I stand by the fact Baccarat Rouge 540 is worth its price tag—here's why now is the time to buy it

It's spenny, but nothing can compare

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Black Friday
(Image credit: Future)

As a beauty editor who is pretty up to scratch on the best perfumes (seriously, I specialise in fragrance and spend all day, every day testing out every scent that comes my way), trust me when I say Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 is every bit as delicious as you've heard. The previously niche scent has been garnering unprecedented popularity over the past few years, and I think it's now safe to say it's one of the most popular perfumes of our time. In fact, I can barely walk down the street without walking by someone wearing Baccarat Rouge 540—which is quite incredible considering it costs £155 for 30ml and an eye-watering £245 for 70ml.

Yep, £245 for the full-size bottle. However, I have some good news for those of you have been holding off the big investment of Baccarat Rouge 540 and waiting for a sign—Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Black Friday deals are officially starting. Although Black Friday itself isn't here just yet, a couple of retailers, like Harvey Nichols and John Lewis, have already slashed their prices on the iconic fragrance, and if last year's trends were anything to go by, other retailers should be following suit in the coming days.


Baccarat Rouge 540 Black Friday Links


And as a beauty editor, I can confirm this is quite a big deal. You see, luxury beauty products like Baccarat Rouge 540 are rarely included in sales. But this year you can get 15% off, meaning you can secure a 35ml bottle for £132 or, better yet, the hair mist (which works in much the same way as perfume) for £64.

When it comes to experiencing the joy of Baccarat Rouge 540 without having to spend triple figures, the hair mist is a great option. It smells exactly the same, it just possesses a little less staying power than the eau de parfum.

And it's worth noting here that when it comes to Black Friday beauty deals, I always recommend that you shop with conscience. Instead of panic buying an array of products that risk gathering dust or sitting unused in the back of drawers for years to come, my advice is to always have a plan. Set out with a considered list of products you have always liked to try, but would definitely appreciate a hefty saving on.

As a beauty editor (and expert beauty shopper) this is a technique I have shared with friends for many years, and this year, Baccarat Rouge 540 is one of the most sought-after Black Friday beauty savings I've come across. In fact, almost all of my beauty-loving friends have already asked me about it. My advice to them? Buying the real thing (as opposed to the countless dupes on offer) is always the right move. I have smelled countless fragrances that bear distinctive similarities to Baccarat Rouge 540, and none of them come close to achieving that same expensive-smelling, luxurious aroma of the original.

Why? Because Baccarat Rouge 540 is a truly special scent, and I can assure you it's far from a fad product. It's expensive, sure, but it's the sort of perfume that really makes you feel something. It's so special, in fact, that despite the fact I own over 100 perfumes (it's my job, what I can say), I still consider Baccarat Rouge 540 my most cherished to this day.

And while TikTok might have you believe it's possible to find Baccarat Rouge 540 'dupes' for a fraction of the price (there's one particular Zara perfume and Sol de Janeiro Body Mist which are regularly talked about in such a way), I'm telling you it's not. None of the high-street perfumes out there compare to the original.

Best Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Black Friday deals

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum 35ml
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum 35ml: was £155 now £131.75 at Harvey Nichols UK

This 35ml version is very often out of stock in big retailers, so this deal at Harvey Nichols is particularly impressive.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum 70ml
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum 70ml: was £245 now £208.25 at Harvey Nichols UK

Harvey Nichols is offering 15% off Baccarat Rouge 540. Just add the perfume to your basket and receive the discount at checkout.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian  Baccarat Rouge 540 Scented Hair Mist 70ml
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Scented Hair Mist 70ml: was £75 now £63.75 at Harvey Nichols UK

While the eau de parfum is very, very expensive, this Baccarat Rouge 540 hair mist can be spritzed onto hair (like a perfume), doing much the same job. It doesn't come with the longevity, but it's a much more affordable entry to the fragrance.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Sparkling Body Oil
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Sparkling Body Oil: was £195 now £165.75 at Harvey Nichols UK

This sparkling body oil is the epitome of luxury—and it leaves skin looking beautifully glowing.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Scented Candle
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Scented Candle: was £95 now £80.75 at Harvey Nichols UK

This candle is, hands down, one of the best cosy candles out there. Genuinely, you'll never experience anything else like it.

What does Baccarat Rouge 540 smell like?

With notes of amber, saffron, jasmine, ambergris and cedarwood, it possesses a sweet warmth that swaddles the wearer in a veil of luxury so unique it makes the price tag kind of worth it. 

So, if you have been waiting for the perfect moment to try Baccarat Rouge 540 for yourself (or gift it to a loved one for Christmas), now's the the time to get it for 15% off. If you're not quite committed enough to splurge on the full-size 70ml bottle, why not opt for the hair mist or hand wash instead (both of which are also 15% off)?

Shannon Lawlor
Executive Beauty Editor

Shannon Lawlor is the Executive Beauty Editor at Marie Claire. With nearly a decade of experience working for some of the beauty industry’s most esteemed titles, including Who What Wear, Glamour UK, Stylist and Refinery29, Shannon’s aim is to make the conversation around beauty as open, relatable and honest as possible. As a self-confessed lazy girl, Shannon has an affinity for hard-working perfumes, fool-proof make-up products and does-it-all skincare.