This Scent Smells Like Baccarat Rouge 540, But Way Cheaper

Let’s be honest—we’ve all heard about Baccarat Rouge 540 by Maison Francis Kurkdjian. It’s rich, it’s luxurious, and it smells like money. But at $335 per bottle, it’s not exactly a casual buy. So when I found out about 149 by The Scent Reserve, a perfume inspired by Baccarat Rouge 540 that costs less than £15, I had to see what the hype was about.

Turns out? It’s really good.

What Makes Baccarat Rouge 540 So Special?

Baccarat Rouge 540 is known as one of the most iconic and loved fragrances in the luxury world. Created by French perfumer Francis Kurkdjian, this unisex scent blends floral, amber, and woody notes in a way that’s hard to forget.

Here are its main notes:

Top Notes: Saffron and jasmine
Middle Notes: Amberwood and ambergris
Base Notes: Fir resin and cedar

What makes it even more special is its projection (how far the scent travels) and longevity (how long it lasts). One spray and you’ll still smell it at the end of the day. It’s bold, airy, sweet, and musky—all at once. But again, the price. It’s beautiful but far from budget-friendly.

Enter: 149 by The Scent Reserve

Image Source: The Scent Reserve

Shop £15

149 by The Scent Reserve is their take on Baccarat Rouge 540. It comes in a minimalist bottle, but what’s inside is the real surprise.

Here are the notes in 149:

Top Notes: Blood orange and citrus
Middle Notes: Lavender, sage, and saffron
Base Notes: Oak, oakmoss, and ambergris

It opens up with a fresh and bright citrus hit (which Baccarat doesn’t have), then settles into a warm amber and woody scent that’s very close to the original. It may not be an exact match, but it's clearly inspired and gives off the same elegant, sweet-amber vibe.

Comparing the Two: Baccarat Rouge 540 vs. 149

1. Scent Similarity149 is impressively close to Baccarat Rouge 540 in the dry-down phase (what you smell after a few minutes on your skin). That signature ambergris warmth is there, and the sweetness that people love in BR540 is present too. The main difference? 149 starts with a brighter, citrus twist, while BR540 feels smoother and more floral.

2. Longevity & Strength Baccarat Rouge 540 lasts 8–12 hours and has a strong scent trail (people will notice when you walk by). 149 lasts about 4–6 hours on me, and the scent stays a little closer to the skin. But for a $9.99 fragrance? That’s seriously impressive.

3. Packaging BR540 comes in a fancy glass bottle with gold accents. 149 is more minimal, but clean and functional. You’re clearly paying for presentation with the original.

Why 149 Is Worth It

Affordable: You don’t have to break the bank to smell amazing.
Great Everyday Option: Save the real thing for special occasions and wear 149 day-to-day.
Cruelty-Free & Vegan: 149 is made in the UK with ethical standards.
Compliment Magnet: People will ask what you're wearing, and most won’t guess it's a dupe.

Final Thoughts

If you love the vibe of Baccarat Rouge 540 but can’t justify the price tag, 149 by The Scent Reserve is honestly a no-brainer. While it may not have the exact same depth or luxury feel, it gives you a super close experience for a fraction of the price.

It’s sweet, bold, warm, and long-lasting enough to leave an impression—everything you'd want in a signature scent. At £15, this scent does the most without emptying your wallet. And let’s be real: smelling expensive without spending big? That’s a win in any book.