
Cinnabar by Estée Lauder is an oriental spicy fragrance for women that was launched in 1978. The top notes of the perfume include spices, cloves, tangerine, peach, orange blossom and bergamot. Its middle notes consist of cinnamon, carnation, ylang-ylang, jasmine, lily, rose and lily-of-the-valley. The base notes are incense, tolu balsam, amber, benzoin, sandalwood, patchouli, vanilla and vetiver. The perfume has been described as warm, rich, strong, bitter, mature and spicy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | Estée Lauder |
| Perfumers | Bernard Chant and Josephine Catapano |
| Launch Year | 1978 |
| Fragrance Type | Oriental Spicy |
| Target Gender | Women |
| Top Notes | Spices, Cloves, Tangerine, Peach, Orange Blossom, Bergamot |
| Middle Notes | Cinnamon, Carnation, Ylang-Ylang, Jasmine, Lily, Rose, Lily-of-the-Valley |
| Base Notes | Incense, Tolu Balsam, Amber, Benzoin, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Vanilla, Vetiver |
| Available Sizes | 1.7 Ounces, 3.5 Ounces, 0.5 Ounces, 1 Ounce |
| Other Notes | Olibanum, Clove, Orange Peel, Dried Orange Peel, Potpourri Spices |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Cinnabar is a women's fragrance by Estée Lauder, launched in 1978
- It has top notes of spices, cloves, tangerine, peach, orange blossom and bergamot
- Middle notes include cinnamon, carnation, ylang-ylang, jasmine, lily, rose and lily-of-the-valley
- Base notes are incense, balsam, amber, benzoin, sandalwood, patchouli, vanilla and vetiver
- The scent is warm, rich, spicy and strong, with moderate longevity

Cinnabar is a women's fragrance by Estée Lauder, launched in 1978
The perfume has been described as rich, warm, and spicy, evoking the feeling of Christmas for some wearers. It is a strong and intense fragrance with moderate longevity. Cinnabar has been compared to other fragrances of its time, such as Youth Dew and Opium, but with a unique character of its own. It has a vintage feel, reminiscent of the late 1970s and 1980s, and has been called a "vibe" by one reviewer, reflecting an independent and experienced woman.
The name Cinnabar is derived from the Latin word cinnabaris, which comes from the Greek word kînnabari, meaning "bad smell" or "goat smell." This is thought to originate from the organic debris found in the rocks where cinnabar is sourced, which often imparts a fetid odour to the mineral. Despite the name's origins, the Cinnabar fragrance by Estée Lauder is known for its warm, mysterious, and appealing spicy scent.
Over the years, Estée Lauder has quietly reformulated and rereleased Cinnabar, with the most recent relaunch taking place in 2015. While some reviewers have noted that the new versions do not live up to the original, the fragrance remains a classic, beloved by many for its unique blend of spices and sensuality.
Choosing the Right Jo Malone Perfume for You
You may want to see also
Explore related products

