Bethenny Frankel claims $40 perfume is a Baccarat steal—find out why

**Bethenny Frankel Calls $40 Alt. Crystal No. 23 “Baccarat‑Like” Fragrance**

Bethenny Frankel, known for her savvy budget finds, shared a surprise on Instagram Stories this month: Alt. Crystal No. 23 Extrait de Parfum, priced at $40, reportedly smells like Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s $360 Baccarat Rouge.

She wrote, “This smells so similar to Baccarat for a fraction of the price,” and added she was “shook” by the discovery.

On her shopping account, The List, Frankel noted she likes to “smell a little richer” in fall and said, “Love an expensive fragrance as much as the next rich b*tch, and Crystal No. 23 gives me my Baccarat Rouge fix for a fraction of the price.”

The scent’s composition includes rich jasmine and saffron, with hints of cedarwood and amber. Alt claims the fragrance is bold, unflinching, and “ideal for wearing for both work and play.” Many reviewers echo Frankel’s praise, noting the perfume smells more expensive than its price tag suggests.

## Background & Context

Alt, short for Alternative, markets a lineup of fragrances that mimic high‑end luxury scents while keeping the price under $50. The brand emphasizes that each scent is “bold” and “unflinching,” positioning it as suitable for everyday wear.

Crystal No. 23 is marketed as a unisex fragrance, blending floral and spicy notes to create an approachable yet sophisticated profile. Alt’s strategy is to offer consumers a fraction of the cost of comparable designer perfumes.

The company’s marketing messages highlight that their products are ideal for “work and play,” aiming to satisfy customers looking for versatility. Alt’s approach taps into a growing trend of affordable alternatives that allow shoppers to experiment with high‑profile scents without committing large budgets.

## What People Are Saying

Crystal No. 23 has garnered an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 14,000 reviews on its retail pages. Many consumers report that the perfume delivers a scent quality noticeably higher than its low price.

One shopper shared, “I literally went into an exclusive restaurant and the hostess asked me if I was wearing Baccarat,” describing the fragrance’s ability to surprise strangers with its resemblance to a premium scent.

Reviewers also appreciate the perfume’s longevity and projection, noting that it holds up well through workdays and evening outings. The fragrance’s blend of jasmine, saffron, cedarwood, and amber seems to resonate across a broad audience, reinforcing Alt’s claim that “whatever your expensive scent is, ALT. probably has a version of it.”

Bethenny Frankel’s endorsement underscores the trend of budget-friendly brands delivering unexpected quality, and Crystal No. 23 appears poised to become a go‑to choice for fans of luxury fragrances looking for more affordable options.

The story continues to attract interest as consumers test the claims that a $40 perfume can rival the scent of a $360 designer classic.