Acqua di Gio (Original) vs. Profondo

Acqua di Gio keeps chugging along decade after decade as a best seller. It’s flanker fragrances have become very popular in their own right. One of the latest to reach this status is Acqua di Gio Profondo, which came out a few years back.

Both of these have solidified themselves as easy to wear and very enjoyable fragrances. But, how do the two Armani scents compare? Which of them smells better? Last longer? Is the better buy?


Tale of the Tape: Acqua di Gio vs AdG Profondo

Acqua di Gio

Notes include: bergamot, tangerine, neroli, jasmine, rosemary, patchouli, rock rose, hyacinth, persimmon, marine notes

Click here to try: Acqua Di Gio By Giorgio Armani For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Ounces

Read my review: Acqua di Gio 


Acqua di Gio Profondo EDP

Notes include: mandarin, bergamot, lavender, marine notes, rosemary, cypress, lentisk, patchouli, musk

Click here to try: GIORGIO ARMANI Acqua Di Gio Profondo for Men Eau De Parfum Spray 4.2 Ounces, blue

Read my Review: AdG Profondo


Opening

Acqua di Gio opens with, a citrus blend of tangerine and bergamot. This is flanked by a wonderful sea breeze-like accord with soft jasmine only beginning to peak through.

With newer bottles, I detect more of the jasmine than I remember, but it actually works very well in the composition.

Profondo eau de parfum actually has a pretty similar start to its competitor. The bergamot is joined by mandarin, in lieu of the tangerine note.

They aren’t exactly the same, as Profondo has more of a watery marine note, less of a sea breeze feeling. Plus, a resinous lentisk note playing a bigger role.

It’s a refreshing dive into the ocean, rather than walking along the shore. It will get smoother and a bit creamier, as it wears on.

Which is better? I think the citrus notes in the original are a bit better up top. But, the overall experience with Profondo is more interesting and a tad more enjoyable.

Edge: Profondo


Projection

The sillage for Acqua di Gio is now a moderate experience, on the lower end of that range. It was never a beast, but it had a bit more power.

Still, I wasn’t completely disappointed with its power, and I always could detect it on my skin.

Profondo is an eau de parfum concentration. It’s also not a beast, but it’s got enough power for being a summer wear. It hangs around very nicely and is just better at projecting than the original.

Edge: Profondo


Longevity

The original Acqua di Gio has had better longevity in the past. It’s still decent, just a step or two behind what it used to be.

With the latest samples that I got from Armani in 2021, it could hit the 5-7 hour range. Closer to the lower end, but did hit 7 sometimes depending on what I was doing.

Profondo gives me a consistent 7-8 hours. In the past, the original might have gotten the edge. Now, it’s an easy win for Profondo.

Update: Testing Profondo again in 2024, it still hits the same mark that it did when it was released, for me at least.

Edge: Profondo


Versatility

Both scents are very versatile. Can span across age range, venture out into the nightlife, etc. However, I think the original still has the edge.

Profondo can be better on the hottest days of summer, but I think AdG fits better for the cooler parts of the year.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a ‘winter cologne’, but the floral heart doesn’t really feel out of place either. Less of that blue aquatic/marine feeling, that Profondo has.

Edge: Acqua di Gio


Overall Scent

It had been a few years since I’d given the old standard that is Acqua di Gio a try. I have to say, I really still do enjoy the cologne. Given that you can get bottles of it for fairly cheap, I do think that it’s a worthwhile scent.

The citrus and the floral heart, with the sea breeze aroma. Still a classic and very enjoyable to wear.

But, it’s just not as good as Profondo, as a whole. Acqua di Gio Profondo is my second favorite of the line currently available. I give the slight edge to Profumo, but it’s especially better than this current AdG incarnation.

It’s smooth with a blue-ish/green aroma. Woody highlights and a sweetness. Some don’t like the harshness of Profumo’s incense notes, Profondo gives you a middle ground between it and the original AdG.

Update: Profondo eau de parfum now has been followed up by Lights and Profondo Parfum. The original EDP is still the best of the Profondo series thus far and I’d still pick it out of these two.

