldehydes, and a creamy deep base of wood and precious resinous incense. Some say that the spices feel like Christmas...but I completely disagree. Think more of a reverent midnight catholic mass but instead of a priest at the alter, it's Babalon. 10/10...

My bottle is from the late '70's to early '80's, I know bc it was given to me by my lovely mother in law who passed away 12 years ago, and she had the birthday cards given to her by my husband when he gave them to her as a child. Wild, huh? When I smell Opium, Tabu, Shalimar or Cinnabar I always think of her bc all of mine are from her. My No. 5 was given to me by my Grandmother in law who's been gone almost 20 years now, so that bottle is treasured. She had a HUGE bottle, I didn't know they made them that large and I love it. They were of the generation that treasured the good stuff and only wore it when they were "dressed". Otherwise she wore Prince Matchabelli, Charlie and Gloria Vanderbilt and the aforementioned Tabu. Drugstore staples that I have many good olfactory memories of. But I digress, this review is about Cinnabar. I'm not sure what the current flanker smells like, but this one is divine. That's it. I don't have any other words for it. My husband always says I smell like a really spicy carnation when I wear it. That's as good as I'll ever be able to describe it, bc emotions clog my brain when I try. And honestly, the review right below mine is amazing, so no more words are really needed. Funny, but my lady in laws disliked Lauders Youth Dew. I have a newish bottle, but to me it's really sweet and doesn't have the vibes the four I listed above have.

On the second shelf of my kitchen-turned-bathroom cabinet, just outside the bathroom door, sits a tiny yet heavy glass bottle and in it is about 1/8 ounce of Cinnabar bath oil. I estimate its age as at least thirty years old. This is a fragrance that is so spicily permeating, memorable, and hoard-worthy that only a few times a year do I twist off the metal cap and dab two tiny drops onto my neck and wrist or my chest and the top of my scalp. Since it's been done I won't add that EL re-released Cinnabar last year during Christmas and of course, it's been reformulated as a ghost of what it once was. Oops, I just did. Sadly, since so many scents worth a grain of salt are changing forever and there is only so much new old stock left, I might just resort to trying in vain to making this one myself. EDIT: I received my 1.7 oz new/old bottle, and it's definitely not the original but also not the newest incarnation. This Cinnabar delivers a spicy punch but it lacks depth of any kind, and it is fairly linear, never developing much on the skin. It's as if it's Cinnabar 2.0, a lighter, simpler one, with almost no incense aura. Still, it will take forever to go through it, which may be the best thing for it because perhaps aging is exactly what it needs to do to be grand again.

I was shopping with my husband, and tried cinnabar in the perfumery. Most of perfumelovers will recognize the irresistable need to enter the perfumeshop and try something new. We were both disgusted by the harsh, medicinal opening. But I couldn't wash it of. Then we were having a coffee. And I kept getting a waving cloud of the most wonderfull scent. My husband is experimenting with arabic perfume so I asked him which one he was wearing. And then I realized it was me who was spreading this heavenly scent! I immediately bought a bottle on EBay like the one above, and I find the opening different, much softer and more agreable then from the bottle in the shop. Most probably old formula. This perfume to me is the most comforting and warming and soothing of all the perfumes I've ever smelled, I can't express in English how. Just like another reviewer stated: Christmas in a bottle. Without the vulgarity of some similar kind of perfumes which I never liked. Though reading through the ikreviews is amazing and intriguing how completely different the perception and appreciation of a scent can be. And the longivity is unbelievable : I wore a leather jacket just one time and it still has the smell of Cinnabar, just as my seat belt in the car. So be careful if that is unwanted.

I will be comparing the Queens of the spicy oriental family (who are all FABULOUS). Cinnabar is spicy, yet shy. She has more of the soapy florals, tangerine, and peach hinting through the cinnamon and clove spices. My personal preference is for Opium since that has more of an exotic Far East, middle eastern, Silk Road of times past type of vibe due to the myrrh and some other eastern resinous notes. Youth Dew seems subdued and sensual. She relies more on the aldehydes. She’s a Goth sister to Chanel no 5. Tabu is the dirty, skanky, carnal, dominatrix black sheep of the Spicy Oriental family with the civet undertone. Coco by Chanel has a retro early 1900s flapper girl with a long cigarette vibe, with more of a clove kick. Shalimar is a little more distant in the family, but oh so fabulous as well. The powdery, zesty lemon outshines the spices. The swirls of incense give her a deeper aura. Taj Mahal is her home. All are good, but with different styles. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy any of these if the store only had one available. They all make me think of warm, cinnamon spiced Christmas cake. So comforting. Love.

Years ago I was the Lauder gal who sprayed perfume on folks as the walked by my counter. I sold hundreds of bright pink lipstick in the iconic gold tube. I was seventeen and would gag upon smelling cinnabar. My taste ran toward the sweetness of Beautiful and (gasp) Love's Baby Soft. Like everyone we grow and as my understanding of myself grew so did my awareness of a perfect scent. Oh Cinnabar how I love you now. The woody, spicy, peachy first blast drys down to a mysterious almost vanilla but something better. This is the smell of 'who IS she?' It is one of those perfumes that smells even better the day after on your clothes. Although it is a strong fragrance I find it also has a come hither scent that the closer one gets the more surprising it smells. I love the 2015 just as well as the vintage and feel that the newer version really updated this classic so it is still the scent I love toned down without losing anything. It is a warm cup of something yummy after skiing and yet it is bold. Most would say this is a winter scent but I shamelessly wear it during the summer because I can!

