Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 EDP named best perfume at Mecca Beauty Election 2022

The most popular perfume of 2022 has been voted for by thousands of women at the Mecca Beauty Election – and it’s a $376 (70mL) cult favourite that has hints of jasmine, saffron and cedar wood.

The Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 EDP was created as a celebration of the 250th anniversary of French crystal house Baccarat and inspired by the signature ruby crystal used in their iconic chandeliers. 

Described as ‘romantic-feeling’, the unisex scent opens with notes of jasmine and saffron, before softening into a woodier blend of amber accord and cedar.

According to the crystal house, the woody scent releases a ‘poetic alchemy’ that ‘caresses the skin like an amber and woody floral whisper’.

The secret compound, they say, is Hedione. The aromatic compound was developed in the 1960s and when isolated, it evokes the floral and very fresh delicacy of jasmine, with a slight lemony facet.

‘In its natural state, it comes into the composition of the scent of tea and jasmine, even if it is quite different, more airy, more luminous,’ they write.

‘In addition to this transparency and lightness, it binds other ingredients and adds freshness, volume and diffusion to a creation. Francis Kurkdjian refers to it as a breeze of petals.’

The designer fragrance was widely described as the ‘scent of 2021’ so it’s unsurprising the romantic aroma has maintained its status into 2022.

Rihanna once complimented a journalist wearing the scent at a Savage X Fenty show which also cemented its title as the world’s most ‘complimented perfume’.  

‘I am absolutely obsessed with this perfume, every time I was in the store I sprayed but never dared to purchase, but I would still smell it even after days passed so I got for Christmas for myself and so glad I did,’ a customer wrote recently.

‘This is honestly for me one of the best fragrances I have tried. It lasts all day and even when I can’t smell it on myself anymore, others around me do and I always get compliments,’ another added.

And while this highly sought-after fragrance topped the list for 2022, there were six other finalists closely on its toes…

Editions de Parfums By Frédéric Malle Portrait of a Lady EDP, $359

Notes: Turkish rose, patchouli, raspberry, blackcurrant, cinnamon, clove, sandalwood, incense, benzoin and musk

Described as ‘powerful, elegant and opulent’, this rich perfume of exquisite Turkish rose is imbued with patchouli and dark, syrupy berries. 

Promising an air of ‘regal majesty,’ the stunning scent has been summarised as ‘smokey, mysterious and completely compelling’.

It’s recommended to spray once on your chest and one on your hairline for more than eight hours of diffusion; an extra two will ‘create an alluring trail for evening’.

‘I am blown away with its longevity and prefect blend of nuanced scents – I’m a long time purchaser of Frederic Malle fragrances and this is a perfect addition to anyones collection,’ a thrilled customer wrote.

‘Musky and lovely, I wear this in the morning and at night when I grab my coat I get the best gush of beauty, this is love in a bottle,’ another added.

Le Labo Santal 33, $296

Notes: Australian sandalwood, cedarwood, leather, cardamom, iris, and musk

This ‘intoxicating’ unisex scent blends wood, spices and leather for a warm, musky and addictive’ fragrance designed to encapsulate the ‘rugged fantasy of the American West’.

‘Love at first sniff. Simple but sophisticated. I get compliments every time I wear it. Doesn’t even bother me that it’s so popular, I think it’s nice to be part of a “club”,’ one delighted customer wrote.

‘This scent is just so stunning, it is like nothing I’ve smelled before, the longer it is on the skin the better.’

diptyque Do Son EDT, $149

Notes: African orange flower, rose, iris, tuberose, pink pepper, benzoin and musk

An ‘incredibly alluring’ and ‘sexy’ fragrance, this scent unites the smell of brisk sea breeze and spicy tuberose and is inspired by the picturesque Vietnamese seaside resort of Do Son.

‘This fragrance is everything I thought it would be. It’s so elegant the tuberose is the superior note for me. I’m so glad I chose this fragrance as I will never be without a bottle from now on,’ a customer wrote.

‘I bought this a while ago as I was needing a new perfume and this was exactly the one I was needing! With a beautiful floral scent, it holds very well throughout the day and lasts for a long time without being too overpowering,’ another added.

BYREDO Mojave Ghost EDP, $245

Notes: Ambrette, magnolia, sandalwood and cedarwood 

Inspired by the rare Mojave Ghost flower that blossoms in the arid Mojave Desert, this fragrance is  described as ‘exotic, alluring and delicate’. 

The fragrance combines woody and floral tones to create a ‘light and graceful yet warm scent’ that lingers on the skin and is like a warm floral bouquet with a ‘spiced twist’.

‘I bought this on a whim from reading reviews and so glad I did. It’s fresh, light but really beautiful – my favourite Byredo scent by far,’ a customer wrote.

‘I was curious about the scents of Byredo and accidentally smelled Mojave ghost. Didn’t even search reviews about it at first but when I first smelled it, fell in love in a blink. I think I found my signature scent,’ another added.

MAISON MARGIELA Lazy Sunday Morning EDT, $93.00 

Notes: Lily of the valley, white musks, iris and ambrette seeds 

This gorgeous scent is inspired by the ‘pure joy of waking up in freshly washed, crumpled sheets with the sun on your skin’. 

It incorporates delicate notes of lily of the valley and iris with fresh pear and orange flower and the result is a clean, fresh and comforting scent.

‘This smells like clean bed sheets and crisp morning air, so good. Despite being a EDT I find that this lasts a fair while on me, and I get compliments every time I wear it. It’s my new go-to day scent,’ a customer wrote.

‘This perfume smells exactly how it’s described. Like clean skin and fresh laundry. It has excellent staying power and I could still smell it on myself the next day. Such a beautiful scent for lazy weekends. Love it,’ another added.

Ellis Brooklyn Salt EDP, $157

Notes: Ylang ylang, violet leaves absolute, tahitian tiare, magnolia dianica, musk, ambergris (vegan, sourced through NaturePrint™) and sandalwood 

Described as a ‘holiday in a bottle’, this is a tropical and salty take on gourmand fragrance. 

The fragrance is inspired by the ‘soul-healing properties of salt water’ and its notes conjure memories of ‘lazy days by the seaside, sun-toasted skin and a tropical blossom filled-breeze’.

‘I tend to find myself immerse in this fragrance all day long, it really smells like summer! Long lasting and so fresh and yet it has sweet hints,’ a delighted customer wrote.

‘This is my new favourite fragrance. If you like Jo Malone ‘wood sage and sea salt’, you will like this fragrance. It reminds me of the beach on a rainy day.’

Vilhelm Parfumerie, Morning Chess Eau De Parfum, $224

Notes: Bergamot, tuscan leather, galbanum, patchouli, black amber 

This scent is ‘bottled memories’ of a ripe, green lush summer on the Swedish coast.

‘This is the best fragrance ever! I got a sample but I need more. I love it for both me and my male partner. So unique but it lasts all day,’ a customer wrote.

‘I received a sample of this in my Liberty of London Advent Calendar and was delighted to find I could purchase locally. One of my favourite fragrances I always get compliments when I wear it,’ another added.