Cinéma

First off I'm going to say, I may be a flanny and boot wearing boag but I still appreciate the art of fashion dedign; and I've always had mad respect for the late Yvres saint Laurent as a designer, his work was a big step forward for his time, both in clothing and fragrance design. But those days are behind us, and the world of fragrance has changed to move with the times..we no longer get Opium. ( What's been done to that, now thats an abomination) We get crowd pleaser such as Cinema. Don't get me wrong, I really like this one. It's pleasant and very easy to wear, but it just doesn't say YSL to me... Anyway, On with it to the reveiw.. So this again, is nice, nothing in here is too much, it's not too sweet or too powdery or whatever, it's very well balanced and blended. It's a great throw on day fragrance for when I'm out and about but still wanna wear something that feels luxurious. It's in the same vein as dolce and gabanna the one; one of those rich syrupy overly ripe fruits drenched in golden vanilla type of smells. It's sweet Clementine and creamy almond blossom in the opening , note, it's amond blossom not straight up almond, for all those who are disappointed in not getting almond from this. I like it; it's creamy sweet. Middle is quite floral and slightly nectar- ish, this is where I get over ripe fruits simmering in vanilla and syrup dusted with golden powdered sugar, really nice but never cloying. Interesting to read all the comments about the reformulated version being heavy on the florals with less vanilla; because I dated my bottle by the batch code and it was less than 3 years old but it's quite heavy on the vanilla and benzoin. It's what keeps the florals in check. I do love that this is a benzoin heavy scent that doesn't go chokingly powdery on my skin; which is what I find normally happens. Yes, golden is just the best word I can think of. It's in no way aldehydic, yet has a real sparkling champagne vibe going on but that may be my own mental association with the colour of the liquid. It's balmy yet slightly powdery, creamy but also syrupy. A stewed fruit compote drizzled with vanilla infused golden syrup, and a glass of expensive champagne with almond flowers floating on the top. It seems heavy on the skin but it doesn't project that way, it just gives nice little whafts throughout the wear to remind you that it's still there and others can smell it. All in all, if im being honest, i do think it's overpriced but I do like it a lot and I do find myself using it a lot during the day

Imagine the stars twinkling at the outdoor cafe of Cinemateque Tangier. The fragrant blossoms of orange and almond trees dance on the breeze to the hypnotic strains of Egyptian crooner, Umm Kulthum. You're sipping a rootbeer float, garnished with clementine and a little parasol, as you enjoy watching the crowds go by. My appreciation for this scent has deepened. My first impression of this fragrance was that it was turned, like vintage citruses. However, I think I was initially mistaking the almond blossom note for turned citruses. Whether it took getting the first few sprays out of the way, or who knows what...Bottom line: If you like root-beer and scents that are sweet but not gourmande, check this one out. Comparison to Mania Armani 1999: Jaques Cavallier's hand is evident here in the opening, which is sour, spicy and soapy citrus-florals. That plus a dash of whatever Jacques keeps in his back pocket so we know it's him. Reminiscent of Mania Armani 1999 and Trouble Boucheron, both by Jacques Cavallier, although this is less spicy than Mania. Comparison to Alien Essence Absolu: These are very different - especially the openings, but to my nose In the drydown you get a root-beer or root-beer float vibe from the vanilla and benzoin similar to what I smell in the drydown of AEA although this is less sweet than Alien Essence Absolu. It is strangely not too sweet, not gourmande, and yet seems to alternate between root-beer on ice and root-beer with ice-cream. Update 05/08/25: Sprayed this on today, and was pleased to notice it's aged nicely - gotten a little smoother, sweeter, less sour as the clementine has stepped some. Amber floral vibes with the slightly sour side of jasmine blended into benzoin and dusted with a powdery almond blossom. Doesn't strike me as root-beer vibes as much as it did before, as it's less sweet than root beer however that was part of my first impression. Passing reminders of Place de Vendômes Boucheron, Alien Essence Absolu (but less sweet), Amarige Mariage (but less woody). Quite a bit more versatile than I had though initially and could be worn year round. Love it.

