Cristobal (1998)
by Balenciaga

I just love this perfume - its sweet (not in an overpowering way) and classy. I'm scared to use too much of it as its really hard to come by now. This is probably a better choice for cooler days but is just so gorgeous. Definitely one of my top ten perfumes.

23rd March, 2010.

Hmmm, I don't get the hype about this one.

It's a strong, sweet non-descript scent. Plus, there is a note or combination of notes that smells really artificial on my skin. Reminds me of the bombastic category of scents that were released in the 1980's, but not as good.

6th November, 2009.

I bought this under the impression that it was for men, as the bottle says little about gender and I hadn't seen the men's rendition. I had only heard of the men's fragrance and didn't realize that I'd picked up the women's version until I looked it up after several wearings. It's a very warm mix of vanilla, sandalwood and lite patchouli. Very close to Allure men ...no tonka bean is listed, but has a slight chocolate/cocoa feel to it. The drydown is a peanut buttery miracle. Smooth and sexy, for men and women. Would be awesome on a hot, sweaty, musky woman, but it's good for men on autumn evenings for men, too. Try it, fellas.

16th June, 2009.

I love this Cristobal - it has a lot of vanilla but it never becomes cloying on me. The opening is vanilla with creamy fig, but after 5-10 minutes a smoky incense note comes in and takes over, and for a very long time this is an incense & vanilla-scent on me. Not very many people have mentioned the incense in their reviews - so I guess it depends on your skin. I should add that I have only worn this in cold weather - and I think it is best to do so. The drydown is vanilla and wood, and absolutely wonderful!

19th February, 2009.

Very sweet and figgy – sweet figgy – sweet figgy and jasmine: Cristobal comes on too strong with the sweet, as far as I’m concerned. There is a substantial green in the mix that doesn’t seem to be fig leaf. This is the sweet fruity fig that shows itself here. I get a little spice, but I think it comes from the carnation. I like the way the jasmine is presented, and I don’t really get any other floral than jasmine. There’s a light but nice presentation of sandalwood in the base but I get more patchouli mixed with vanilla than sandalwood. The base is a bit too sweet, but it is well balanced and has good longevity. In all, I can understand why this is an admired fragrance, but I would think it calls for a little less sweet and a little more character.

22nd November, 2008.

This is my new fall work fragrance. The zesty green fig notes say "I'm ready for business!" and the vanilla/woods are warm and approchable. The floral notes add a touch of romance and priss. The fig is very green like in BPAL's Eden. Someone said it smells like figgy creme brule, but these figs are are a technicolor image of a fresh fig skin, not cooked, creamy, brown figs. For $14 it can't be beat!

19th November, 2008.