ALT. Fragrances Review: Affordable Scents

As a fragrance enthusiast with over 150 perfumes and colognes in my collection, I’m always seeking brands that offer high-quality scents without the steep price tags of luxury fragrances.

ALT. Fragrances has built a reputation for crafting affordable, high-quality alternatives to iconic designer perfumes, using clean, vegan, and cruelty-free ingredients.

In this review, I explore three standout fragrances from ALT.—Executive No. 26, Crystal No. 23, and Farouche—inspired by Creed Aventus, Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540, and Tom Ford Oud Wood, respectively.

Below, I provide a detailed description, feature table, pros and cons, my personal experience, testing methodology, and a final verdict for each scent to help you decide if they’re worth adding to your collection.

ALT. FRAGRANCES Executive No. 26: A Bold, Masculine Alternative

Executive No. 26 is ALT. Fragrances’ take on Creed Aventus, a scent renowned for its bold, masculine, and versatile profile.

This extrait de parfum opens with a vibrant burst of pineapple, bergamot, and blackcurrant, delivering a fresh and confident introduction.

The heart reveals smoky birch, patchouli, and jasmine, adding depth and sophistication, while the base of musk, oakmoss, and ambergris provides a warm, earthy finish.

Priced at $49 for 60ml, Executive No. 26 is designed for the modern man seeking a professional or evening scent that commands attention without the $400+ price of its inspiration. Its sleek black bottle with a magnetic cap enhances the premium feel, making it a standout in ALT.’s lineup.

Features of Executive No. 26

Feature	Description
Inspiration	Creed Aventus
Scent Profile	Top: Pineapple, Bergamot, Blackcurrant; Heart: Birch, Patchouli, Jasmine; Base: Musk, Oakmoss, Ambergris
Concentration	Extrait de Parfum (20-30% perfume oil)
Size and Price	60ml for $49
Packaging	Black glass bottle with magnetic cap, black box
Target Audience	Men, ideal for professional or evening wear
Longevity	7-8 hours (based on testing)
Sillage	Moderate to strong, projects ~3-4 feet for 4 hours

• Pros:
  • Affordable Luxury: At $49, it’s a fraction of Creed Aventus’s cost while offering 90% scent similarity.
  • Strong Performance: Lasts 7-8 hours with solid projection, competitive with designer fragrances.
  • Compliment Magnet: Received multiple compliments in professional settings for its bold, fresh vibe.
• Cons:
  • Slightly Less Depth: Lacks the nuanced dry-down of Aventus, with a touch less smokiness.
  • Batch Variability: Some reviews note minor inconsistencies in scent strength.

ALT. FRAGRANCES Crystal No. 23: A Luxurious Unisex Gem

Crystal No. 23 is ALT.’s rendition of Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Baccarat Rouge 540, a fragrance celebrated for its opulent, amber-floral character. This scent opens with warm saffron and jasmine, creating a sweet yet sophisticated start.

The heart of amberwood adds a creamy, luxurious texture, while the base of ambergris, fir resin, and cedar delivers a lingering, cozy finish.

Priced at $59 for 60ml, Crystal No. 23 is a unisex fragrance that shines in both day and night settings, appealing to those who love sweet, elegant scents.

Its clear glass bottle with gold accents and white box packaging exudes understated elegance, aligning with its high-end inspiration.

Features of Crystal No. 23

Feature	Description
Inspiration	Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540
Scent Profile	Top: Saffron, Jasmine; Heart: Amberwood; Base: Ambergris, Fir Resin, Cedar
Concentration	Extrait de Parfum (20-30% perfume oil)
Size and Price	60ml for $59
Packaging	Clear glass bottle with gold sprayer, white box with gold detailing
Target Audience	Unisex, ideal for day or night wear
Longevity	8-9 hours (based on testing)
Sillage	Moderate, projects ~2-3 feet for 5-6 hours

• Pros:
  • Near-Perfect Dupe: Captures 95% of Baccarat Rouge 540’s luxurious amber-floral profile.
  • Impressive Longevity: Lasts 8-9 hours, outperforming many fragrances in its price range.
  • Compliment-Worthy: Drew multiple compliments at a dinner party for its captivating, sweet aura.
• Cons:
  • Slightly Synthetic Note: The amberwood can feel marginally synthetic compared to Baccarat’s smoothness.
  • Higher Price Point: At $59, it’s pricier than other ALT. offerings, though still a bargain.