Winner: Profondo

8 Best Smelling Moschino Perfumes

Franco Moschino started his fashion line in the early 1980s and quickly established a reputation in the design world. As the years moved on, he  expanded his line to include items such as fragrance.

Moschino perfumes are not very pricey but they all seem to deliver in terms of quality and overall experience.

For this list, I have selected eight women’s scents which I feel are the cream of the crop. 


Favorite Moschino Perfumes for Women

Glamourous Fruity Floral

Moshino Glamour by Moschino 100ml 3.4oz EDP SprayPlenty of cedar freshness, gives Glamour a solid and intriguing foundation. However, it is the tangerine blossom and hibiscus notes that really shine through.

Not too expensive and great for casual wear, particular in warmer climates.

Glamour starts off with a fruity and floral blend with a light amber touch. Then, there is the ever-present salt note, which actually adds a nice touch to what becomes a fairly floral heavy affair.

Orchid and hibiscus flank the fruitiness of tangerine blossom, to give Glamour a light floral aroma, with enough sweetness to keep it from becoming a pure garden. The sillage is on the lighter end, but the longevity is good enough, to keep the wear going. 


Fresh Clean and Soapy

Moschino Toy 2 for Women Eau De Parfum Spray, 3.4 Ounce Toy 2 has become quite a popular option from Moschino. Though, it’s actually quite a simple fragrance.

The main note here is a green apple, less naturalistic, and more candy-like. That is paired with further citrus, floral notes, and musk. The drydown starts to be a lot more soapy than just the juiciness of the opening act.

That’s to be expected with musk, jasmine, and amberwood rounding things out. Very clean and hyper-fresh. Performance is nice. 


Most Popular Moschino

I LOVE I LOVE BY MOSCHINO 3.4 OZ 100 ML EAU DE TOILETTE FOR WOMANAn energetic fragrance which starts out by displaying its fruity notes and then settles into something more soft and feminine. A great and clean smelling perfume that will get noticed.

This one has become pretty famous, as an alternative option to D&G’s Light Blue. However, I think the I Love Love, is actually a bit better. I really enjoy the citrus opening. It’s lemon, grapefruit, and orange with a bright and juicy disposition.

It’s got a semi-sugary aroma, with floral notes of tea rose and lily of the valley. All of this sits on a base, of musk, and cedar. The performance is good, with a lighter sillage, but will last for 6-8 hours. Really nice scent, for a highly affordable price. I Love Love Full Review


Fresh Couture

Gold Fresh Couture by Moschino– The Fresh Couture line from Moschino does have a goofy bottle design, but Gold is actually a really nice fruity clean perfume.

It opens up with a blend of tropical and citrus fruit notes. Mango, orange, and pear are the main fruit notes you’re probably going to pick up. But, they’re joined by rhubarb and a bit of spice.

It’s much less a heavy syrupy sort of explosion. Rather, it sticks to the name Fresh and gives you a lighter and more low key experience. Though, it does still have a slight syrupy aroma. The dry down is a mix of floral notes, the fruity, and some vanilla woods.

Actually, for the type of fragrance this is. Gold Fresh does have layers to its development. The latter stage is woodsy and the floral notes give off a soapy aroma. But, the fruity ingredients do hang around, just not to the same strength level.


Warm Spicy Floral

Moschino By Moschino For Women. Eau De Toilette Spray 2.5 OuncesThe original fragrance dating back to the late 1980s. A long lasting blend of florals, vanilla, and spice which gives it an exotic and special scent.

It’s classic and gives you a different experience from most of the perfumes, out on the market today.

Moschino is a rather complex composition, but still manages to be extremely well blended. You get herbal spice, green notes, but more warmth and periods of sweetness. All of this comes together with floral notes, such as: rose, marigold, gardenia, and carnation. 

Very unique and great performance, with deep and satisfying aroma. Moschino for Women is an underrated classic. 


Interesting Pearl

Toy 2 Pearl– This one is likeable, not amazing, but one that I think will resonate with some people. Just not a fragrance for everyone.