I knew I would love this but wasn’t prepared for just how head over heels in love I would end up falling for this. It’s truly exquisite. This fragrance takes you on a journey. It opens with very powdery white floral blast that immediately takes you into a dressing room. It’s a very classic makeup type powderiness that is definitely a bit “grandma” but the idea one should take away instead is that of an old timey dressing room. After that, the orange starts to come through and it is bitter and realistic to begin with. I see this as stepping out into the city and stepping into your ride. Looking out the window at the bitter reality of the dirty streets of LA. Finally, we reach the destination and this scent blooms into the most exquisite floral gourmand I have ever had the luxury of smelling... and it IS luxurious. A pure floral orange creamsicle scent which exudes feminine sensuality without being overtly juvenile. This is a mature women’s gourmand. The classic floral element gives a subtle restraint to an otherwise super sweet yummy yum yum of a fragrance. I’m getting warm and well seasoned flesh that might not be as taught as it used to be but is well oiled and still sumptuous and is peaking out from a slit in a white dress. There is also a bit of a smoky element which is ever present in the background of this fragrance at all its stages. It adds a bit of grit, coolness, and mystery to it. This fragrance makes me think of Anjelica Huston’s character in The Grifters. This is THE fragrance of a lifetime to communicate WOMANLY sensuality throughout the ages. Most fitting for someone in their 30s or 40s but could easily be worn perfectly by a woman in her mid 20s onward (in the right outfit) to give off a more mature air or even by a woman in her 50s or 60s who’s still got it. Yummy but not immediate. Yummy in a way that makes you think. Yummy in a way that makes you want to ask questions. *dowses myself in this constantly*

I finally broke down and purchased a 3 oz bottle of this beauty, despite telling myself that I wouldn’t buy a full bottle of anything else until my 100+ bottles start to dwindle down some more. BUT she was calling my name like a siren for months. I kept breaking down to order 3 ml decants to hold myself over, but those quickly were used up. This champagne like scent has me mesmerized...the clementines sparkling on the forefront, the delicious almond blossom in the middle, the intoxicating vanilla and amber base notes that warm me over in the same way Mugler Alien Essence Absolue does. The sparkling gold bottle, and effervescent gold color perfume inside, is a work of art. And I can justify getting this. I have no other almond centric scent in my collection, and Hypnotic Poison doesn’t have that “sparkling gold and champagne” aura about it the way this does. So I chose this over H Poison. I can see this working in a variety of settings... a movie star at the Grammys, a wedding, a prom, or just sitting home alone and wanting to feel fabulous regardless (hi! 👸🏻). You got me, Cinema the Siren. You got me....especially when I walked past you at the mall yesterday. I knew it might be one of the last times I lucked out enough to see you in a store in person, knowing that you were somehow discontinued (what was YSL thinking??). You are a bit too weak in sillage for me, which wasn’t always the case based on older reviews mentioning your strength. But I can easily fix that by dousing myself in even more of you. You make me feel fabulous and you are worth gold to me. Hail to the sparkling almond queen! 👑

Cinéma by YSL is more than just a fragrance; it's an olfactory journey that transports every woman into the dazzling world of Hollywood glamour. Imagine walking the red carpet in a golden aura, exuding timeless elegance and radiating the allure of classic luxury. This scent is a symphony of notes that evokes the romantic charm of old movies, glamorous gowns, and star-studded evenings. The delicate top notes of clementine, almond blossom, and cyclamen lay the foundation for a fragrance that unfolds like a cinematic masterpiece. As it progresses, the heart reveals a floral melody of jasmine, peony, and amaryllis, adding depth and sensuality. The warm and opulent drydown, with amber, musk, and sweet powdery vanilla, leaves a lasting impression that is as soft as it is captivating. Cinéma is not just a perfume; it's a memory trigger, a journey back to moments of childhood joy and the discovery of a scent that's both refreshing and comforting. It's a fragrance that encapsulates the epitome of elegance, perfect for special occasions, and a timeless companion that complements every season, leaning towards the warmth of autumn. This hidden gem, often overlooked in the sea of fragrances, is a flowery vanilla masterpiece that deserves its moment in the spotlight. Cinéma is not just a scent; it's an experience—a celebration of femininity, confidence, and the magic of the silver screen. Embrace the golden glamour, let the sparkling aura envelop you, and walk your own red carpet with the exquisite fragrance that is Cinéma.

