Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum review

Full review

Baccarat Rouge 540 was created by Francis Kurkdjian to celebrate the 250th anniversary of crystal maker Baccarat, and it has since become one of the most copied perfumes on the market. MFK names jasmine and saffron alongside an ambergris accord and dry woods, built on two modern materials: Hedione, which gives a light, airy jasmine, and Ambroxan, a warm amber-wood molecule. A gourmand ingredient gives its famous burnt-sugar sweetness.

The effect is glowing and almost weightless: sweet, slightly metallic amber with a dry woody edge. Some people find it easy to smell and others find it fades to a skin scent, possibly because some people struggle to smell Ambroxan.

It is the most expensive fragrance on this page, and countless cheaper dupes copy the style. But the original is smoother and more balanced than most imitations. If you want a luxurious present for someone who loves sweet, warm scents, the 35 ml bottle or 3 x 11 ml travel set is the sensible way in.