Amid ongoing inflation, Spanish consumers are actively seeking affordable alternatives to high-end products, a trend that has expanded from beauty to home goods. Now, supermarket private-label shelves are becoming a treasure trove for finding great value, meeting the needs of many budget-conscious shoppers.
An Unexpected Social Media Discovery
Recently, a discussion has exploded on the Spanish side of TikTok. A user named @Simplloyperfumad posted a video claiming to have found a “holy grail dupe” at Mercadona—not a perfume, but an air freshener.
The product in question is the Red Elixir air spray from Mercadona’s own brand, Bosque Verde, which sells for only €1.15. To the surprise of many, its scent is said to be extremely similar to Baccarat Rouge 540, a famous fragrance from the luxury brand Maison Francis Kurkdjian.
A Scent Showdown: €1 vs. €350
For context, Baccarat Rouge 540 is a high-end, niche perfume, with a single bottle typically costing over €350. It is renowned for its unique and captivating aroma, hailed as “one of the sexiest scents in the world.”
According to feedback from many consumers who have tried it, Mercadona’s Red Elixir air freshener does indeed create an olfactory experience nearly identical to Baccarat Rouge 540’s opening, replicating the ambiance of a luxury fragrance at a fraction of the price. This discovery quickly prompted numerous perfume lovers and regular shoppers to seek it out.
The Trade-Off: Value vs. Longevity
While its scent receives high praise, the limitations of this budget product are also clear. Many users have pointed out in social media comments that Red Elixir’s biggest drawback is its poor longevity. The fragrance is intense upon spraying but dissipates very quickly.
One user’s comment captured it perfectly: “It’s like the scent is amazing when you board the ship, but has already vanished by the time you disembark.” Therefore, it’s better suited as a temporary room spray to add a momentary touch of luxury to your home, rather than as a long-lasting personal fragrance. For those who aren’t concerned with staying power and simply want to create a specific atmosphere at home, it’s an undeniably economical choice.
‘Dupe’ Culture Becomes the New Norm
This incident is more than just a fleeting social media trend; it reflects a significant new consumer pattern in the Spanish market. Faced with the rising cost of living, more and more consumers are shifting their focus from brand names to product value, actively discovering and sharing “dupes.” From luxury goods to daily necessities, supermarket private-label brands are emerging as the big winners in this new wave of consumption, thanks to their excellent value for money.