Pearl takes a citrus start and pairs it with oregano. It doesn’t feel overwhelming to me, but that along with a sorbet note, gives this one a slightly different type of aroma.

There’s a freshness here, that oregano kick, along with a cypress note. Yet, it too has elements that make it smell somewhat similar to Light Blue by D&G. Close, but not exactly the same. That sand note in the middle, certainly helps to set it apart.

It’s a warm weather wear with the citrus, the oregano, and a musky dry down.

 


Light Herbal Citrus

Moschino Funny! By Moschino For Women, Eau De Toilette Spray, 3.4-Ounce BottleAs its name suggests, Funny is a light and playful perfume for ladies with a certain style and personality.

Notes include pink pepper, amber, green tea, and peony among others. Very fresh and not overpowering.

Funny! kicks off with a bright citrus aroma, with a bit of warmth and spice, mostly from pink pepper. It feels like a great upbeat and positive scent, with green tea, giving its familiar herbal fragrance. Not too strong, but green tea, pairs very well with the redcurrant and orange.

Later on, you get some musky peony, but the citrus is the star of this show. Nice simple daytime wear, that can perform well in the spring and summer. 

 

 


Bright Floral and Citrus

Cheap & Chic By Moschino For Women, Eau De Toilette Spray, 3.4-Ounce BottleThe name of the fragrance isn’t all that great but the contents certainly are. A sexy yet subtle floral perfume that is an excellent choice for daily wear.

Cheap & Chic gives you a very nice citrus up top but paired with a significantly present musky note. Yuzu is the main citrus note, which is great, because I love a good yuzu.

It hangs around for the entirety of the wear, even as this one begins to turn more floral. You get rose, lily, peony, among other notes. 

6 Fragrances Similar to Fantasy by Britney Spears

Fantasy by Britney Spears has nearly two decades under its belt as a popular cheapie. Plenty of people have loved wearing it. Though, with time and age things change. The formula is now a bit different or women may want something with a similar style, that is more mature.

In this post, I want to present alternative options to Fantasy which either closely compare or give you something that smells somewhat like it.


Favorite Perfumes that Smell Like Fantasy

Citrus White Chocolate

Jafra Adorisse Night– Has some similarities with English Laundry below, but this is the better version. Jafra’s Adorisse Night gives you a base of white chocolate and patchouli with citrus and neroli sitting on top.

It has power and warmth, but not the same level of baked goods or tropical aroma as does Fantasy. But, the light and creamy white chocolate note in the dry down is pretty awesome. Plus, Adorisse Night gives you beast performance for usually under $30.

It doesn’t bring the same thickness as Fantasy, it’s more citrus and floral. But, it provides a more paired down and less sugary scent at a closely approximate price point.


Coffee Seduction

Coffee Woman Seduction by O Boticario– This has a pretty good overlap with Fantasy. The coffee note is a major player here and it doesn’t have the same intensity with the fruity notes.

So, the coffee and baked goods notes here are more in the forefront, especially when compared with the newer bottles of Fantasy.

Still plenty sweet with a fairly musky dry down in the back half of the wear. The price is more expensive (in the US, at least) than is the Britney perfume. As such, you’re going to be paying a premium versus the scent we want to replicate.

I’m seeing it for around $50 per bottle, as of this update. Might be too much of a reach for some, but it’s another option.


More Mature, Similar Style

Avon Far Away Rebel Eau de Parfum for Women 50ml – 1.7fl.oz.– Far Away Rebel isn’t an exact match, but it gives you a more mature wear, and a similar style to Fantasy.

Rebel is warmer, thicker, and less of a sugary/fruity blend than is our target. However, it still does have that aspect with black currant and whipped cream as notes.

The fruitiness is pretty heavy up top, but it settles into that creamier/warm gourmand. Black currant can be sharp and it is here.

The end result is a delicious caramel blended aroma, with nice performance, and an affordable price tag.


