Estée Lauder 1978 EDP

F ££ Acquired

Cinnabar

by Bernard Chant , Joséphine Catapano

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Estée Lauder Cinnabar is an Eau de Parfum launched in 1978, created by Bernard Chant and Joséphine Catapano. Cinnabar opens with Spicy Notes, Bergamot, Orange Blossom, and Clove, settles into a heart of Rose, Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang, and Lily of the Valley, and dries down to a base of Amber, Sandalwood, Vetiver, and Patchouli. Estée Lauder's Cinnabar carries an Acquired verdict, a spicy-led wear.

A powerhouse of pure spice and amber that screams vintage glamour like few others. It's a divisive beast: some find it a sublime, comforting classic, others an overpowering relic. The reformulation saga means hunting down a vintage bottle is often a must for true fans.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Bold
  • Classic
  • Sensual
  • Warm
  • Luxurious
£35.95 at Fragrance Click UK 50ml Check price on → Check prices ↓
Cinnabar Eau de Parfum bottle

Scent Profile

Composition

Timeline

Showing: Overall Blend

Top, heart and base are the brand's own listing, not a timing claim - the industry classifies a note by its character as much as by how fast it fades. Each curve here is modelled from that material's own volatility, so groups can overlap when a house lists long-lasting materials in its heart.

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Performance & Mood

Performance

Longevity
Long (6-10h)
Projection
Strong
Intensity
Strong

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Fall Winter

A cold-weather scent - best worn in autumn and winter.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Date Formal

With its intense warmth, powerful sillage, and incredible longevity, Cinnabar isn't an office-friendly scent. It excels as a statement piece for date nights and formal events, particularly in cooler weather, where its rich character can truly shine.

Declarable allergens

We derive these from the materials behind this fragrance's notes, not from the bottle. Each one is likely, not confirmed. The list is partial - the box can name others.

In standard patch-test panels

Other declarable allergens

  • Bergamot Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil from Bergamot
  • Clove Eugenia Caryophyllus Flower Oil from Clove
  • Sandalwood Santalol from Sandalwood
  • Vanillin from Vanilla
  • Ylang-ylang Cananga Odorata Flower Extract from Ylang-Ylang

The large name is the everyday one. The small name is the INCI form on the box, so you can compare the two. Reactions differ between people. A patch-test panel is not a ranking of risk. How we derive this

About

Cinnabar explodes with a rich, spiced peach and juicy tangerine opening, immediately settling into a warm, almost syrupy heart of cinnamon, clove, and ylang-ylang. The base unfurls with deep, resinous amber, smoky incense, and earthy patchouli, wrapping you in a deeply sensual and enduring embrace. It's a complex, oriental tapestry of warm spice and sweet balsamic notes.

Similar

Alternatives

1 alternative to explore

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Compare & Pair

Layer

Wear two at once. See what layers well with Cinnabar Eau de Parfum - the blends worth trying, and how each one scores.

Complement

Round out the rotation. See what complements Cinnabar Eau de Parfum - fragrances that pair with it, worn side by side.

Where to buy

Prices for the United Kingdom · · checked 7 October

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Drawn from community reviews and editor-reviewed before publishing on . See our methodology and disclosure policy.