Hey there ULGers, Well, it’s Christmas in two sleeps. We are filling our table for Christmas Eve, as usual. Nothing over the top. Jin does his famous Roast Pork and Crackling. I do some salads and roast veggies. BFF Kath does Pavlova. Nice. Christmas morning BFF Kath, Jin and I will hit Kath’s Dad’s house. This year we are having a new idea, breakfast. Christmas Ham and Cheese toasted Croissants with some Mimosas. That’s everything we have planned. If you do the Christmas thing I hope it’s fun and drama free. If you don’t then count your lucky stars. I’m hoping this new, scaled back adventure will remain in place for the foreseeable. For the last few years I’ve forgotten to wear an old seasonal favourite, Cinnabar. This year I’m giving it the spritz. Probably for Christmas Day after breakfast and swimming.
Cinnabar by Estee Lauder
Estée Lauder Australia gives these featured accords:
Top: Jasmine, Orange Flower, Tangerine
Heart: Clove, Muguet, Lily
Base: Olibanum, Sandalwood, Patchouli
As you can see below, this is my pre-refurbed bottle of Cinnabar. I can’t remember when it was bought but it’s seen next to zero use. I’m wondering if it was purchased off another perfumista and then put it in the Lauder box? Completely forgetting it. Recently I bought a new style bottle on deep discount and when putting it away rediscovered this gem. Exciting. The price tag on the back is AU$45! I just went and did the Check Fresh batch code thing and look!
Woo Hoo! That is OLD! Will not lie. That is bloody brilliant. Basically a Christmas Present of a surprise.
So Cinnabar was created by Bernard Chant and Josephine Catapano and released in 1978. It definitely references YSL Opium, released in 1977 but does it in such a Bernard Chant way. So Opium but with hints of Aramis and Cabochard. Basically a spicy amber that feels VERY seasonal. It’s funny because here in Sydney it will probably be 38°C/100f. It will be a total lean into the heat.
Nowadays Cinnabar feels ultimately unisex and so good I reckon it can compete with the best and most expensive spicy niche ambers available too. Longevity and diffusion are excellent, a little goes a long way and scent bombing can happen with a spritz or two too many.
Wishing you and your crew a safe, fun and drama free season. Good luck navigating the crowds and family. Be kind to yourself and don’t go anywhere toxic, just say “NO”. It’s a complete sentence and often the very healthiest choice.
HUGS
Portia xx
Undina's Looking Glass 
Portia my lovely wishing your Christmas Crew a relaxing holiday.
I do enjoy Cinnabar, after all Bernard Chant is my spirit perfumer. Opium is my preference in the head to head though. Less sweet, more carnation. There is room for both in a collection
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Thanks Alityke,
Cinnabar is like a Christmas Opium. Yes, there is definitely room for both.
Merry Everything,
Portia xx
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Enjoy your Christmas! I have often considered buying a bottle of Cinnabar, is the new one a fairly good representation? Spicy is one of my favorite genres, it seems strange to not have that one!
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Hey MMKinPA,
While the new one is a bit less dramatic and deep, that could be attributed to age in my old bottle. They’ve done their best to keep it pretty parallel.
Merry Everything,
Portia xx
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I’m only partially on the way to the Christmas of my dreams. I still do the baking, cooking, buying presents but there’s only one reason for it: my old Mum who enjoys it very much. BUT I’ve also scaled back on many things: no more presents for everyone I meet during these days. In fact, I’ll meet only a few precious people. Enjoying myself these days.
Cinnabar used to be a beautiful perfume. I only remember the old version. Have a wonderful Christmas, dear Portia <3
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Hey there Neva,
How lucky you are to have your Mum and that she still loves Xmas.
I shop all year and have a box that I go through to grab things for everyone. This year it’s very low key. Loads of body wash, candles and incense. Consumables.
Merry Everything,
Portia xx
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Enjoy your lovely Christmas! I have tried Cinnabar multiple times; something kept me back from buying a bottle. Perhaps the reform isn’t to me? I miss the days of unique bottles. I love spicy perfumes, so maybe I’ll try to find a little bit of vintage.
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That could definitely be the problem MMKinPA,
I’d definitely be trying it in store. It’s not blind buy territory.
Portia xx
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Cinnabar has been on my list of perfumes to find. I’m particularly interested in a vintage bottle, but some people seem to have an inflated idea of what a fair price should be. The newer version is readily available at discounted prices from discount sellers. Patience is a virtue, right?
I hope you have a joyful Christmas holiday. Based on your plans, I believe you’re on the right track. I’ll have a peaceful evening at home and a Christmas gathering a few days later with my sister and her family. I’ve already taken your advice weeks ago and declined a toxic holiday invitation from some in-laws. Life presents us with many choices, and toxicity shouldn’t be one of them. Cheers, Portia! 🥂🥳
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Hi Flaconneur,
Good for you, declining the beasts. The first time is hard but it gets easier. What a beautiful Xmas present to yourself.
You can find Cinnabar at any Estée Lauder concession stand. Give it a spritz, you might be surprised how well they’ve done to keep it similar.
Merry Everything,
Portia xx
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Thanks for the tip, Portia!
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