We Tried the Entire Baccarat Rouge Fragrance Line—Here’s What’s Worth the Splurge

“Baccarat Rouge 540 from Maison Francis Kurkdjian has been a classic staple in my fragrance rotation for years, and as a self-proclaimed perfume addict, that’s saying something. One of my favorite aspects of a fragrance is its longevity. What I especially love about Baccarat Rouge 540 is that I can still smell it on me after a long day of running around the city and even on my clothes the next day. If you find that you gravitate towards fragrances with amber notes like myself, this one is an absolute must. I reach for it year-round, which is rare in my fragrance rotation.

The amber is prominent in the extrait de parfum, but it has a beautiful combination of floral notes paired with an underlying woody musk that doesn’t feel too heavy for winter, yet isn’t light enough for summer. I’ve used both the extrait de parfum and eau de parfum separately, and honestly, one of my favorite things is to layer them together—talk about longevity.

They’re both very similar, but I do find the eau de parfum to be somewhat lighter and more prominent with floral notes. However, when paired together, they seem to complement each other’s note differences, creating a beautiful blend. If I could only pick 2 fragrances to take with me on a trip, this is definitely one combo I can always depend on and never get tired of.”

“I keep my bottle of Baccarat 540 perfume on hand for special occasions. It’s the perfect way to add a little extra zhuzh to a black-tie or business-formal outfit, but it’s not in my everyday scent wardrobe. Having it as hand soap, however, has been an everyday luxury that has elevated something that typically feels mundane.

It leaves my hands with a subtle amber-and-wood scent that lingers for a while. Plus, all my guests are obsessed with using it.”

“I’m a sucker for a shimmery body oil, so when I found out I could snag one infused with the delectable Baccarat Rouge 540 scent, I was overly keen to give it a go. As a fan of the original fragrance, I was expecting the scent to be strong, but it’s delightfully subtle, making it perfect for extending the longevity of my morning spritz of the classic perfume. It’s also understated enough to layer with other complementary fragrances and gradually wears down throughout the day. By evening, I have to put my nose close to my skin to catch it.

Fragrance aside, the oil itself has the ideal amount of shimmer. It’s not so glittery that it feels costume-y, but there’s enough to give my skin a healthy, sun-kissed effect that catches the light beautifully. It also dries down quickly, so I don’t have to stand around waiting for it to absorb before getting dressed. And thanks to apricot kernel and macadamia oils, it delivers pretty impressive hydration.”

“The Baccarat fragrances are really known for filling up a room, and I like that this one does it without yelling. The extrait doesn’t read smoky or sticky-sweet, and it takes up space with an ambery, sweet, woodsy presence.”

“The first time I ever remember smelling Baccarat Rouge 540, I was in college. My best friend was gifted a tiny sample size, and we sprayed it over the course of a few weeks until the very last drop. I remember it being intoxicating, a truly classic scent that I never wanted to layer (which I was and am still known to do with my fragrances) just so that I could bask in the scent uninterrupted.

I still love the fragrance to this day. The floral, amber notes make for the perfect everyday signature, and the woody notes tend to read a bit spicier on my skin, which is nice and a little unexpected. It’s a classic for a reason.”

“If you’re a Baccarat Rouge 540 devotee, you probably wish your apartment could smell just like your signature scent. Well, now it can. This candle fills the room with the fragrance’s signature warm, woody sweetness without ever feeling overpowering.

It’s rich, cozy, and undeniably luxurious, with an impressive throw that lingers long after the flame goes out. Yes, the price is steep, but between the chic red-and-gold design and instantly recognizable scent, I consider it a worthwhile investment.”

I succumbed to the Baccarat 540 hype so quickly that I have just about every form of this scent. Alone, the fragrance smells lush, elegant, and slightly woody, so to lift it a bit further, I love reaching for this scented body oil.

The formula is nourishing and fast-absorbing, and leaves a subtle glimmer on the skin as it dries. While its scent is not as strong or as long-lasting as its counterpart, its oil helps the perfume last even longer.