'I wanted to gatekeep these dupes for Baccarat Rouge 540. But I won't.'

I recently wrote about my love for the Britney Spears Fantasy fragrance – a scent I've been wearing for over a decade and costs less than $100. My second signature scent however is one that's on the complete opposite side of the spectrum, setting me back $369 every time I repurchase.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 is my all-time favourite perfume, and it has been since I first spritzed it on my body eight years ago. It's perfectly woody and warm; it makes me smell like luxury and as if I'm dripping in gold, and it lasts like nothing else I've ever tried.

Watch: How to make perfume last all day. Post continues below.

But I have to admit, spending close to $400 on it every year is … painful. 

Especially in this economy where every dollar counts. So, when the Aerre Bliss Release perfume landed on my desk, loudly announcing that it's inspired by Baccarat Rouge 540, I just knew I had to try it.

Mind you, I have yet to find anything that comes close, which is why I was even more curious to see if this lives up to the hype. Let's get into it.

The GOAT. Image: Maison Francis Kurkdjian, MECCA.

What is the Aerre Bliss Release perfume? 

The minute I laid eyes on the product description, it intrigued me. Aerre doesn't shy away from the fact that it's inspired by Baccarat Rouge 540, unlike a lot of other perfumes that have done the same.

This is what the brand says:

"Ignite your senses with Bliss Release, inspired by the captivating MFK Baccarat Rouge 540. Embrace fiery saffron harmonised with crackling cedarwood and alluring amber. This versatile fragrance, perfect for work and play, evolves with your skin from day to night.

"Dive into an enchanting world with Bliss Release, our impression of the iconic Baccarat Rouge 540. Bold, unapologetic, and designed to captivate, it's the perfect choice for those who seek a powerful, intoxicating scent that leaves a lasting impression.

"Note: Àerre is not associated with MFK's Baccarat Rouge 540. Use of other brands' trademarks is solely for the purpose of helping consumers identify smell. We do not make counterfeit versions of MFK's Baccarat Rouge 540. We make our own formulations, inspired by famous perfumes."

It left me seriously intrigued.

Aerre Bliss Release perfume. Image: Aerre.

What are the notes of the Aerre Bliss Release perfume?

The Aerre Bliss Release perfume has top notes of saffron and orange blossom; middle notes of jasmine, plum and cedarwood; and bottom notes of oakmoss, fir balsam and amber.

What are the notes of Baccarat Rouge 540?

Baccarat Rouge 540 has top notes of saffron and jasmine; middle notes of amberwood and ambergris; and bottom notes of fir resin and cedar. So the two are quite comparable with a few minor differences.

The pros.

The Aerre Bliss Release is a beautiful fragrance that contains the same woody notes of its more expensive counterpart. Despite costing $55, this perfume exudes luxury, and the biggest upside is that I can spritz it on every single day without feeling guilty.

The packaging is clean and minimal, and the magnetic lid will ensure that it doesn't leak all over the inside of your handbag when you travel. There's no other way to say this, but I'm impressed. This perfume really blew me away, and my expectations were high. I'm always skeptical when brands claim their scents are similar to Baccarat Rouge 540, however, Bliss Release lived up to its promises.

The cons.

There aren't many, however, I find the original Baccarat Rouge 540 lasts longer and wears better throughout the day. With Bliss Release, I had to top up a few hours later, which really isn't a big deal, but might be if you prefer to just spray once in the morning and forget about it.

It's also worth noting that Bliss Release is slightly stronger. Not in an overpowering way, but I find my Baccarat Rouge 540 is slightly softer and easier on the senses.

Final verdict.

To put it simply, this is the closest any brand has ever gotten to recreating the magic of Baccarat Rouge 540. Ever since I've had the Bliss Release, I've been spraying it every day, leaving my Baccarat Rouge for special occasions, saving me a lot of money in the process.

If you're wanting to treat yourself then by all means buy the original, but if you're wanting to test the waters or you're not comfortable spending $369 on a perfume, then this version by Aerre is a fantastic alternative.

If you're interested in more fragrances that smell similar to Baccarat Rouge 540, then check these out below.

Ariana Grande Cloud, $50.

Image: Priceline.

Burberry Her, $129 - $240.

Image: MYER.

ZARA Red Temptation, $55.95.

Image: ZARA.

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Feature Image: Supplied.