Best Cheaper Alternative

La Rive Secret Dream by La Rive Eau De Parfum Spray 3 oz Women With the classic aroma of Fantasy being reformulated, why not have a Secret Dream instead? La Rive usually puts out some quality smell-a-likes and this one of our Britney Spears fragrance hits the mark.

Is it exact? Eh, pretty darn close. This one doesn’t have the same level of chocolate to my nose and it’s a bit fruitier than I remember the old Fantasy being (though, the newer version isn’t that different to me). Aside from that?  Yeah, it’s close.

Not a powerhouse performer, but super cheap. Usually, a few bucks less at least than Britney’s version.


Citrus, Berries, and Cream

Oh So Orange by Juicy Couture– A lighter and fruitier wear versus Fantasy. You get some of the creaminess and a stripping out of the baked goods/chocolate accord found in the Britney scent.

Citrusy, as the name implies, with plenty of orange and some kumquat giving it that energetic infusion. Whipped cream, musk, and a mix of floral notes help to bring it closer in relation to what we’re looking for.

This is the least like an exact match of Fantasy. Much more focused on the fruity end of things, but with an inviting aroma, and can usually be found for a good price. But, it’s not at every retailer. So, you may have to search around for this Juicy Couture.

Update: This has gotten easier to find a discounters since the last update. Here in 2024, I’m seeing it in the $30-40 range. So, could be a nice pick up for those who want something a tad different.


Fruity-Tart White Chocolate

English Laundry Eau de Parfum Spray for Women, 3.4 Ounce English Laundry for Her strikes a similar chord as Fantasy, but isn’t the same. This has more of a sweet-tart vibe, especially in the early stages of wear. Also, it’s lighter and none of that cupcake note.

You do get some nice white chocolate coming through during the wear. Still, it will maintain its lighter sillage and not venture into creamy warm gourmand mode.

When the quince and white chocolate are one center stage, this one is really nice. Performance can be okay, just not incredible. I’d try to keep from overpaying for this, but it can be a fine option as a cheapie.


Libre vs Libre Intense by YSL

Libre from YSL has sort of been all over the place since its release a few years back. It’s success lead to the release of Libre Intense, as a strengthened flankers scent. I grabbed samples of each of them for my upcoming reviews on these perfumes, but wanted to first do a comparison post. Which smells better? Is the one to buy?


Tale of the Tape: Libre vs. Intense

Libre EDP

Notes include: lavender, white musks, orange flower, vanilla, orchid

Click here to try: Yves Saint Laurent Libre Eau De Parfum Spray for Women 90ml/3oz, clear

Read my review: Libre EDP


Libre Intense

Notes include: lavender, orange blossom, orchid, vanilla

Click here to try: Yves Saint Laurent for Women Libre 1.6 oz Eau de Parfum Intense Spray


Opening

Libre kicks off with a strong burst of the orange blossom (maybe some additional citrus fruit spritzed in) and the lavender, which will only grown more powerful.

It’s soapy, somewhat musky, and has a definite creaminess throughout. 

The main change that I get during the rest of the wear is the lavender becoming dominant and the musk coming out more. Very little orchid when compared to Intense and the vanilla isn’t a front and center.

Meanwhile, Libre Intense starts sweeter for me, but still not super sugary or anything. Less lavender/musk soapiness, a lot more orchid, and the orange blossom is about the same. Vanilla is a bigger player for the entire duration of the wear. 

Which do I prefer? I enjoy Intense a bit more than the original. It’s not a wide margin, but I like the different facets and the toned down lavender.

It actually reminds me of a more feminized Stronger with You by Armani or one of those flankers.

Edge: Intense


Projection

Libre isn’t a weak fragrance. I’d rate it as being at least in the upper range of moderate, if not firmly in the strong camp. As a mainstream designer wear, it’s got plenty of projection ability and will be very noticeable in the air around you, even after the opening act.

However, as by design, it doesn’t match up to the abilities of Intense. Libre Intense isn’t the strongest fragrance ever, but it for sure delivers the power. Bold with a pretty massive reach, at least for a time.

This category is easy for Intense, but that doesn’t mean that Libre isn’t great in its own right.