You can't hate this smell like it is not possible to hate this one in my opinion... because it is such a mass appealing scent that you would want to just spray it all over you and then go about your day but to be honest this would work the best in the evenings and I didn't even know that this si supposed to be glam. fragrance but now I do and I think it really does what it states. gives you the feeling that you are a film star, someone very important at a fancy place and in a very glam outfit. I would only get this for special occasions because I would feel like a queen when wearing this. At first, I thought it had orange blossoms in it because of the very mass appealing scent but I think what makes it so nice is the fact that it has peony and jasmine in it... very flirty and sensual in its formulation. You must have it, really. However, I do think it is a feminine fragrance, but still if you like it (I am pro wear whatever you want regardless of your gender) wear it. the opening of this is so lovely which could almost make it a summer daytime fragrance but still, it leans to a heady heavy fragrance type because of its composition. 10/10 but yeah risky to wear it in casual wear because this could outwear you. and actually, the more I smell it on my wrist i can imagine a man wearing this as well, it is all rounded nice one tbh. also this kinda gives me the vibes of living in the Mediterranean and having a breezy evening walk by the sea...

One of my all-time favorite vanilla-amber fragrances: deep, rich, and mellow. While I suppose that Cinéma is technically a gourmand, its sweetness is beautifully understated. This is a glamorous yet welcoming fragrance: the name, the bottle, and the note profile all align to evoke the gilded diaphanousness of old Hollywood. The vanilla is warm and natural, filled and rounded out with the nutty-toasty-honey note of candied chestnut. Then voilà, the clean softness of the florals (fresh peony, airy cyclamen, and elegant amaryllis) paired with juicy clementine (not as acidic as orange or as lactonic as apricot or peach) makes an entrance, adding just the right amount of citrus-floral delicacy. After a while, the amber, musk, and resin take over, radiating a golden light and girded in fleshy jasmine. The evolution is remarkable and none of its stages ever disappoints. Cinéma is one of those rare perfumes that is destined to become a classic yet which will never alienate its wearers, unlike other famous scents. Comforting and confident, refined yet fun, Cinéma will always have my heart. Anybody of any age can wear this, in my opinion, despite it being more feminine-leaning. Good for all seasons and occasions except for hot, humid weather.

I have read with interest the descriptions of others. Apparently I am in the minority in that I certainly don't see Cinema as an easy vanilla fragrance that suits everyone. I think Cinema is so multi-dimensional and special that it is not for everyone. It is also not suitable for the workplace, because of its strong character. This is the scent of a mature woman. A woman who exudes personality, elegance and edge, but also sexiness. Cinema starts with a rather sharp vintage-type combination of something I'm not familiar with, very green and grassy notes and a pungent floral. The initial phase doesn't really appeal to me, but fortunately other notes soon emerge alongside the previous ones. The experience builds with sweetness, "pepperiness" and mystery. I have never smelled anything like this before. Cinema is a masterpiece, very different from the array of sweet liquids that are nowadays advertised to the masses. It requires a mature, personal and nuanced personality to carry and appreciate its changing nuances. Yes, it changes many times and only reveals its vanilla after a couple of hours! With time, it developes extremely mysterious and sensual, addictive type of dark vanilla scent. ! would not recommend it as a blind buy.

I must have bought my original bottle of this around the time it was first released. It was a blind buy and one I fell in love with very quickly. I only stopped using it because the spray cap came off. I still have the bottle and decand to use it occasionally. It was discontinued for some time and I was very disappointed that I couldn't get another bottle, so as soon as it made it's return, I grabbed a new one. It is a very warm, comforting scent. The citrus from the opening fades into the background quite quickly and the result is a blanket of dark, comforting vanilla, amber and benzoin. I really don't get much florals at all. I totally get the vintage vibe but that doesn't mean it's dated. Cinema works brilliantly in cool weather for casual daytime wear with a cosy sweater, but also works equally as well for a glamorous evening out. Comparing the original to the new bottle, I think the new might be a little lighter and the citrus appears a little more prominent in the opening. Aside from that, it's still essentially the same fragrance.

