There’s nothing quite like the thrill of unboxing a new fragrance. The anticipation, the first spritz, the moment you realize whether it’s love at first sniff or a total dud—it's all part of the experience. And today, I’m diving deep into a brand that’s making waves in the fragrance world: ALT Fragrances.
The Backstory: Why ALT Fragrances?
After recently splurging on my first-ever designer fragrance (and absolutely falling in love), I realized something: I wanted options, but I didn’t want to break the bank. Perfume is an extension of your personality, your mood, and sometimes even your outfit. Having just one signature scent? That’s cute, but variety is the spice of life.
Enter ALT Fragrances—a brand specializing in high-quality alternatives to designer perfumes. Their goal? To make luxury scents accessible without the luxury price tag. And let me tell you, they’ve been on my radar ever since Facebook conveniently started showing me their ads (thanks, Zuckerberg, I see you).
The Haul: Three ALT Fragrances to Put to the Test
Curious to see if these dupes live up to the hype, I picked up three ALT scents that promised to deliver designer-level quality at a fraction of the cost:
✨ ALT Duchess (a dupe for Parfums de Marly’s Delina)
✨ ALT Fireside Marshmallow (a dupe for Replica’s By the Fireplace)
✨ ALT Crystal No. 23 (a dupe for the iconic Baccarat Rouge 540)
Each of these fragrances had rave reviews, and I was eager to put them to the test.
First Impressions: The Hits and the Misses
ALT Duchess: A Floral Overload
I wanted to love ALT Duchess, but it just wasn’t my vibe. This one is an inspired version of Parfums de Marly’s Delina, a scent that many describe as a rose-lover’s dream. Unfortunately, I’m not a rose-lover. While the fragrance is undeniably high-quality and long-lasting, the floral intensity was too much for me. My daughter Reese, on the other hand? She’s about to inherit a brand-new bottle.
Verdict: If you love floral fragrances, you might adore this. If not, skip it.
ALT Fireside Marshmallow: Cozy, Sweet, and Addictive
Now, Fireside Marshmallow is where things start getting interesting. This is ALT’s take on Replica’s By the Fireplace, a cult favorite known for its warm, smoky, and sweet scent. While I can’t personally compare it to the original (because I’ve never smelled it), I can tell you this: it’s an absolute banger.
This fragrance gives off major cozy-by-the-fire vibes, like roasting marshmallows on a crisp autumn night. The mix of smoky wood and sugary sweetness is perfectly balanced—never too heavy, never too cloying. If you love gourmand scents with a bit of depth, this one is a must-try.
Verdict: 10/10. Perfect for fall and winter, but honestly, I’d wear it year-round.
ALT Crystal No. 23: The Star of the Show
If there’s one fragrance that completely blew me away, it’s ALT Crystal No. 23, their dupe for Baccarat Rouge 540. Let me tell you—this scent is SPOT. ON.
For those unfamiliar, Baccarat Rouge 540 is the epitome of luxury. It’s warm, slightly sweet, airy, and sophisticated, with an addictive mix of saffron, jasmine, amberwood, and cedar. The only downside? The price tag—over $400 for a full-sized bottle.
Enter ALT Crystal No. 23. This fragrance captures the magic of Baccarat Rouge 540 so well that I genuinely don’t think most people would be able to tell the difference. It’s radiant, long-lasting, and leaves an irresistible trail. The compliments? Endless.
Verdict: If you love Baccarat Rouge 540 but don’t want to drop $400+, this is your holy grail.
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ALT Fragrance: Are They Worth It?
Now that I’ve tested these scents, let’s talk about whether ALT Fragrances are actually worth the hype.
Pros:
- Affordable Luxury: You’re getting designer-inspired fragrances for a fraction of the cost.
- Great Longevity: These scents last all day, sometimes even longer.
- Diverse Selection: Whether you love florals, gourmands, or woody fragrances, there’s something for everyone.
- Cruelty-Free & Vegan: If you prefer ethical beauty products, ALT Fragrances has you covered.
Cons:
- Slight Variations: While they’re very close to the originals, they’re not always exact 1:1 matches.
- Floral Overload (Duchess, I’m looking at you): Some scents may lean stronger in certain notes, which could be a dealbreaker depending on your preferences.
The Final Verdict: Would I Buy ALT Fragrances Again?
Absolutely. While Duchess wasn’t for me, Fireside Marshmallow and Crystal No. 23 are new staples in my collection. The quality, longevity, and affordability make ALT Fragrances a solid choice for anyone looking to expand their fragrance wardrobe without spending a fortune.
If you’re a Baccarat Rouge 540 fan, you NEED to try ALT Crystal No. 23—it’s an insane value for such a high-quality scent. And if you’re into warm, spicy, or sweet fragrances, Fireside Marshmallow is a must-have.
Have You Tried ALT Fragrances? Let’s Chat!
I’d love to hear from you! Have you tried ALT Fragrances before? Do you have a favorite Baccarat dupe or another must-have scent recommendation? Let’s keep the conversation going—drop your thoughts below and let’s talk about all thing's fragrance!