Edge: Intense


Longevity

Again, both of these perfumes are great with their performances. Libre will go 8-9 hours, on my skin. Which, all things considered, is about what you’d want in most situations.

Libre Intense goes into the double digit hours. Maybe 12-ish or a little longer. YSL didn’t cheap out when creating these formulations.

Testing out Intense numerous times, it just seems to want to keep going, even with a pretty small amount applied. It takes this category too.

Edge: Intense


Versatility

This is where Libre EDP gets the edge. It’s lighter formulation, allows it to fit into daytime environments, where Intense wouldn’t do as well. Intense does strike me as being more of a nighttime wear.

Also, Intense is pretty much a cold weather scent. If it’s not too warm, it’ll be fine, but above that it will melt. EDP isn’t for hotter temperatures, but it can venture into spring without issue.

Edge: Libre

 

Overall Scent

I like both of these fragrances. I’m not in love with either, but for what they are, you get a pleasing aroma and good performance. YSL did well with this line.

Libre EDP is an attractive fragrance. It’s much more floral. If you want a lavender and orange blossom mix, this might be the one for you. Not too complicated, but a nice wear.

Libre Intense is better, in my opinion. Not just because of the better performance, but also, I think it has more depth and better balance. I like that the lavender isn’t as heavy. The orchid is improved and the vanilla gets ramped up.

The formula is similar, naturally, but the balance of the notes themselves are just better overall. If you’re a fan of lavender in perfumes you can go with either of these for some good designer exposure to that note. 

It’s not a huge win for Intense, but it gets the nod.

Update: Coming back to these fragrances, I do still prefer Intense. Thus far, it’s my second favorite fragrance in the Libre line of perfumes. However, I think that Le Parfum is the top pick and the one I’d go with. 

Le Parfum is thicker and a bit different from the rest. But, it’s the best formulation and is more similar to these two releases during its dry down period.

Winner: Libre Intense

20 Perfumes that Smell Similar to Baccarat Rouge 540

BR 540 is a very expensive, but also very popular fragrance from Francis Kurkdjian. In this post, I want to present some Baccarat Rouge 540 dupe alternatives for cheaper and other perfumes which have a similar style, but are ultimately different.

The good news is that there are plenty of options that can smell similar what you get with BR 540.

I am consistently updating this page, as I find more suitable perfumes that bear resemblance to BR 540…so, check back for new ones.


Favorite Perfumes Like Baccarat Rouge 540

For the first part of the list,  I am going to cover the fragrances which are ‘inspired by’ Baccarat Rouge 540 directly. The next section, will be those scents that are similar in style, but ultimately their own thing.


The Casino Scent

Casino Royale by Dua Fragrances– So, the Dua Brand specializes in creating inspired perfumes or similar smelling fragrances. Casino Royale is their version of BR 540.

But, they also have other perfumes that combine elements of BR 540 and Extrait, with notes of other perfumes to create a newer scent all together. So, it’s worth checking out these, since they sell at a reasonable price. None are super amazing, but they do a nice job.

Is it very similar to Baccarat? It’s certainly close, but the differences are noticeable, if one is paying attention. Though, that’s to be expected with the price difference.

To my nose, it isn’t as sweet or smooth, and has a larger floral presence. Jasmine and marigold. Also, has hints of the Extrait version of BR 540, it kind of leans that way.

baccarat rouge 540 dupe


Ambery Option 

Ambery Saffron by Dossier– Another good option for recreating the BR 540 aroma. This one does use some different notes, but the result actually comes out great.

Plum and orange blossom, are the main differences here. Again though, it still comes out nearly identical to the Kurkdjian scent. This one is a bit lighter with the sillage, yet still lasts for a long time on the skin.

Perhaps a bit sweeter, like the Dua isn’t as sweet, and the one below is more metallic. It kind of comes down to preference, as these three are so close in terms of execution.


The Popular Zara Smell a Like

Red Temptation by Zara– The similarities of Red Temptation to Baccarat made it a massive hit on social media posts and also caused it to be sold out for a long time. However, as of this update, this perfume is back and stock and offers a very similar fragrance at around $40.

