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