Night Pour Homme V by Zara

If you’re looking for this fragrance, it’s discontinued, but Zara FOR HIM RED EDITION is its identical substitute according to the community (and that’s the one I have, as it wasn’t on Fragrantica before). Edit: they’ve since added it to the catalogue. Basically, it’s a dupe of Baccarat Rouge 540 extrait (a bit more woody than the eau de parfum). Although I don’t have the original to compare, I do have a decant of Al Haramain’s Amber Oud Rouge (another dupe) and it smells the same; however, in the Zara version, the intensity and trail are softer, which is to be expected given the price. It’s not something to buy blindly: it’s a synthetic, warm, and sweet scent that can feel metallic, with notes of burnt caramel or even a medicinal touch. It’s totally unisex; if you’re a girl like me and don’t like masculine perfumes, don’t be afraid. For me, it’s very versatile: it works for day, night, and all seasons.

I bought it eagerly due to the good reviews and ended up with a terrible fiasco. More than horrible, it’s disgusting; it gave me nausea. It smells like toasted plastic with cheap, old lip balm wax. Horrible. The same thing happened with Burberry Her, and I struggle to hold back the gag reflex. The worst part is that it lingers indefinitely, and I get sick just smelling it. Since they compare it to BR, I’ll save myself the expense and the bad taste: if this is what BR smells like, how disgusting.

When applied, it tricks you into thinking it’s very similar to BR540. I say ‘trick’ because, having owned the original and tried others like Gentle Fluidity, I know Kurkdjian has that unique, rounded, enveloping touch. Beyond the flowery descriptions, it smells identical; it’s brilliant for testing whether you like it or if it’s your signature scent. If you fall in love, buy the original, because even though the scent is similar, the effect is different. The projection is huge and very noticeable. Longevity is decent: I’ve worn it for four hours and it’s still on my skin, though you have to hunt for it; I’d guess around five hours (less than Rich Warm Addictive, which I prefer more). It’s sweet but distinct, avoiding heavy gourmand vanillas or strong fruity notes like Erba Pura. It’s unisex, but don’t expect anything masculine; taking that into account, it’s a good purchase and I liked it.

Upon application, it plays tricks to resemble BR540. And I say tricks because anyone who has tried this or the Gentle Fluidity scents knows that Kurkdjian has that unique rounded touch that envelops you. Beyond the descriptions, it smells very similar; it’s ideal to see if it hooks us; if it becomes our signature scent, buy the original, because although the aroma is similar, the effect is different. The opening projects a lot, and the longevity is good: after four hours on skin, they’re still noticeable, though you have to seek them out a bit. I think they’ll last about five hours (less than Rich Warm Addictive, which I like more). It’s sweet but distinct, without falling into gourmand vanillas or strong fruity notes like Erba Pura. It’s unisex, but don’t expect anything masculine. Taking this into account, it’s a good purchase and I’ve enjoyed it.

A very decent clone of Baccarat Rouge. Caramel with cotton candy, that little fresh touch of Hedione and a hint of Christmas fir. True that it lacks the signature of the original, neither presence nor sharpness, but it also lacks that chunky, saturated amberwood of the EDP or Extrait. After many hours it ends up more generic, the opening is also wild, the shop assistant told me ‘wait for it to dry’. Anyway, for 13 euros, you can’t ask for more.

Just tried it and bought the bottle blind as there were no testers, guided by Spanish YouTuber reviews. Wooow, what a pleasant surprise. It’s exquisite, gentlemen. It has that touch of Thomas Kosmala No. 4 Après l’Amour, that FK Maison Baccarat Rouge vibe: citrusy yet balsamic, woody and sweet, addictive. If you find it, what could you lose if you don’t like it? 16 dollars. You can sell it, exchange it or gift it to someone and make them very happy.