This doesn’t have the same level of sweetness as BR 540, to me. The orange note up top is sharp and its power in the early stages is one of the main distinctions here. It’s smooth, fresh, and has a good deal of ambroxan in the middle act. That’s when it’s most similar.

The performance here is solid. The sillage for the first hour can pack a punch, but it does settle, into a more moderate wear. Decent longevity, not insane like BR. Also, a woodsy finish in the base notes.

Zara alternative to Baccarat Rouge


Caramelle Smell

Caramelle Rosse by Fragrenza– This is another inspired near dupe perfume that I bought recently. This is a good option. However, I will say that the saffron here is a bit louder than the sample vial of the actual 540 that I have.  Also, an almond note.

So, this does seem to have more of a metallic finish on my skin, than some of the others. Nothing too outlandish, some of you might even prefer this Fragrenza version, but just putting it out there.

The performance is good. I purchased other samples of their designer inspired perfumes and all of them were well done. So, order a sample lot, if you’re interested in this one.

 

 


Another Under $30

Ana Abiyedh Rouge by Lattafa- Rouge is another cheapie that does an impression of BR. The opening act, is admittedly a bit of a synthetic mess. It has that dry, plasticky, and alcohol aroma upon first spraying…but that’ll clear.

This has the saffron and a bitter almond note up top, that will be better after a few minutes. Yes, this does have that 540-like smell, almost like Ajmal’s Aristocrat (listed earlier above), in how it comes across. Maybe, a bit more sugary sweet in the middle versus earlier on.

The dry down does get muskier than BR. Less woods and the ambergris isn’t to the same quality. But, for $25 or so, this is solid.

 

 


Perfumes with a Similar Style (Not Baccarat Rouge 540 Dupes)

Now, we can get to the part of the list of perfumes that don’t try to exactly mimic the aroma of Baccarat, but have enough overlap to be of interest to fans of the perfume. Or those, who don’t like certain aspects of our target fragrance.


The Other Kurkdjian Perfume

Burberry Her Eau De Parfum Spray –  Burberry Her is a fragrance designed by Francis Kurkdjian that bears a lot of resemblance to his earlier Baccarat Rouge fragrance.

They aren’t however exactly the same and Burberry Her does indeed have a distinct aroma from our target. Strawberry, raspberry, and citrus notes gives this one an overall sweeter profile.

The latter stages aren’t as sweet, but this is a lighter and summery sort of perfume when compared to Baccarat. Actually, it’s pretty close to Cloud by Ariana Grande (my comparison post: Her vs. Cloud).  Read my Full Burberry Her Review

her edp vs edt

 


A Cheaper Similar Aroma

Ajmal Aristocrat, 2.5 Oz Aristocrat is another sweeter option that does share the jasmine and saffron notes found in Baccarat Rouge. Along with, amber and a musky dry down.

The citrus notes are a difference in the earlier stages, along with a heavy emphasis on sugar, that does settle down. Then, you will get muskier and drier notes, but also a big dose of that saffron note.

All in all, it is a close rendition at a cheaper price, but with a greater cotton candy-like aroma through much of the wear.

Ajmal Aristocrat dupe BR 540


The Untold Armaf

Club de Nuit Untold– Not the cheapest option on the list, but still does save some money versus an actual bottle of BR 540. However, Club de Nuit Untold provides a pretty strong and well-performing resemblance to what we’re looking for.

Heavier on the amber notes, resin, and saffron this can be a good alternative for those who don’t want as much jasmine in the mix. Untold kind of skirts the line between Baccarat and the Extrait version of that perfume.

Strong and long-lasting, but also has the softer and sweeter elements, paired with the resinous notes. Interesting. Not exactly the same, but the aroma will be very familiar.


A Taste of New York

Greenwich Village by Bond No. 9– This is another high end designer fragrance, much like our target. It’s not an exactly the same though, and very much retains its own style and charm. But, the similar style makes Greenwich Village a perfume to check out for Baccarat lovers.