Sto indossando proprio ora Cinnabar nella sua prima versione di fine anni 70, un vero sogno... Lo spruzzo inizia come un lanciafiamme: speziato e piccante,pungente,ardente,appena rinfrescato da agrumi e dal galbanum,verde di linfa e con quel sapore vagamente meditativo tipo incenso. La spezie presenti in questo profumo sono talmente tante e talmente buone,vive,ardenti che riscaldano il cuore e i sensi. Si sente coriandolo,cardamomo,noce moscata,chiodi di garofano,cannella,pepe nero,un inframezzo di pesca che dona un po di tregua fra gli elementi focosi. Nel suo boquet c'è la camomilla,il ciclamino,il giglio, gelsomino intenso e penetrante,rosa,garofano,balsamo di tolu e ambra grigia,sandalo,patchuli,vetiver,cedro,benzoino,incenso fumante,vaniglia.. Uno fra i capolavori veri e vintage ormai perduti che amo, è ricco,avvolgente,profondo,elaborato, naturale,esotico,si fonde con chi lo indossa,evoca l'antichità,la regalità,la nobiltà d'animo e la fierezza dei popoli mediterranei,della grecia antica,porta nel mondo spirituale ma è anche molto terreno,focoso,ardente e appassionato.

Alluring and completely captivating - Cinnabar!!! It's beautiful! Exotic, gently spicy, beautifully floral, with sweet patchouli and delicious tangerine and orange flower. The most elegant oriental spice I have ever had the privilege to own. Wonderfully womanly; creamy and soft, yet fresh and uplifting with the delicate lotv and jasmine exuding a sweet tantalisingly fresh aroma, and the cloves and patchouli and olibanum giving it a warm sultry intoxicating spiciness. I smell the gorgeous tangerine and orange flower all the way through, and get the beautiful incense note wafting up to my nose every now and then. It's a divinely heart-warming perfume, and it's my second favourite after Youth-Dew. They are both so gorgeous. I'm totally in love!!!! Cinnabar; what a gorgeous name! And I think the new bottle is divine!! So much more beautiful and elegant than the old ugly one. And it's a pure pleasure to use. Such an elegant shape and design, and lovely thick glass, with all soft rounded edges. Beautiful looking. I Love Cinnabar!!!

A beautiful, heavily perfumed beast of burden. This fragrance opens up spicy and bright thanks to a cocktail of sparkling aldehydes, cinnamon and clove, but soon morphs into a stank, perfumed mule which happens to be wearing a garland of white lilies, inside a barn that is chuck full of hay. After the spice bomb opening, this is basically the drydown of Cinnabar : 1. A dirty mule (horse like animalics) 2. The Lilies (white/the Easter kind) 3. The barn (assorted aromatic woods) 4. The hay (a strong, persistent, dry hay note) There remains a soft echo of pumpkin pie spices, but ultimately, the scented mule, the lilies, and dry hay, is what this fragrance is all about. Cinnabar is spiced lilies on a horse. PS. It truly is a crime how they have disfigured this fragrance ! What is available for sale now is just a mere ghost of what Cinnabar use to be... So, GET THE VINTAGE, and only the vintage (1980s/red cap). Failure to do so will result in many of the protagonists in this storyline to go missing, especially the mule !

Cinnabar. Vintage review. Cinnabar has been tied to Opium since her inception. I've had the pleasure to wear both, and youth dew. Cinnabar relates more to Youth Dew than Opium. Cinnabar is a spicy heady more modern evolution of mother Youth Dew from the 50s, just like Spellbound evolved after Cinnabar. There's a lineage with Estee Lauder. Love her or hate her Estee Lauder was a great American perfume house. Cinnabar comes on strong, with the opening which had a jagged note for punch. The carnation warms up in the floral spicy cinnamony heart then the opoponax in the drydown with the vanilla is stellar, more plush than her rival Opium. Note: It was first released as "Soft Youth Dew" Cinnabar. That is its first formulation,For collectors it is in essence the same however in the Soft Youth Dew formulation it is more peachier and rich and resinous like mother YD. If you are an opoponax lover like I am don't pass up the drydown on this one. Its gorgeous. Layers fabulously with Youth Dew Amber Nude.

This is an old love. Its not really a young person fragrance but I had it in high school when I was 17/18. So a bit of nostalgia. But, regardless, its a lovely scent. It manages to be a spicy oriental without being heavy if that makes sense, making it wearable even in the summer. But the strong cinnamon does render it warming in tone. For me, this is mostly cinnamon - jasmine - bergamot on a base of patchouli/vetiver. Ambery but not too ambery, with other notes (tangerine, carnation etc) blended in for added complexity which is a good thing. Modern perfumery is a bit like digital music, too many notes have been trimmed out because we ‘can’t hear them’, however, consciously or subconsciously, we *can*. I will always love this perfume (and so do many, considering the prices it reaches on eBay for the original formula). Its not one I want to wear every day but sometimes its just right. Very warm and inviting. And the scent that lingers on your clothing the day after is simply beautiful.

My mother wore Cinnabar for a time. After that it was Estee then Beautiful. She was in every sense a redhead. Cinnabar was amazing on her. I used to sneak a few sprays now and then. It was nice on my skin as well. Nowadays, Cinnabar has a burnt, synthetic odor when I first put it on. Then dries down to this incredible, floriental beauty. Cinnabar will always be one of my favorite perfumes. I’ve just scored a vintage bottle online. I can hardly wait to get a hold of this exquisite nectar. Update: I received my vintage bottle of Cinnabar today. It’s very hot outside. The liquid was warm. I’m not complaining as the warmth enhanced the beauty of the scent. The best part was that I did not experience any of the preliminary burnt, synthetic odor. As soon as I put it on (it’s a splash), it was heavenly! I was instantly reminded of the Cinnabar from my childhood. The kind my mother wore. That exquisite mixture of cinnamon, sweet, spicy and exotic goodness is now a jewel among my collection.