Barakkat Rouge 540 Extrait de Parfum

I did not have high hopes for this dupe, and I’m a bit embarrassed how much I actually like it (I have the EDP version which is not listed on Fragrantica). It has a certain elegance and sophistication that contrasts with the addictive nature of the scent, suggesting an underlying desire for intimacy, or at least this is how I read it. It sparks intrigue, leaves the person smelling it wanting more. And she lasts. In general, one of the great strengths of the BR540 DNA is the complete lack of resemblance to scents one might find in a Walmart. Many people complain that certain scents remind them of cleaning products or candles, or even old ladies, teenage boys, etcetera. This smells far more exotic. If I had to compare it to something, I would say it is like a smooth, high quality incense blend with a tinge of sweetness, but even this is not a great explanation. It is an exquisite blend of saffron, deep woods, jasmine, almond, musk, and a touch of cold metal that feels like it should contrast with the warmth of the scent profile, but rather sharpens its deeper notes. A perfect fragrance for the nighttime, although it can be worn in the day if you’re inclined. Smells great on any gender, but works best if you can embody the intrigue that the scent emanates. Also a wonderful fragrance for winding down for bed, and actually remains on my skin long enough to greet me when I wake up in the morning 🤤

I smell raspberry cotton candy with the burning metal machine. I think almond notes tend to smell like cherry, the blend here is really giving me a gorgeous deep resinous raspberry. It is so immersive in depicting a cotton candy machine at the fair and it is so sweet and dense yet airy at the same time, just like dense shards of charring sugar and the spun cloud at the same time, the wiry strands and the soft fluff. I only fear the metallic aspect to it might come across too synthetic and bother others in my vicinity but to me it is telling a story and I find it so enjoyable. The projection is not the best but okay for this price which is normally body mist range, this is far better than a body mist but probably not as good as a Lattafa. It is strong though you can definitely smell it, just not with very far sillage, but you can smell a good lasting scent bubble. Very enjoyable and so far the most full on cotton candy scent I have tried that truly meets my idea of what I am looking for. I know nothing of the original so cannot give any comparison but this is really good in its own right especially for being so dirt cheap.

probs one of my favourites in my collection. i like it because it’s not as popular as the EDP and it got me a compliment on the first day i wore it. i get about 8-10 hours on my skin and wayyy longer on clothes. it smells more grown up compared to the EDP (hope i’m making sense) & it seems to be getting better with time cause it was really harsh when i first got it. overall 8/10, no complaints so far.

This reminds me so much of my beloved Alien. I love amber and jasmine scents. It sits very close to the skin and I think it lasts maybe 3 hours on me at most, but it is an enjoyable 3 hours.

I have owned a lot of BR540 dupes. Too many. This one is my favorite. Sprays on without any alcohol smell at all. It feels rounder, warmer and a bit sweeter. I love this one very much.