Cinéma Yves Saint Laurent 2004 Eau de Parfum
5
Helpful Review
A million iterations of the platinum blonde
I'm pleased that at least this perfume has the substance to divide opinions somewhat -- to my nose, Cinéma is very much a nice auntie kind of perfume. Definitely classy, always pleasant and well-mannered, never too much or too little. I detect a gourmand aspect, too, but whatever citric there is about it is so fleeting I couldn't pinpoint it.
The comparison to the glamour of movies stars of old is very apt. Beyond the obvious big names, those beautiful women came and went (as they still do) as soon as any sign of age crept in, always replaced by a younger version of themselves, never unique or remembered. That is what the glamour of the cinema is built upon, that neverending re/cycling of looks and maybe talent, and that is what I'm reminded of when I sniff Cinéma: the fifty flavours of vanilla pudding, varied just so those who consume their image won't get bored too easily but staying the same in their essence so the punters will keep coming back for more.
It's a well-made floral, oriental vanilla, and so generic it will probably remind you of loads of things you have smelled before. If Shalimar is too gutsy (or alternately old-lady) for you, Cinéma is a worthy contender for the favoured comfort/luxury scent. If you like that sort of thing, you will love Cinéma, an it certainly has its strengths; if not, keep looking.
The comparison to the glamour of movies stars of old is very apt. Beyond the obvious big names, those beautiful women came and went (as they still do) as soon as any sign of age crept in, always replaced by a younger version of themselves, never unique or remembered. That is what the glamour of the cinema is built upon, that neverending re/cycling of looks and maybe talent, and that is what I'm reminded of when I sniff Cinéma: the fifty flavours of vanilla pudding, varied just so those who consume their image won't get bored too easily but staying the same in their essence so the punters will keep coming back for more.
It's a well-made floral, oriental vanilla, and so generic it will probably remind you of loads of things you have smelled before. If Shalimar is too gutsy (or alternately old-lady) for you, Cinéma is a worthy contender for the favoured comfort/luxury scent. If you like that sort of thing, you will love Cinéma, an it certainly has its strengths; if not, keep looking.