Since perfumes are personal, it’s nearly impossible to find one that’s well-loved by everyone. Even the most sought-after scents go in and out of popularity at a rapid pace. But among fragrances that can stand the test of trends and time, there's one particular scent that always comes to mind.
Meet Baccarat Rouge 540, a.k.a. the best-selling scent of Maison Francis Kurkdjian. It’s so well-known that we’re certain you’ve seen the iconic red bottle before or at least whiffed its scent from an acquaintance unknowingly. While the perfume’s hashtag continues to garner millions of views on TikTok to this day, it’s already been popular among international celebrities like Olivia Rodrigo and Kacey Musgraves long before it went viral on the platform.
Learn more about why everyone’s been raving about it in our comprehensive breakdown below!
What Is Maison Francis Kurkdjian?
Maison Francis Kurkdijan was founded by CEO Marc Chaya and master perfumer Francis Kurkdjian in 2009, following the success of the latter’s creations for prestigious fashion designers. The Parisian brand was best known as a luxury fragrance house that offered innovative yet elegant high-end fragrances made with high-quality ingredients. Unlike many beauty brands at the time, they use both modern and traditional techniques to create unique scents that are equal parts timeless and contemporary. Kurkdjian is also very hands-on with every step of the creation process, from conceptualizing the fragrance to fine-tuning the final product.
The fragrance house eventually joined the LVMH Group in 2016, which led to its continued expansion and popularity. Currently, Maison Francis Kurkdjian is one of the leading brands in the global fragrance market, with its products being offered in over 70 countries.
What Is Maison Francis Kurkdjian's Baccarat Rouge 540?
Baccarat Rouge 540 is classified as a unisex amber floral fragrance. Launched in 2015, the woody fragrance was the result of Kurkdjian’s encounter with the crystal manufacturer Baccarat.
The scent pulls you in with an inviting blend of jasmine and saffron accompanied by the slightest hint of lemon for added radiance. It then releases sensual notes of amberwood that linger beautifully on the skin, enveloping your senses in the fragrances of clary sage and ambergris. To balance out the earthy sweetness of the top and middle notes, the well-rounded scent closes with the subtle spice of red cedar and the musky tones of fir resin.
No one describes the scent’s appeal better than Kurkdjian himself: “Its unusual sillage makes this perfume mysterious. Baccarat Rouge 540 embodies the alchemy of the senses.” In other words, it’s a naturally alluring fragrance that will last long after your day has ended.
Why Do People Love Baccarat Rouge 540?
If you’ve never encountered the scent personally, you’re probably wondering what makes it so special to many. Beyond being raved about on TikTok, it’s also a fragrance that’s been referenced in the Gossip Girl reboot and featured in the K-drama Mine. There must be something that makes it stand out, right?
Well, there’s honestly no single answer to this question. The thousands of five-star reviews online sing a wide variety of praises, and so do the celebrities and influencers who swear by the fragrance. Here’s what some of them had to say about the product to give you a better idea!
1. Heart Evangelista
“This one’s the Baccarat Rouge 540. Also really, really nice, lasts me the whole day. You don’t really have to get a huge bottle or else all of your feelings [will be] in one bottle ,and then if there’s an accident [and] it breaks, it’s forever lost. [That’s] exactly what happened to me, so I always get them in smaller bottles just in case of any eventualities.”
2. Michelle Dy
“If there’s one smell that could describe my taste in perfume perfectly, it would be [Baccarat Rouge 540]. Ito na ‘yung summary ng lahat lahat ng sinabi ko. What I like about this one is it feels like you’re spraying luxury. Itong smell is someone na hindi bababa ng P40,000 ‘yung magiging bill niyo ‘pag siya ‘yung kasama mo…If you want to smell expensive, this is the scent for you.”
3. Bella Racelis
“[Baccarat Rouge 540] is my top favorite, it’s my go-to scent. I’ve gone through a lot of bottles…It lasts the whole day. I think ito ‘yung pinaka long-lasting perfume that I’ve tried kasi kahit kinabukasan, amoy pa rin. I think a lot of you know how this perfume smells like because it’s been trending. It’s kind of pricey but totally worth it! You just need a few sprays and you’re good to go.”
How Much Does Baccarat Rouge 540 Cost?
Like other luxury items, Baccarat Rouge 540 doesn’t come cheap. For nearly P23,000, you can buy the mid-sized bottle of the Baccarat Rouge 54 Extrait de Parfum from Rustans.
Baccarat Rouge 540 Extrait de Parfum, P22,950, MAISON FRANCIS KURKDJIAN, Rustans
If that’s too steep, you can try out the milder Eau de Parfum variant for a little less at P15,800. It’s definitely not the most affordable from the get-go, but it’s cost-efficient when you think about how potent just a single spritz is!
Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum, P15,800, MAISON FRANCIS KURKDIJAN, Rustans
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