Luxury fragrances are art, and for many, finding that signature scent is a defining moment. However, as delightful as they can be, the price tag is daunting, especially as people continue to look for ways to save in these tough times. It is for that very reason that “dupe” fragrances, also known as “inspired by” fragrances, are becoming increasingly popular.
One brand that has been making a name for itself in the dupe space is ALT Fragrances, which is known for its impressive roster of scents. Unfortunately, while they do have many scents to choose from, I don’t personally recommend using ALT perfumes.
ALT’s goal is to reinvent the fragrance industry by offering premier alternatives to overpriced luxury scents, all while eliminating the “brand tax” consumers are accustomed to paying. They also market their products as vegan, cruelty-free, and made from 100% clean, sustainable, and ethically sourced ingredients, with an emphasis on low environmental impact.
However, when it comes down to it, ALT just doesn’t match up. In fact, my personal journey with this brand has been marked by several significant disappointments, ranging from product quality to customer service. Here’s why I believe potential buyers should reconsider before making a purchase.
A Disappointing Encounter with Executive No.26
My experience with ALT perfumes began with high hopes, especially with their “Executive No.26,” which is inspired by the iconic Creed Aventus. Unfortunately, the excitement quickly turned into frustration.
The first issue I encountered was the inconsistency in scent longevity. Unlike its luxury counterpart, Executive No.26 faded far too quickly, often within just a couple of hours. This lack of staying power was the first red flag, especially for a product that claims to be made from the finest ingredients.
The authenticity of the scent also left much to be desired. The fragrance notes, which were supposed to closely mimic those of Creed Aventus, missed the mark by a significant margin. Instead of the rich, complex blend of smoky and fruity notes that Creed Aventus is known for, Executive No.26 offered a scent that was oddly synthetic and disappointingly flat.
Product Quality Falling Short of Expectations
When you consider a scent, the quality is paramount. While brand tax does exist, that tax and brand recognition promise consistency and quality. If that promise isn’t kept, the brand suffers.
While ALT’s perfumes do not have a brand tax, unfortunately, they do not measure up to their luxury counterparts either. In terms of scent accuracy, many of the fragrances are either too overpowering or not strong enough, with ALT seeming to have difficulty finding the right balance.
Executive No.26, for instance, lacked the depth and complexity of Creed Aventus, and its synthetic undertones made it unpleasant to wear for extended periods. Another customer mentioned that the “Caribbean Water” fragrance, which was supposed to evoke the essence of a tropical paradise, ended up smelling like an old lady’s perfume — a far cry from the cologne it was based on.
Other scents had even more alarming issues, according to customers. The “Shadow Leather” fragrance is plagued with a fake, musky leather smell that feels overbearing and unpleasant. Additionally, the “White Sun” fragrance, marketed as a light, summery scent, is instead overwhelmingly heavy, making it completely unsuitable for warm weather.
On a larger scale, the issue of longevity was consistent across multiple perfumes from ALT. While luxury perfumes are known for their lasting power, ALT’s offerings required frequent reapplication throughout the day, which quickly diminished any perceived value.
Another issue with the brand is the manufacturing and quality of the bottles. Numerous reports of cheap bottles and leaky products have made their way to the internet. While I did not experience leaking myself, the quality of the bottles does seem subpar, as if mass-produced somewhere and then finished off with a generic label.
Frustrating Customer Service
For any company trying to compete with the big brands, customer service is a major factor for success. However, despite that, ALT Fragrances has reportedly poor customer service. Customers state that customer service is quite rude and that when there are problems with the products, they are not helpful.
Customers have reported missing and damaged products that they could not get replaced or refunded. One customer reported that their delivery was never delivered, and when they asked for a refund, they were told they could only receive store credit.
Does Affordability Justify Quality?
There are two important questions when it comes to dupe scents. One is whether the fragrances are similar to the original. The second is whether the affordability justifies the reduction in quality. For ALT, while the fragrances are indeed more affordable than their luxury counterparts, I do not believe the lower price justifies the compromised quality.
In this case, the adage “you get what you pay for” rings true. ALT’s claim of slashing prices to make luxury scents accessible to all sounds appealing, but the reality is that the cost-saving aspect is overshadowed by the need for frequent reapplications, the inconsistency in scent quality, and the overall dissatisfaction with the product.
For those looking for budget-friendly perfumes, there are other brands that offer better quality at similar price points, without sacrificing the integrity of the fragrance.
Why ALT Isn’t Worth the Risk
While ALT perfumes might initially attract buyers with their lower price point and luxury-inspired scents, the overall experience falls short in multiple areas. The issues with product quality, coupled with lackluster customer service and questionable value for money, make it difficult to recommend this brand.
A signature scent is specific. While an exact match might not be required, those searching for a duplicate want it to have the same notes that they have come to love. If you do not care about an exact scent all that much, perhaps it is a good fit. However, I cannot recommend ALT for those who truly want to find a more affordable version of their favorite fragrance.
