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What does Cinnabar smell like?

Cinnabar is a dense, high-definition portrait of the 1970s spice oriental genre. At its core, this fragrance is a glowing amber furnace fueled by a heavy dose of clove and cinnamon. The opening is sha...

Details

House: Estēe Lauder
Concentration: Eau De Parfum
Gender: feminine
Year: 1978
Longevity: 8.9 / 10
Sillage: 8.6 / 10
Scent Profile: Spicy, Oriental, Woody, Floral, Resinous
Best Seasons: Winter, Fall
Best Occasions: Evening, Night Out
Perfumer: Bernard Chant

Community Insights

0

The consensus on performance is that Cinnabar is a "beast mode" fragrance; enthusiasts frequently note that it possesses eternal longevity and massive sillage, often warning new users that a single spray is more than enough.
It is most frequently compared to YSL Opium, though the community generally views Cinnabar as the slightly sweeter, softer, and more balsamic alternative, lacking the animalic sharp edges of its rival.
Fragrance collectors consider this a high-value classic, noting that it offers niche-level complexity and depth at a designer price point, though many purists still hunt for vintage bottles for an even denser experience.
While traditionally marketed to women, modern enthusiasts often discuss Cinnabar as a unisex option for anyone who enjoys bold, dry, spicy ambers.
Most users recommend this strictly for cold weather, specifically winter evenings and nights out, as the resinous heat of the fragrance can feel overwhelming or "claustrophobic" in high summer humidity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Cinnabar compare to YSL Opium?+

Cinnabar is often seen as the "cousin" to Opium. While both are heavy spice orientals from the same era, Cinnabar leans more into a balsamic, resinous sweetness with prominent clove and cinnamon, whereas Opium is often described as more citrus-forward, smoky, and animalic.

Is Cinnabar suitable for everyday wear at the office?+

Generally, no. Because of its exceptional sillage and intense spice profile, most users recommend it for evening wear, formal occasions, or outdoor winter events. It may be considered too distracting or heavy for a standard professional environment.

Has the fragrance been reformulated since its 1978 release?+

Yes, Cinnabar has undergone reformulations over the decades to comply with modern ingredient regulations. While the current Eau de Parfum maintains the spicy, resinous character of the original, long-time fans often note that the vintage version was even more potent and "thick" in its composition.

How long can I expect this fragrance to last?+

Appears in Collections

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from $51.09· Checked Jul 12 Compare

$51.09

Typical priceChecked Jul 12

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$51.09

Typical priceChecked Jul 12

FragranceNetTrusted

Buy now Compare all 2 prices Compare 2 prices

We may earn a commission.

What does Cinnabar smell like?

Cinnabar is a dense, high-definition portrait of the 1970s spice oriental genre. At its core, this fragrance is a glowing amber furnace fueled by a heavy dose of clove and cinnamon. The opening is sha...

Details

House: Estēe Lauder
Concentration: Eau De Parfum
Gender: feminine
Year: 1978
Longevity: 8.9 / 10
Sillage: 8.6 / 10
Scent Profile: Spicy, Oriental, Woody, Floral, Resinous
Best Seasons: Winter, Fall
Best Occasions: Evening, Night Out
Perfumer: Bernard Chant

Community Insights

0

The consensus on performance is that Cinnabar is a "beast mode" fragrance; enthusiasts frequently note that it possesses eternal longevity and massive sillage, often warning new users that a single spray is more than enough.
It is most frequently compared to YSL Opium, though the community generally views Cinnabar as the slightly sweeter, softer, and more balsamic alternative, lacking the animalic sharp edges of its rival.
Fragrance collectors consider this a high-value classic, noting that it offers niche-level complexity and depth at a designer price point, though many purists still hunt for vintage bottles for an even denser experience.
While traditionally marketed to women, modern enthusiasts often discuss Cinnabar as a unisex option for anyone who enjoys bold, dry, spicy ambers.
Most users recommend this strictly for cold weather, specifically winter evenings and nights out, as the resinous heat of the fragrance can feel overwhelming or "claustrophobic" in high summer humidity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Cinnabar compare to YSL Opium?+

Cinnabar is often seen as the "cousin" to Opium. While both are heavy spice orientals from the same era, Cinnabar leans more into a balsamic, resinous sweetness with prominent clove and cinnamon, whereas Opium is often described as more citrus-forward, smoky, and animalic.

Is Cinnabar suitable for everyday wear at the office?+

Generally, no. Because of its exceptional sillage and intense spice profile, most users recommend it for evening wear, formal occasions, or outdoor winter events. It may be considered too distracting or heavy for a standard professional environment.

Has the fragrance been reformulated since its 1978 release?+

Yes, Cinnabar has undergone reformulations over the decades to comply with modern ingredient regulations. While the current Eau de Parfum maintains the spicy, resinous character of the original, long-time fans often note that the vintage version was even more potent and "thick" in its composition.

How long can I expect this fragrance to last?+

Cinnabar is renowned for its performance. On most skin types, it lasts well over 12 hours, and it can remain detectable on clothing for several days.

What are the dominant spices in this scent?+

Although it is named after a red mineral, the olfactory "red" comes primarily from heavy concentrations of cinnamon and clove, supported by the smoky warmth of frankincense and benzoin.

Which season is best for wearing Cinnabar?+

The fragrance is overwhelmingly preferred for winter and late autumn. Its warming, resinous qualities are designed to cut through the cold, and it can become overly cloying in the heat of spring or summer.

Accords

Notes

TopSpices//Aldehydes//Orange//Bergamot//Peach

HeartClove//Cinnamon//Ylang-ylang//Rose//Jasmine//Iris

BaseFrankincense//Tolu balm//Benzoin//Vanilla//Ambergris//Patchouli//Vetiver

Where to buy Cinnabar

from $51.09 (50ml) · 2 retailers

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50ml

Checked Jul 12

FragranceNet

$51.09Buy

eCosmetics

$75.00Buy

Today's best price of $51.09 is about the typical price for this size, based on 27 days of tracking.

Price history

50ml price trendAt tracked low of $51.09

Amazon

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Prices are collected from third-party retailers and updated periodically. Always verify the price on the retailer's site before purchasing. We may earn a commission on purchases made through our links.

Appears in Collections

Date Night Fragrances1836 Evening Fragrances2333 Fall Fragrances492 Winter Fragrances480 Classic Perfumes944 Eau de Parfum Fragrances1104+ 2 more

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Eau De Parfum

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