It has top notes of spices, cloves, tangerine, peach, orange blossom and bergamot
Cinnabar, an oriental spicy fragrance for women, was launched by Estée Lauder in 1978. Created by Bernard Chant and Josephine Catapano, Cinnabar has top notes of spices, cloves, tangerine, peach, orange blossom and bergamot.
The top notes of Cinnabar are a vibrant and enticing introduction to the fragrance. Spices, including cloves, add a warm and pungent aroma, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere. The clove note is particularly prominent, as some wearers have noted that the fragrance evokes the image of "a candle-lit room filled with clove smoke". This spicy opening is complemented by the bright, citrusy notes of tangerine, bergamot, and orange blossom, adding a tangy and refreshing dimension to the scent. The fruity note of peach also contributes to the sweetness of the fragrance, rounding out the sharper spice and citrus notes.
The combination of these top notes gives Cinnabar its unique character, which has been described as "warm and spicy, celebratory in a way that only vintage perfumes tend to be". The top notes create an initial impression of richness and depth, setting the stage for the subsequent middle and base notes to unfold.
Over time, the top notes of Cinnabar may evolve and blend with the other elements of the fragrance. As the fragrance dries down, it may become smoother and sweeter, with the initial sharpness of the spices and citrus notes softening into a more rounded and mature aroma. This evolution of the scent showcases the complexity and nuanced nature of Cinnabar's composition.
Cinnabar has developed a reputation as a classic and iconic fragrance, with wearers describing it as "endlessly appealing". Its longevity is also notable, with reports of the scent lasting for many hours, making it a lasting companion throughout the day or evening.
The High Cost of Pink Ice Perfume
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Middle notes include cinnamon, carnation, ylang-ylang, jasmine, lily, rose and lily-of-the-valley
Cinnabar, a fragrance for women by Estée Lauder, features a range of middle notes that create a warm, spicy, and floral heart for the perfume. Middle notes, also known as heart notes, are crucial in defining the perfume's character and personality. They form the main body of the scent, providing a transition from the initial burst of top notes to the long-lasting base notes.
Cinnamon, a popular spice note, adds a warm, sweet, and slightly spicy scent to the perfume. It is a prominent note in Cinnabar, with its rich, warm, and spicy aroma. Carnation, another floral middle note, contributes to the overall fragrance with its unique scent. Ylang-ylang, derived through solvent extraction, enfleurage, or distillates, adds a distinctive floral touch to the perfume.
Jasmine, a key middle note in Cinnabar, offers a rich, white floral fragrance that is both intoxicating and sensuous. It is a prized flower in perfumery for its incomparable essence. Lily, another floral middle note, provides a fresh and romantic touch to the perfume. Rose, often referred to as the "queen" of flowers, lends its sweet, fresh, and rosy scent, symbolizing love and passion.
Lastly, lily-of-the-valley, a "green floral" note, offers a sweet and refreshing aroma with a hint of innocence. This note adds a unique floral element to the overall scent of Cinnabar. These middle notes come together to create a harmonious and well-crafted fragrance, contributing to the warm, spicy, and mysterious character of the perfume.
What to Wear for an MRI: Deodorant and Perfume?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Base notes are incense, balsam, amber, benzoin, sandalwood, patchouli, vanilla and vetiver
Cinnabar by Estée Lauder is an oriental spicy fragrance for women. Its base notes are incense, balsam, amber, benzoin, sandalwood, patchouli, vanilla, and vetiver.
Incense is derived from several species of trees, including Boswellia sacra (frankincense), Boswellia serrata, Boswellia carterii, and Boswellia frereana. Frankincense is renowned for its sweet, resinous, and woody odour, and is widely used in perfumery. It is often used in oriental and woody fragrances, where it adds depth and richness. It is also used for its calming effect on the mind and body, and its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Balsam is a refined and softly enveloping fragrance that is derived from flower pods or bushy twigs, such as vanilla orchids or the Mediterranean rockrose. Tolu balsam, in particular, has a complex aroma with notes of cinnamon and vanilla, while Peru balsam has a darker, earthier, and bitter character.
Amber is an accord made up of several notes, including vanilla, benzoin, labdanum, and sometimes patchouli. It has a deep, dark, sharp, and resinous smokiness with a touch of powderiness. Amber is extremely common in Western perfumery, particularly in oriental perfumes, which typically contain incense, resins, and balsams.
Benzoin is a resin that has a vanillic scent.
Sandalwood has a deep, sweet, creamy, and woody fragrance. It is highly versatile and blends well with a variety of other notes, acting as a 'fixative' to keep them 'true'. It has long been used in spiritual traditions in India and ancient Arab perfumery.
Patchouli has a distinct woodland aroma with a versatile combination of woody and floral notes. It is known for its intoxicating scent and is often used in aromatherapy for its stress-relieving and anxiety-reducing properties.
Vanilla is the second priciest spice in the world and is known for its sweet, delectable, and comforting scent. It is a powerful aphrodisiac and is often present in 'sexy' and 'come-hither' fragrances. When added to food or fragrance, the naturally-present vanillin works to 'hold open' our vanilloid receptors, slowing down the wiping process and giving us more time to perceive and experience the scent.
Vetiver has an earthy, woody, and smoky fragrance with hints of nuts such as hazelnut and peanut. It is often used as a base note in perfume compositions to provide longevity and a woody trail.
Dream Woman Perfume: Who's Behind the Scent?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

The scent is warm, rich, spicy and strong, with moderate longevity
Cinnabar by Estée Lauder is a warm, rich, spicy, and strong fragrance with moderate longevity. The scent, created by Bernard Chant and Josephine Catapano, was launched in 1978 and is described as an Oriental Spicy fragrance for women.
The top notes of Cinnabar include a variety of spices, cloves, tangerine, peach, orange blossom, and bergamot. These initial scents give way to middle notes of cinnamon, carnation, ylang-ylang, jasmine, lily, rose, and lily-of-the-valley. The base notes, which provide the deep, lingering foundation of the fragrance, are incense, tolu balsam, amber, benzoin, sandalwood, patchouli, vanilla, and vetiver.
The combination of these notes creates a warm, rich, and spicy scent that has been described as reminiscent of Christmas and the holiday season. Some wearers have noted that the fragrance is long-lasting and only requires a small amount to be effective, with one reviewer mentioning that a single bottle lasted ten years.
Cinnabar has undergone reformulations over the years, and some sources indicate that the newer versions differ from the original scent. However, it continues to be a unique and memorable fragrance that evokes a sense of vintage glamour and sophistication.
Azuree Perfume: Who is Behind the Scent?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Cinnabar is a fragrance for women by Estée Lauder. It was launched in 1978 and is described as an oriental spicy scent.
The top notes of Cinnabar are spices, cloves, tangerine, peach, orange blossom and bergamot. The middle notes are cinnamon, carnation, ylang-ylang, jasmine, lily, rose and lily-of-the-valley. The base notes are incense, tolu balsam, amber, benzoin, sandalwood, patchouli, vanilla and vetiver.
Cinnabar is described as having a strong, spicy and mature scent. It is often likened to the smell of cinnamon, cloves and orange peel. Some reviewers have described the scent as enchanting, rich and warm, while others have found it to be overpowering and nauseating.
The ingredients of Cinnabar perfume include Alcohol Denat., Water\Aqua\Eau, Benzyl Salicylate, Linalool, Limonene, Geraniol, Hydroxycitronellal, Eugenol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Coumarin, Cinnamyl Alcohol, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Benzoate, Citronellol, Evernia Prunastri (Oakmoss) Extract, Citral, Amyl Cinnamal, Isoeugenol, Farnesol and Cinnamal.











