Up top you will get much more fruitiness, almost a tropical sort of vibe. Mandarin orange and lychee, with a great touch of cassis. That juiciness is met with the freshness of waterlily and some light jasmine touches.

The dry down gets warmer with praline, vanilla, and musk. This has a sweeter, lighter, fruitier, and fresher aroma versus the Kurkdjian creation. The latter stages give you a nice creamy gourmand perfume.

Greenwich Village is a beautiful scent, which some may actually prefer to our target. Probably the most similar in the start. The sillage and projection isn’t as powerful, which again, you may well prefer.

A Popular Bond No. 9 Perfume


Massive Citrusy Silllage

Apres l’Amour by Thomas Kosmala– Similarities definitely abound with this and BR 540, but they are ultimately different enough to be appreciated separately.

Apres l’Amour is a massive scent, that goes heavy on the amber notes, and has a very citrus laden top. It has the sweeter elements of Baccarat, but can also have a lot more of the plastic/dentist office smell, that some people report with our target fragrance.

Kind of overpriced for what it is. I mean, the performance itself is long-lasting and beast mode. But, the actual smell isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Not a perfume that is trying to be a one to one match of BR 540 and can be polarizing.


More Floral, Patchouli

Stramonio by V Canto– Stramonio is another one that gets talked about with Baccarat. This is not an exact copy, but has similar traits to the Kurkdjian perfume.

The ambergris, saffron, and woody aspects are where this one shares plenty of overlap. Initially, though the saffron will be paired not only with the similar jasmine, but with notes like carnation and orchid.

Also, this one does seem to have a greater patchouli influence. Stramonio isn’t nearly as sweet as our target and the performance isn’t as good. Lighter and less longevity.

 


The Ariana Option

R.E.M. by Ariana Grande– Alright, Cloud by Ariana Grande shares more in common with Baccarat Rouge 540…but R.E.M. is the better perfume (versus Cloud) and has plenty of similarities.

It’s sweet, but more mature than the other fragrances that have been released by the singer. R.E.M. gives you a lot of what Cloud has to offer, but adding fig and lavender to make it stand on its own merit.

R.E.M. has a nice depth with its sweetness, creamy tonka bean and later woodsy/lavender base. BR 540 is definitely floating around in the DNA, but don’t expect an exact match, just a better version of the closer smell alike.

Ariana Grande better than Cloud

 

Super Cheap Alternative Fragrance

Dream Moon by Pacifica– As of now, this seems to be an exclusive to Target stores (update: Ulta and Amazon have it now also), which is where I got to experience this one.

The opening is very much like what you get from Baccarat Rouge, but it dries down like a more cotton candy-like Cloud.

You get rose, patchouli, and a fairly decent example of sandalwood for this price point. It also has other sweeter notes, giving it that vibe, but I haven’t seen what the exact listing of these notes are.

Here the notes are listed as pink rose, patchouli, and sandalwood. What else it has beyond that, I haven’t been able to track down. But there has to be some sweeter notes in here. I definitely get plenty of sandalwood and patchouli.

Dream Moon gives you a creamy sweet and patchouli gourmand aroma, that has a strong resemblance to what we want with BR 540. Also, for around $20, it delivers a nice performance to boot.

inexpensive fragrance like Baccarat

 


Sweet, Very Similar, a Bit Less Expensive

Manege Rouge by Al Haramain for Women 2.5 Oz / 75ml Eau de Parfum  Manege Rouge is pretty closely smelling scent to Baccarat Rouge 540.

The opening act is a blend of sweetness and floral notes, led by saffron. The saffron adds a fresh and almost leathery quality to the mix.

Manege has a nice amount of depth and gets sweeter, as it moves into the heart of the composition. That’s where you’ll get a greater amount of cotton candy and caramel. It’s not a thick or heavy sillaged scent and the sweetness is quite wearable.

Doesn’t have the same power of 540, it’s less woody, but otherwise a darn good smelling scent with similarities to the Maison Francis Kurkdjian perfume.

