Undoubtedly one of the most popular—and, dare we say, iconic—fragrances of the past year has been the crown jewel of fragrance house Maison Francis Kurkdjian, Baccarat Rouge 540. The problem, though, is that anyone who’s decided to make the sweet, luxurious Eau de Parfum their signature scent is dropping $325 per bottle, minimum. If the sticker shock of that price has kept you from experiencing this olfactory masterpiece for yourself, we have a little surprise to share: Maison Francis Kurkdjian just launched a limited edition, gold-flecked body oil version of the scent, which retails for $130 less than the spritz-on iteration ($195 for 200mL, to be specific).
If you have yet to catch a whiff of the refined fragrance, allow me to explain what you’re in for. At first sniff, you’ll be treated to an enchanting dance of saffron and jasmine; amber wood and ambergris; fir resin, and cedar. These notes come together to create the “amber floral” combination that characterizes the scent. Several people say it smells like a sexy, sophisticated, cotton candy—not tooth-achingly sweet (at all), but definitely caramelized. One reviewer even called it “catnip for men,” and, well, do what you will with that information.
To translate the scent into body oil form, the noses behind Maison Francis Kurkdjian used a blend of apricot, macadamia, and argan oils mixed with 24-karat gold powder (#luxe). According to the brand, Baccarat Rouge 540 Rouge À L’or Sparkling Body Oil is “inspired by the golden red crystal obtained through the alchemic metamorphosis of transparent crystal which turns red when fused with 24-carat gold powder at 540 degrees Celsius,” which sounds both academic and expensive. Perhaps the ultimate luxury flex is the ability to massage both gold and one of the world’s most exclusive scents into your skin at the same time—and we say, “treat yourself.”