Feu Rouge

First Impressions & Dry Down

Feu Rouge by Montagne Parfums shoots for BDK's Rouge Smoking, and gets pretty darn close. The opening is a blast of cherry, definitely leaning more synthetic than the original, with a fizzy pink pepper kick. Bergamot keeps it from being cloying. The heart is where it shines: that black vanilla husk note is gorgeous, powdery and sweet. I get heliotrope, but the orange blossom is subtle on my skin. The drydown is comfy – tonka bean, a bit of cashmere woods, and clean musk. Honestly, it's about 95% of Rouge Smoking. The original has a smoother, more refined opening, but this is seriously good .

Bottom Line

Seriously. It's a no-brainer. Feu Rouge is perfect for date night, cooler evenings, or when you want something comforting and slightly seductive. The original is arguably *better*, but is it $200+ better? Absolutely not. This is a great daily driver that smells way more expensive than it is.

Wear time & Sillage

Don't expect nuclear projection. Feu Rouge projects moderately for the first hour or two, creating a nice scent bubble. After that, it sits closer to the skin. Longevity is solid, though. I get a good 6-7 hours on my skin, maybe even longer on clothes. Not bad at all.