The list of universal crowd-pleaser perfumes is short, but there’s perhaps no better example than Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 (aka BR540). Originally intended to be a limited-edition launch in 2016 with only 250 bottles released, it’s now a best-selling mainstay in the luxury fragrance universe—not to mention Olivia Rodrigo’s go-to scent.
What makes Baccarat Rouge 540 so special? “It’s exotic and luxurious yet balanced enough to wear every day,” says fragrance expert Leila Zagwolsky. Floral jasmine, spicy saffron, fresh cedarwood, and the musk of sweet ambergris are combined to deliver a unique unisex aroma most people gravitate toward. But it’s expensive, with bottles priced upwards of $600. Luckily for you, we found some of the best perfumes similar to Baccarat Rouge 540.
Key Notes: Saffron, amber wood, ambergris, jasmine | Size: 2–3.4 oz
If you’re looking for a dupe, Al Haramain Amber Oud might be the closest you can get. The notes in this perfume are almost identical to those in Baccarat Rouge 540, namely saffron, jasmine, and ambergris. But you don’t have to take our word for it—from TikTok to Reddit to Amazon reviews, countless internet sources have commented on how similar the two are.
Though the scent may not last as long as other formulas, this fragrance has the same warmth and sweetness as the real thing while maintaining a unisex versatility. It doesn’t hurt that the gold bottle is chic and expensive-looking too.
Key Notes: Saffron, citrus, amber, jasmine, rose | Size: 2–4 oz
“This performs and projects just like Baccarat Rouge 540,” says Zagwolsky. It has similar notes and a full-bodied profile, combining jasmine and amber with rose for a touch of softness to the middle notes. The fragrance leads with saffron, but it’s paired with citrus and ginger to make it lighter and more refreshing.
Key Notes: Saffron, orange blossom, cedarwood, amber, plum | Size: 1.7–3.4 oz
The main thing driving people to seek dupes of Baccarat Rouge 540 is that it’s exorbitantly expensive. If you want to save money with a scent that mimics the OG, Dossier won’t let you down. We’re not quite sure how they do it, but this brand is known for making inexpensive alternatives to some of the priciest perfumes out there.
Ambery Saffron is a unisex fragrance with all the usual suspects (including the oh-so-important amber and saffron), along with some unique additions, like plum and oak moss, to give it a slightly different dry down.
Key Notes: Bergamot, saffron, rose, oud | Size: 3.4 ouz
According to Zagwolsky, this is a nice unisex fragrance—one reason Baccarat Rouge 540 is so popular is that it appeals to and smells good on people of all gender identities. Tonka bean cuts the sweetness (which comes from a brown sugar base note), but it still has whispers of amber and saffron. Opening bergamot also gives Arabians Tonka a pleasant freshness to further balance out the creamy aroma.
Key Notes: Saffron, oud, rose, date oil, halva | Size: 0.3–2.9 oz
Muscat by Ormonde Jayne Another is another one of Zagwolsky’s picks. This amber-esque oud fragrance is warm and spicy but also very sweet—potentially too sweet for some. If you like a creamy, fruity aroma, you’ll get it here from the notes of date oil, which Zagwolsky says is unique for a fragrance. It does dry down slightly less sweet, but keep in mind it has an intense sillage that may turn heads.
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Lighter than Baccarat Rouge 540
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Uplifting, effervescent profile
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Expert-recommended
Key Notes: Citrus, orange blossom, rose, amber, musk, aldehyde | Size: 1.7 oz
Baccarat Rouge 540 is many things, but “fresh” isn’t usually a word used to describe it. If you prefer something a bit lighter, Zagwolsky says this is an excellent alternative. She describes it as effervescent, thanks to top notes of bright orange blossoms. Meanwhile, citrus adds an uplifting, sunny appeal, while warmer amber and musk call back those BR540 vibes.
Key Notes: Saffron, geranium, rose, jasmine, ambergris, amber, musk, moss | Size: 1.7–3.4 oz
Ambergris, saffron, jasmine—yep—here’s another pick with almost the same notes as Baccarat Rouge 540. But the addition of geranium, rose, and moss makes Midnight In Milan come across as slightly lighter with a fresh, floral front. It’s on the milder side for a BR540 dupe, but we appreciate how hints of amber and musk make it warmer and moodier.
