It's Not You...It's Your Baccarat Rouge 540.
Alternatives To The Cartier Love Bracelet Of Fragrances.
Here I am, being the drama once again!
That should be the title of my memoir. Anyway, despite my rather bold statement in, It’s Not You…It’s Your Cartier Love Bracelet, you seemed to enjoy my take on alternatives to the Birkin of bracelets. One of the things I love about our relationship is you appreciate my honesty. Look at us evolving. Therefore, I’m making “Its Not You…It’s…” a series where I recommend unique alternatives to products that have become a little too…mainstream. I promise, no judgement!
However, I may judge you a little bit if you’re reading this and haven’t subscribed already…
Between us, I blame Tik Tok.
As Samantha Jones from Sex and The City once said, “First come the gays, then the girls, then the industry.” In this case, first came the Baccarat devotees, then the celebrities, then the masses. In 2014 Maison Francis Kurkdjian's Baccarat Rouge 540 was originally created as a limited one-off 250 bottle release for the luxury crystal house Baccarat’s 250th anniversary. She was exclusive but that didn’t last long. More than ten years later, Baccarat Rouge 540 (BR540) has quickly become one of the most famous and viral fragrances in the world. Dare I say, the Cartier Love bracelet of fragrances. Currently, the hashtag for the fragrance on TikTok has received 432 million views to date. See my point?
The year was 2023 and I knew things were dire. I was at the gym pretending to workout and what did I smell from the stair master next to me? Baccarat Rouge! I understand the woman in question wanted to smell good but for $335 a bottle we can do better. Preferably outside of the gym. The point is Rihanna’s (alleged) favorite scent is everywhere and on everyone. I’ve smelled it in elevators, doctors offices and even the subway.
Before you break up with me again…
I admit that the appeal of BR540 is not lost on me. Okay fine, it smells delicious, luxurious and intoxicating! Amber, jasmine and saffron unite in a unisex fragrance that’s warm, slightly sweet, a bit floral and mildly woody with hint of spice. It’s sensual without being too sexy. Ideal.
You caught me!
I’ll admit, I used to wear BR540 in 2017. I even stepped it up a notch and bought the extrait version. Eventually, I stopped wearing it in 2019 when my neighbor recognized the scent. I knew at that moment I had to move on in the same way I hope you have all moved on from Le Labo’s Santal 33. I’ll save that for another post.
Obviously if you love Baccarat Rouge, continue wearing it! As you know, I’m all for smelling good but fragrance should be personal and highlight your identity. Why smell like everyone else?
My recommendations are not dupes.
I explored a number of different perfumes, some of which I have and some which I discovered when I left behind the iconic perfume in 2019. I’ve spent hours at Bergdorfs and Scent Bar. I needed a shower by the time I came home, but it was worth it for you! I’m extremely picky and eighty percent of the options I tried did not make the cut. I sprayed the winners on various body parts, smelled, waited for them to dry down and wore them all over the Upper East Side.
Let’s be clear, my suggestions do not smell like BR540 in the literal sense…
Because nothing does. However, they are similar in spirit. When you wear BR540 people are immediately drawn in. I looked for niche fragrances from a scent profile perspective that were warm and had a touch of sweetness without being overpowering. Notes of wood, amber, spice with hints of white florals are present in many of my selections. What the scents below and BR540 also have in common is they are unique, memorable, luxurious and happen to be unisex. They all have depth—meaning, you may not know what notes compose the perfume, but you know it smells good. I guarantee these fragrances will have people asking, “What are you wearing?” It’s up to you if you tell them. (Don’t!)
If you find yourself in the Maison Francis Kurkdjian section of the store…
Do me a favor and try Gentle Fluidity Gold. In my opinion, this is the older more sophisticated sister of BR540. On initial spray the vanilla and amber shine through with warmth and sweetness. As it dries down you get a trail of coriander and woody notes that create a very elegant scent. Perfect for a first date!
Angélique Noire by Guerlain
You should remember how much I love Guerlain fragrances from our first date. Angélique Noire is probably my favorite from my BR540 list and I bought it on the spot. Admittedly, I have no idea what angelica flowers smell like but the scent is intoxicating and sensual. If BR540 was a trendy restaurant full of influencers, Angélique Noire is the hidden gem with twelve seats that your chic friend (me) told you about.
Spiky Muse by Ex Nihilo
Overall, Spiky Muse is a little sweeter and more floral than BR540 but the woody spice adds warmth and depth that combine perfectly. The rose note initially concerned me but you hardly notice it’s there, purely providing a richness and elegance.
Hibiscus Mahajád by Maison Crivelli
I was completely surprised by Hibiscus Mahajád in the best way possible. The 32% extrait concentration means this fragrance will last and projects beautifully without being overpowering. I got so many compliments throughout the day and similar to BR540 this fragrance doesn’t mind being the star of the show.
La Cautiva by Fueguia 1833
I love Fueguia 1833 perfumes because they use high quality raw materials that blend with the person’s skin PH to accentuate the scent. Similar to BR540 La Cautiva is flirty, captivating and honestly, quite yummy.
Don’t we all smell better now?
Well if you take my suggestions you will. I don’t know how Maison Francis Kurkdjian will feel but I think we can collectively agree BR540 has had its run.
Between us, I almost added the new Parfums De Marly Valaya Exclusif to the list but held back because it was slightly too powdery compared to BR540. I’m also worried it will become insanely popular but I urge you to try it.
To be honest, I could have added a couple more to the list so leave a comment and we can discuss further. Debating in the comments really takes our relationship to the next level.
See you next Friday! I won’t be fashionably late this time.
XO XO
Grace
Sadly, it seems barely anyone has moved on from Santal 33 in San Francisco. It's like everyone takes a bath in it every day and are stoked to be basic.
See also; Tom Ford Black Orchid 15 years ago 💔