This is an incredibly delicious, syrupy vanilla, yet the powder makes it feel inedible. I find it rather conceptual and the closest mate to my beloved Georgio Armani Sensi. The DNA is in there, and it takes you on a similar journey. I agree with another reviewer below in mentioning D&G The One. This bottle feels good in your hand, nothing is cheapening it. The flecks of gold on the glass give it a stunning regal appearance. Even the cap...solid, heavy. Atomizer...sturdy..intentional. It’s definitely best suited for cooler months. I’ve found when met with fall temps this fragrance really comes alive. In the summer stays closer to my skin. It’s very well blended and Cinema makes a great partner to other perfumes should you want to layer. I’ve heard others reference it as a 90’s perfume...but I don’t find it distinctly 90’s. It’s not of the cedar and sandalwoods and one note offerings trending today...but I love variety. And sometimes a girl (or boy) wants to smell like a warm, scrumptious, elegant vanilla...

I purchased it in 2005 not too long after its launch. I smelled it on one of those testing strip in a magazine and fell in love. However on my skin once I truly tried it, the top and middle notes were a bit too heady for my taste (Think very rich, exuberant, red carpet vixen) I wore it a handful of times for fancier evening events and forgot it in the back of my cabinet. Came back to it today (20 years later 😅) again, with my skin chemistry it seems the top and middle notes are screechy. But after about 30 minutes... WOW... it becomes this beautiful close to the skin vanilla amber, unlike anything else I own. And well, I am a vanilla amber fan... just not of the overly sweet artificial candy like vanillas. My daughter smelled my wrist and said MOM, what is this? It’s amazing, like signature fragrance amazing, and I agree with her. To think I almost got rid of the bottle! So glad I didn’t!

This has been my signature scent since I was 16. It is a sparkly, golden vanilla with a fresh citrus burst at the opening which vanishes and leaves a powdery, creamy, sexy feminine scent. It isnt an obvious white floral like ‘Dior Pure Poison’ because the vanilla, musk, amber etc notes are so strong here you cant identify a single floral that compliment them. Out of my whole collection this is the one that repetedly gets me stopped. Women and men always ask me what I am wearing. It seems to be a favourite with my family too yet when I have purchased it for my sister it doesnt work on her skin. I often put this on first and let it settle before chosing another scent to compliment it (dress it up or down) as I do feel even though its a great day to night scent... it isnt special enough for a huge occasion. For date night I prefer a more intoxicating scent.

A part of my heart will always belong to 2000s perfumes - that was the time when I first fell in love with fragrance and the joy it can bring to one's soul. So yes, depending on your age, this might smell like your auntie (hopefully a cool young-ish one) but to me it smells like the beautiful women I admired and hoped I'd be like when I grew up. Cinema, among other classics of the era, makes me think of happiness, freedom and carefree days. It's a slightly soapy floral vanilla, sparkling and luscious. Like my beloved Theorema, I feel like it radiates warm and golden on my skin. Cinema reminds me a lot of Serpentine, which I wore in college, and slightly of Illicit, which sadly is more muted and generic-sweet. This and L'Instant de Guerlain are my favorite florals and every time I wear them I feel like I am transported back in time 💛

Cinema,,,, well-well-well, l wouldn't have resist that feeling back than: Everybody is looking at me! (l'm too good to be true!) In my opinion, this perfume is the last of the true vintage perfumes, well, it def feels so, more than 20 y after it's birth in 2004, and me staying there in the perfumeria with eyes bigger than dinner-plates, l think l could have been given this stuff straight into my vaines, I couldn afford to buy it than, this super-duper-delisjious vanilla-scent, vanilla with some more goddies, it's slightly soapy and powdery, smelling sooo very goood, and you can just take me back there, to the movies, and give me that beautiful dress too, thanks! And, to the privat seller; thank you so very much for this great perfume, a full 1,15fl.oz/35ml bottle, and, the bodycream, and the beautiful box!