Key Notes: Amber, cedarwood, vanilla orchid, apple | Size: 0.25–3.4 oz
If you’re drawn to the warm, sexy profile of Baccarat Rouge 540, Super Amber might be the one. As the name suggests, this fragrance leads with amber and meets it with the sweet juiciness of apple, balancing it all out with cedarwood and vanilla orchid that lend a slightly gourmand touch. We love the cozy, mysterious vibe—a stellar choice for fall and winter.
Key Notes: Saffron, Asian pomelo, juniper berry, blonde woods, black violet, leather | Size: 1.7–3.4 oz
If you like Baccarat Rouge 540 but tend to reach for citrus scents, Byredo Black Saffron has your name on it. This genderless fragrance opens with bright notes of Asian pomelo and crisp juniper berries, mellowed into a golden sillage led by saffron. Small touches of black violet and leather complement the woody, vetiver base.
Key Notes: Saffron, ambroxan, incense, musk | Size: 3.4 oz
We like how Crystal Saffron by Matiere Premiere opens with the spiciness of saffron and mimics the warm, earthy undertones of BR540 with ambroxan and musk. This fragrance also contains incense oil to create a smoky, mystifying aura. It’s pretty intense, so a little goes a long way.
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Balances peppercorn with jasmine
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Similar profile to BR540
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Attractive, weighty bottle
Key Notes: Jasmine, peppercorn, sage, amber | Size: 1.7–3.4 oz
What Baccarat Rouge 540 does well is balance spicy notes with floral. Though it doesn’t have any saffron, Tom Ford’s Jasmin Rouge has a similar profile that marries jasmine with black and white peppercorn. These top notes are met with more subtle touches of earthy sage and warm, sweet amber. Though the price is inching toward the BR540 range, we think the weighty, red-tinted bottle would be a gorgeous addition to your fragrance collection.
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Intense but not overpowering
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Still noticeable hours after applying
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Remarkably similar profile to BR540
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Not unisex (for women)
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Doesn’t contain saffron
Key Notes: Jasmine, oud, musk, rose, tonka, spices | Size: 2.5 oz
This fragrance is intense but not overpowering and promises to last all day, thanks to the 25% perfume oil formulation. Though it doesn’t have saffron, the jasmine top note is met with spices, earthy oud, and sweet, musky tonka. The result is remarkably similar to Baccarat Rouge 540, but it’s marketed as a women’s perfume rather than a unisex scent.
Key Notes: Bergamot, musk, jasmine, patchouli | Size: 0.3–1.7 oz
While not necessarily as directly similar to BR540 as some other options we found, this is a prime pick for anyone looking for a cleaner, more natural fragrance. The brand actually discloses all of its ingredients (rare in the fragrance world) and is verified by the Environmental Working Group.
Henry Rose’s coyly named Last Light is reminiscent of BR540 in a few ways, including a middle note of jasmine and amber woods at the base. Meanwhile, bergamot and patchouli add hints of citrus and spice.
What to Look for in a Perfume Similar to Baccarat Rouge 540
- Key Notes: According to Zagwolsky, amber is a key part of the scent profile you’re looking for with a perfume similar to Baccarat Rouge 540, so ideally, a dupe will have that or another earthy, musky base like oud. “If the fragrance also has woods, saffron, and floral notes of jasmine or rose, you’re likely on the right path,” she adds.
- Sillage: The French word for “wake,” sillage essentially refers to the scent a perfume leaves behind as it dries down and evaporates. Baccarat Rouge 540 has a long sillage, which is generally associated with heavier or more intense perfumes. So if you want something close to it, look for fragrances with a continuously noticeable, long-lasting aroma.
- Unisex Profile: BR540 is a unisex fragrance. Not only does it appeal to all genders, but it smells good on virtually everyone. In other words, if you want a scent that mimics it, it likely won’t be a women’s perfume or a men’s cologne—at least, not exclusively.
- Price: Baccarat Rouge 540 is a luxury fragrance. The largest size is over $600, and the smaller bottle is over $300. If you’re looking for a dupe, you probably want something more budget-friendly. We found similar scents that range from under $50 to a couple hundred dollars.
Why Trust Byrdie
Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer and product reviewer specializing in cosmetics and gifts. With a keen interest in the history and culture of beauty, she loves exploring buying trends, dupes, and nostalgic products. Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there.
Meet the Expert:
- Leila Zagwolsky is a fragrance expert and the CEO & co-founder of LUXSB (Luxury Scent Box), a perfume subscription site.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough perfumes similar to Baccarat Rouge 540 from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at [email protected], and we will evaluate the product ASAP.