ALT. FRAGRANCES Farouche: A Warm, Woody Elegance

Farouche is ALT.’s answer to Tom Ford’s Oud Wood, a warm and versatile fragrance that balances spicy and woody notes.

It opens with cardamom and amber, offering a spicy-sweet kick, followed by a heart of oud and sandalwood that feels rich yet approachable.

The base of vanilla, amber, and vetiver provides a creamy, grounding finish. At $49 for 60ml, Farouche is a unisex scent perfect for evening wear or cooler weather, delivering a near-luxury experience.

Its matte black bottle with a gold sprayer and premium black box adds a touch of sophistication, making it an excellent gift option.

Features of Farouche

Feature	Description
Inspiration	Tom Ford Oud Wood
Scent Profile	Top: Cardamom, Amber; Heart: Oud, Sandalwood; Base: Vanilla, Amber, Vetiver
Concentration	Extrait de Parfum (20-30% perfume oil)
Size and Price	60ml for $49
Packaging	Matte black bottle with gold sprayer, black box
Target Audience	Unisex, ideal for evening or cooler weather
Longevity	7 hours (based on testing)
Sillage	Strong, projects ~4-5 feet for 3-4 hours

• Pros:
  • Warm and Inviting: Mirrors Oud Wood’s spicy-woody charm with 85% similarity, ideal for evenings.
  • Premium Packaging: The matte bottle and gold sprayer feel luxurious for the price.
  • Versatile Appeal: Unisex and suitable for various occasions, from dates to formal events.
• Cons:
  • Less Complex Oud: The oud note is slightly less refined than Tom Ford’s, based on my experience and community feedback on fragrance forums.
  • Moderate Longevity: Fades after 7 hours, shorter than some luxury counterparts.

How We Tested ALT. Fragrances

To provide a comprehensive and honest review, I tested each fragrance over two weeks in July 2025, under varying conditions (temperatures 70°F-85°F). My testing methodology was designed to assess performance across real-world scenarios:

• Application: Applied 2-3 sprays on pulse points (wrists, neck, chest) to evaluate scent evolution and projection.
• Longevity: Monitored the duration of each fragrance on my skin, noting when the scent faded or required reapplication.
• Sillage: Observed projection distance in indoor (office, home) and outdoor (park, evening events) settings.
• Compliments: Recorded feedback from friends, colleagues, and strangers to gauge the fragrance’s social impact.
• Comparison: Compared each scent to its luxury inspiration (Creed Aventus, Baccarat Rouge 540, Tom Ford Oud Wood) for accuracy, having sampled the originals previously.
• Packaging: Evaluated bottle design, sprayer functionality, and unboxing experience for quality and aesthetics.

Personal Experience: A Fragrance Journey

ALT. FRAGRANCES Executive No. 26

Wearing Executive No. 26 feels like stepping into a room with undeniable confidence. The opening notes of pineapple, bergamot, and blackcurrant burst forth with a fresh, vibrant energy that mirrors Creed Aventus’s iconic start.

Within two hours, the smoky birch and patchouli emerge, lending a rugged yet refined masculinity. The musk, oakmoss, and ambergris base settles into a warm, earthy finish. On my skin, it lasted 7-8 hours, projecting strongly for the first 4 hours—about 3-4 feet in an office setting.

During a work meeting, two colleagues complimented the “expensive” scent, unaware it cost just $49.

Compared to Aventus, it captures 90% of the original’s essence, though the dry-down lacks a touch of Aventus’s smoky complexity. For the price, its performance and quality are outstanding, making it a go-to for professional or evening wear.

ALT. FRAGRANCES Crystal No. 23

Crystal No. 23 is a luxurious experience that feels like a warm, elegant embrace. The saffron and jasmine opening is sweet and sophisticated, transitioning into a creamy amberwood heart that radiates opulence.

