April 29, 2021

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 A Naughty Little Gourmand

I purchased this item and I receive a small commission if you shop using the links in this post.
5 stars out of 5

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 has gotten some serious airtime last year and into this year on social media and across beauty blogger and influencer accounts. Although, it’s gaining popularity now it’s actually been part of MFK’s permanent catalog since 2015. The fragrance was created by Francis Kurkdjian and contains notes of jasmine, saffron, cedar wood, and ambergris. To me it plays a starring role in the Maison Francis Kurkdjian fragrance line.

I’m late a comer to my love of BR540 as I purchased my first bottle in 2018. I avoided it for a long time and never bothered smelling it because the cedar wood, ambergris, and saffron notes didn’t appeal. I felt positive it would be a spice bomb or would smell as deep and dark as Thierry Mugler’s Angel. I personally have a love hate relationship with Angel and I really have to be in some sort of mood to wear it. It’s absolutely filthy and really dark. It’s definitely one of those forbidden cotton candy scents (as is Baccarat Rouge 540 but on a way better scale).

As with most luxury fragrances Baccarat Rouge 540 doesn’t come cheap and bottles start at $300. Today is actually the last day of the cosbar.com sale and this scent is on sale so, if you’re wanting it now would be a good time to grab it. It’s also, on sale at Saks.com for 10% Off!

Baccarat Rouge 540 comes in two flavors which are Extrait de Parfum and Eau de Parfum. Both smell the same but obviously the sillage is different and of course, the prices. Most Parfum and Extrait formulas use anywhere from 12% to 30% perfume oil. Extrait is obviously the highest level of perfume oil you’re getting. I do like the Extrait a bit more. Both smell the same but I get a bit more depth, longevity, and throw from the Extrait.

My nose is not experienced enough to detect each note here. I can’t say I smell jasmine or saffron or cedarwood, nor do I smell the darkness that comes along with ambergris.

I actually have to explain the fragrance in a really basic way because it’s just so complex and unique and difficult to explain without truly be a fragrance aficionado. I love fragrance, adore it, but my nose isn’t that of a master perfumer.

Initially Baccarat Rouge 540 comes on very strong and heavy during that first mist but it quickly eases and becomes sugary and warm. I get a woodsy sugar when it’s wet on my skin with a warm, comforting note of amber that feels like a hard hug from the man you love. It’s masculine that way! As it dries down it retains the balance of sugary sweetness but more warmth is added as the sugar becomes more burnt and caramel-like. To me it gives off naughty cotton candy vibes! An adult cotton candy if you will but not the cotton candy you’d experience from Pink Sugar. This is way more adult, way more mature, way more luxurious and rich not to mention super classy.

The scent takes you on a real journey. It’s very heady and swirls around you all day. The Extrait is richer and deeper with a long wear but the perfume isn’t a slacker! It has excellent throw and wears long. It engulfs you in a bubble of sweet warmth all day and well through the night. And in the heat? Oh lord, in the heat it’ll warm up on your body and become like melted burnt sugar. It’s divine. I swear I want to lick my arm when I’m wearing this. It gives off flirty, sexy vibes! It’s one of those empowering scents that makes you feel stunning when you wear it!

And that my friends, is Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540.

Are you a fan?

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Where to buy

Cosbar Saks Neiman Marcus Nordstrom

I purchased this item and I receive a small commission if you shop using the links in this post.

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Swoozy

    I so wanted this to be a spice bomb! All I get from it is the sweetness, but no cedar or ambergris. I guess my wallet thanks me for that?

    • Isabella Muse

      I don’t get any of the notes listed. Just sugary warmth! A little caramel and mind you none of that is actually in here!

  • Lexi

    This is my daily wear! Haven’t tried the Extrait tho, will have to try it. It smells very burnt sugar on me, but in a more sophisticated way.

    • Isabella Muse

      Do it! It’s a little more warm and it projects better imho! And yup! Very burn sugar but sophisticated!

  • LS

    MUSE I had to revisit this post because I just realized my precious illicit sample of this stuff as purchased off etsy is the EXTRAIT and not the regular perfume lord help me. I’ve been watching all your sale notices and wondering if I could swing the perfume but now I realize the precious vial I’ve come to know and love is EXTRAIT and not the eau [crying emoji]. At least I realized it before I ponied up for Eau and was disappointed somehow. I’m gonna put a bottle in the corner and put quarters in it to save up like the Up couple.

    • Isabella Muse

      awwwww! The extrait is def a richer fragrance with a longer wear! I’ll let ya know if it goes on sale again!

  • Michael

    I enjoy this fragrance and owned both at one time but ended up sticking with the EDP. The Extrait has a pronounced almond note that gives it more of a richer gourmand wear. The EDP is brighter and more airy which wears well in the warmer months… if you go easy on the trigger.
    Great review!