Manege perfume BR dupe


Bath and Body Works Cheapie

Bath and Body Works In The Stars Eau de Parfum 1.7 Fluid Ounce New In Box– In the Stars is a very inexpensive options that sort of skirts the line between Cloud and Baccarat Rouge. It’s lighter and fruitier than either, but has a warm base of sandalwood and amber.

In the Stars can be more appealing for some folks, because it doesn’t have the lavender note that the Ariana Grande scent has. It has a nice woody dry down period, where it’s initial sweetness starts to give it more of the 540 character that we’re looking for.

In the Stars is light, fresh, sweet, and actually gives a nice performance for a Bath and Body Works fragrance. Definitely worth a try to not break the bank.

in the stars similar to rouge


Not the Same, Close Style

Instant Crush by Mancera– The heavy use of amber, saffron, and wood often draw comparisons between this and the MFK fragrance. But, Instant Crush is not the same as BR 540 and gives you plenty awesomeness on its own.

So, consider this perfume if you want something in the ballpark, but with a greater use of floral notes (rose and jasmine). Along with vanilla and an opening burst of bright citrus.

Plus, this perfume goes spicy with less of that ‘clinical’ or ‘dentist’ type of aroma that some people get with BR 540.

Instant Crush is the more dynamic of the two, which many may prefer. That vanilla and spice really make this one something worth trying.

 


A Mix of Perfumes

Wild Rose from Coach– Wild Rose lacks the saffron and the fresh woody base of BR 540. But, you get ambroxan, moss, and jasmine in large amounts during the dry down that creates a very similar effect.

For the opening, you get something that is closer to Burberry Her (but better) and Delina by Parfums de Marly.

Red currant and bergamot give this Coach fragrance a fruitiness that BR doesn’t have, but which some people might prefer. Rose and a light tonka bean early gives it a soft Delina-like aroma.

Ultimately, it dries down to a fruity version of Rouge. Sure, not laden with saffron, but the moss does a good job replicating the dryness of the wood. Wild Rose Review

wild rose review

 


Cloud Itself

Ariana Grande Cloud Eau de Parfum Spray ,clear ,3.4 oz Personally, I’m not that big on Cloud. I mean, it’s fine, but it kind of has to go on the list of scents similar to BR 540.

This Ariana Grande scent, comes across as sweeter and targeted toward a young demographic than Rouge. While BR 540 leans feminine, it can be more of a unisex scent, but Cloud is pretty firmly in the ‘girly’ camp.

That being said, for younger women (teens through twenties), this is another very affordable option that can mimic much of what you get with our target scent. Lavender, sweet sugary warmth, creamy coconut, and a musky base.

The performance is actually very good, so, if you’re one who likes Cloud you’ll get your money’s worth. 

I actually think that Cloud 2.0 and Pink are slightly better perfumes than this, Pink is less like our target, though.

 

 


The Extrait Similarity

Amber Oud Rouge by Al Haramain– Just as Manage Rouge corresponds with the original BR 540, Amber Oud Rouge, matches up well with the Extrait edition (which I prefer).

Seeing as Extrait is even more costly than the original Kurkdjian scent, Amber Oud Rouge presents a great affordable option for those who prefer the concentrated version.

This one comes across with a strong saffron, maybe less of that almond note, and plenty of musk in the dry down. Not too shabby of a performer for the price either.


The Leathery Option

Spirito Fiorentino by Tizana Terenzi– This one isn’t going to save you much money versus our target and isn’t really an exact match. Yet, it shares a good deal with Baccarat Rouge, while doing its own thing.

The saffron and sweetness is where these two perfumes are a lot alike. Where they differ? This one utilizes a great leather note in the mid and late stages, with dry woodsy notes like birch.

It’s not as soft, still unisex, while leaning slightly more masculine than BR 540. A very interesting take on this style of fragrance.


 

So, thus concludes my page of fragrances that could be considered Baccarat Rouge 540 dupes, clones, similar styles, etc. No formula may be exactly the same as the real thing, but you can get pretty close to the same experience.