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.
Key Takeaways
I go into full detail on all the perfumes down further on the page. However, if you’re in a hurry, here’s some highlights.
- Top ‘Inspired By’ BR 540 Alternative: Casino Royale by Dua Fragrances
- A Sweeter Smelling One: Ambery Saffron by Dossier
- Similar yet Different Designer Option: Greenwich Village by Bond No. 9
- Middle Eastern Cheapie with muskier profile: Ajmal Aristocrat, 2.5 Oz–
Which Perfumes Smell Similar to 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.
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.
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.
Crystals
Crystal by ALT Fragrances– Another hyper-popular option in the ‘designer inspired’ category of related scents. Crystal really tries and mostly succeeds at doing its best Baccarat impression.
They’ve had many other good releases of this sort and Crystal continues that tradition. Like the others, there are slight variations. To me, this has a muskier take on this note structure, but everything else seems in balance.
The sillage is lighter and the performance isn’t to the same degree. Still quite good, but you’re also purchasing the ALT perfume for a fraction of the price, so some points will have to be given up.
Sweven 540
Sweven by Oakcha– Sweven is Oakcha’s inspired by version of Baccarat Rouge 540. This is a brand that I’ve only recently stumbled upon, so, I don’t have any experience with any of their fragrances as of yet.
But, it is highly popular and well reviewed for those of you who want yet another BR 540-esque perfume to test out. The pricing is about in line with many of the other options on this part of the list.
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.
The Type of Scent
Rouge 540 Type for Women– I haven’t tested this one out as of yet. However, The Fragrance Shop usually does a pretty good job at matching much of the same essence as the perfumes they’re trying to recreate.
I’ve tried a few of their men’s Chanel fragrance versions and they at least get the opening notes correct. The fragrances don’t generally have the same depth as the original and some of the base notes, really don’t come through in the perfume oil. I figured that I’d include this as another potential option, for those who want to give it a try.
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
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.
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.
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.
Sol de Janeiro
Cheirosa 68 Body Spray– This is kind of an odd one, that somehow has a resemblance to BR 540 and Burberry Her, but not entirely…and also is a body spray. So, performance isn’t going to be great with this one.
BUT, it still is rather nice, especially for the price point. It gives you a sweetness that is akin to Burberry Her, but also more tropical with dragon fruit and litchi leading the way.
While also, giving you a musky/aquatic base to work from that can also have that metallic-like aroma that you sometimes pick up with BR 540.
Again, kind of weird how they’re similar. Still, not a complete 1 to 1 smell by any means, and more like it has flashes of being like the MFK perfume. You’re just going to need to be a fan of candy-like levels of sweetness, because that’s what this can bring.
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.
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.
More Floral, Similar Aroma
Sunset Riot by Allsaints– There is a ton of overlap between this Allsaints release and BR 540, but Sunset Riot does have a pronounced orange blossom note that comes through for the duration. It’s a lighter wear than the Francis Kurkdjian, as well.
Sunset Riot gives you a great citrus vibe up top, along with the amber, and a kick from the pink pepper lurking underneath.
A bit woody, with those great floral notes led by the orange blossom. It is a very attractive, not overly sweet, and while it does have some thickness to its body; Sunset Riot doesn’t have much of a resinous feel, despite the amber.
Great option. Not cheap, but more affordable than our target. Can be tougher to find.
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.
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.
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.
Too Pure
Pure Addiction by Franck Olivier– It seemed like only a matter of time before this brand would throw its hat into the ring, with a similar styled scent to what we want. Pure Addiction is that release and it’s a good one.
This, isn’t the same exact smell, however. It’s lighter and has a greater use of citrus than BR 540. It’s a nice orange note that is paired with the amber and saffron, that we’ve come to expect in most of these fragrances.
It’s somewhat sweeter for most of the wear and in the dry down, Pure Addiction really does have a close resemblance to our target, and is another one for a fraction of the price. As of now, this one isn’t as widely available, but it is floating around.
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
Inexpensive VS Mist
Victoria’s Secret Midnight Bloom Fragrance Mist 250ml/8.4 fl. oz.– Midnight Bloom is a body mist from Victoria’s Secret that sort of splits the line between Cloud and BR 540. Note upfront, that you’re definitely not going to get the depth with a body spray.
It’s sweet and woody with a floral heart. Almost like a vanilla candy during the dry down period, as it were. The wood notes aren’t too prominent, either and it’s more of a generic white floral note, versus anything specific.
Again, another cheapie option, in body spray form. To me it leans more Cloud than Baccarat Rouge, but that opening does have that same sort of character…just devoid of any saffron.
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.
Cloud 2.0
Ariana Grande Cloud 2.0 Intense Eau De Parfum Ulta Exclusive 3.4 Ounce– So, Cloud Intense is pretty similar to the original listed above. However, it is slightly better in my opinion.
It has less of the pear note up top, but is smoother and joined by a rather nice use of ambroxan. It is more substantial than the more sheer original Cloud. Also, it’s middle act has a creamier aroma with the whipped cream, coconut, and other notes getting more time to shine.
Overall, it’s not much more powerful than the original Cloud, but maybe an extra hour or so of wear. I’m adding this perfume to the list, because it is another option for those who like both BR540 and the Ariana Grande alternative. Cloud Intense Review
Extrait
Baccarat Rouge 540 Extrait de Parfum– If you want something that’s like the original, why not opt for its flanker perfume? Obviously, Extrait isn’t a Baccarat Rouge 540 dupe.
BR 540 Extrait is the better fragrance, in my opinion. It lasts longer, has more power, and a bittersweet opening act with more saffron and an additional almond note.
The performance with the original is great, but this one is insane on my skin. It isn’t a massive projecting perfume for the entirety of the wear, but it will stay on the skin for 14+ hours, to the point I’m not entirely sure when it fades. On a shirt, it just doesn’t seem to go away.
Yes, this is a pricier fragrance. But, I might as well include it for those who want the better option and not just another inexpensive attempt at being similar. Oh, here’s my comparison between: BR 540 vs. 540 Extrait
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.
Opulence for a Low Price
Opulent Musk by Lattafa– This one is somewhat related to Baccarat, but wouldn’t be the first option if you want a complete overlap. It’s a bit brighter with citrus joining the saffron early. I think early it has more of that ‘medical/dentist office’ aroma that people talk about with 540.
Later, that changes and you get a perfume that is a solid mix of musk, ambroxan, and white floral notes. It too has a woody resinous like our target, so, it is easy to pick up on the comparisons.
On the whole, it’s fairly close, but Opulent Musk stands out as being more distinct than the other Lattafa fragrance on the list.
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.
Best Men’s Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with different fragrances, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, I have written hundreds of reviews and other pages about perfumes and colognes.