I just got a bottle of this after years of dreaming about it. I fell in love with this when I was a teenager; it smelled amazing, and it was the first time I smelled something like that. I smelled golden glamour walking on a red carpet with a very beautiful, sparkling aura; it was like smelling old money or a vintage golden dress. When I knew its name, I understood it all: this is a classic luxury cinema, like in the 50s. Years passed, and I couldn't smell anything like this; there was nothing in the hundreds of perfumes I smelled. Yes, there are many golden-like perfumes, but not like cinema. I couldn't understand how you could create a perfume like this out of clementine and vanilla! Maybe it's the almond blossom? I don't know, but this creation is divine, and I'm lucky that I can smell and feel it.

I first bought a mini - I had never smelled Cinema before that, even though it has been around for a while. I was so pleased with the miniature EDT, that I bought a full bottle of the EDP and I'm very happy I did. This will get worn often because it has the versatility that I need in a perfume, good for day or night, pretty much a year-round beauty. Upon first spray, I get the sweet almond blossom and the fizzy clementine with the vanilla and benzoin base. Some powder comes in but it isn't overdone. I get some of the peony, amber, and white musk as it goes on. Cinema is a very pleasant floral vanilla that lasts moderately on my skin. I do wish I had an older formulation so I had a longer-lasting, stronger sillage scent, but this will do. What a gorgeous fragrance!

What a wonderful perfume! Elegant, suave, timeless, delicate, sensual! A charming little film featuring clementine, vanilla, jasmine, peony and amber. Simple, yet perfect - simple, yet remarkably effective. To me, although undeniably chic, this isn't a "mature woman's perfume"; it's a fragrance that can be worn beautifully at any age. My imagination takes me to Cannes rather than Hollywood. I picture the South of France in summer, the sun blazing overhead, and perhaps a screen icon like Brigitte Bardot, at the height of her fame, strolling gracefully along the beach. In short, it embodies French charm, but with a distinctly sensual side. And now I can no longer find it anywhere. Such a shame! It seems that every time I fall in love with a perfume, it disappears.

I always figured I was doomed when it came to finding a warm vanilla fragrance that I actually liked. Hypnotic Poison, Shalimar, Ange ou Demon... they all had the same effect: instant crushing sinus headache. Then I met Cinema. And I was pleased to make her acquaintance. Admittedly, I can't smell my wrists for a good 5 minutes after applying. It needs that time to come to body temperature and mellow out a bit. I get warm vanilla and almond straight off the bat. It mingles with vibrant clementine orange. The combination of the benzoin, amber and musk give it a warm, sweet, powdery and almost creamy quality. I only get a vague appearance from the florals unfortunately. I'm not a classy lady by any stretch of the imagination, but I sure feel classy wearing Cinema.

This is my absolute favorite vanilla. I sought out a decant after DeliciousDelights on YouTube went over her "best vanilla scents." Love at first sniff! I used the hell out of that decant until I could get my hands on a 3oz full bottle for a decent price (finally found it for under $60, new). She's the perfect feminine, glamorous, delicious vanilla. The clementine top note makes it light and sweet; giving the frag a truly versatile identity. Someone described her as a "work-horse" frag and I have to agree. If I'm not sure what to wear, I reach for Cinema. A back up 3oz bottle is in order. I shan't be without this gem. Longevity is good (6+ hours 4-5 sprays). Sillage is soft but strong (arm's length at least for 5+ hours).

I stumbled onto Cinema on a cold, gray, December day in Avignon. Being a tourist town in the off season, many smaller boutiques were closed, so I ducked into Sephora to warm up and sniff around a bit. I'm a total sucker for anything golden-age-of-Hollywood, so this jumped out at me from the shelf. It was love at first spritz. It reminds me of an oil I picked up in Cairo years and years ago--timeless, self-assured, gracious, red lipstick every day, tender but impermeable, equally befitting satin on the red carpet or bias-cut sundress on an late-afternoon walk through the city. Something about it just makes me feel whole, like I'm living up to my full potential. A glamorous, confident nighttime scent for all seasons.