Z96

Olfactory Experience

Z96 aims for Baccarat Rouge 540 Extrait, and it gets... close. Maybe 85% of the way there. The bitter almond and saffron opening is present, but lacks the refined sparkle of the original. There's a slightly rougher, more synthetic edge. The jasmine and cedar in the heart are recognizable, but feel a little muted. The ambergris and woody base is where it veers off. It lacks the depth and richness of the MFK, settling into a sweeter, slightly cloying musk. The overall effect is similar, but the quality difference is noticeable.

Wear time & Sillage

Longevity is decent. I get about 6-7 hours on skin, with moderate projection for the first 2 hours. It becomes a skin scent fairly quickly. This is typical for clones in this price range. You'll need to reapply if you want to maintain the initial impact. Decent, not amazing.

Final Thoughts

Z96 is a serviceable option if you crave the Baccarat Rouge 540 Extrait vibe but can't justify the hefty price tag. It's not a perfect replica, and the synthetic quality is evident upon closer inspection. But, if you're looking for an affordable everyday wear that captures the essence of the original, it's worth considering. But for the casual wearer, Z96 might just scratch that itch without breaking the bank.