The ambergris, fir resin, and cedar base lingers beautifully, creating a cozy yet refined finish. I wore this to a dinner party, where it projected 2-3 feet for 5-6 hours, filling the space without overpowering it.

Three guests asked about my “stunning perfume,” with one calling it “magical.” It lasted 8-9 hours on my skin, outshining many fragrances in its price range.

While it captures 95% of Baccarat Rouge 540’s amber-floral allure, the amberwood note has a slightly synthetic edge compared to the original’s seamless blend. At $59, it’s a remarkable value for a compliment-drawing, unisex scent.

ALT. FRAGRANCES Farouche

Farouche is my top pick for evening wear, exuding warmth and sophistication. The cardamom and amber opening delivers a spicy-sweet kick, followed by a rich oud and sandalwood heart that feels luxurious yet approachable.

The vanilla, amber, and vetiver base adds a creamy, grounding depth. Worn during a cool evening out, it projected 4-5 feet for 3-4 hours, with a sillage that turned heads.

A friend remarked it smelled “like a high-end lounge.” It lasted 7 hours on my skin, fading to a soft amber glow.

Compared to Tom Ford Oud Wood, it’s 85% similar, with a slightly less intricate oud note but impressive quality for $49.

The matte black bottle and smooth sprayer enhance the premium experience, making it a versatile choice for date nights or formal occasions.

Why Trust Us

With over 150 fragrances in my collection, spanning niche to drugstore brands, I bring a seasoned perspective to evaluating scents.

My experience includes testing luxury fragrances like Creed, Maison Francis Kurkdjian, and Tom Ford, allowing me to compare ALT.’s offerings with precision.

My reviews are based on rigorous hands-on testing, informed by community feedback from platforms like Reddit, Trustpilot, and Sitejabber, ensuring a balanced and reliable assessment.

I aim to highlight both strengths and limitations, providing actionable insights to help you make informed fragrance choices.

FAQs

How Long Do ALT. Fragrances Last Compared to Luxury Perfumes?

ALT. Fragrances, as extrait de parfums with 20-30% perfume oil, offer 7-9 hours of longevity, competitive with designer scents but slightly shorter than luxury fragrances like Creed (10-12 hours). Crystal No. 23 performed best in my tests, lasting up to 9 hours, though skin chemistry and environmental factors like humidity can influence results.

Are ALT. Fragrances True Dupes of Their Inspirations?

They achieve 85-95% similarity to their luxury counterparts. Executive No. 26 captures Aventus’s fruity-smoky vibrancy, Crystal No. 23 mirrors Baccarat’s amber-floral glow, and Farouche reflects Oud Wood’s warm elegance. Minor differences, such as slightly synthetic notes or less complexity in the dry-down, are noticeable only to experienced fragrance enthusiasts.

Is ALT. Fragrances’ Customer Service Reliable?

Customer feedback is mixed. Trustpilot (4 stars from 1,112 reviews) highlights responsive support, with quick resolutions for issues like damaged bottles. However, Sitejabber (2.4 stars from 74 reviews) reports occasional delays or refund challenges. My personal experience was positive, with a prompt response to a shipping inquiry.

Where Should I Buy ALT. Fragrances?

Purchase directly from altfragrances.com for authenticity and access to sample sizes (5ml, $9.95) to test scents before committing. Other verified retailers are recommended to ensure quality. Avoid third-party sellers with poor reviews to guarantee you receive genuine products.

Final Verdict

ALT. Fragrances offers an exceptional blend of quality, affordability, and scent accuracy. Executive No. 26 is a bold, masculine standout, closely mimicking Creed Aventus for professional or evening wear.

Crystal No. 23 delivers a luxurious, unisex experience that rivals Baccarat Rouge 540, earning compliments across settings. Farouche provides warm, woody elegance, nearly matching Tom Ford Oud Wood’s allure for cooler weather or nighttime events.

All three offer 7-9 hours of longevity and solid sillage, with sleek packaging that feels premium.

While they don’t fully replicate the depth of their $300-$500 inspirations, they achieve 85-95% similarity at $49-$59—a fraction of the cost.