While shopping for perfumes, you’ll often come across terms like eau de parfum, eau de toilette and eau de cologne. What do the different terms mean? Does it affect the way your fragrance projects and lasts? We break down the terms.
You have a fantastic fragrance wardrobe, and every one of your bottles is so different in many ways. Some are more expensive, others smell stronger, and a few might be limited edition. If there’s one thing they all have in common, it’s how their fragrance concentration affects the way each scent projects and how the notes within sit on your skin. Whether you’re looking to better understand the fragrances in your collection or shopping around for a new one, these definitions below of common terms used in the perfume industry are sure to be helpful.
Eau de Cologne
Concentration of perfume oils: 2% to 5%. The lightest concentration of commercial perfumes lasts up to three hours before you need to reapply. It is also once the most popular concentration level for both men and women, but is now more commonly used for male fragrances.
Eau de Toilette
Concentration of perfume oils: 4% to 10%. Many designer perfumes are released in both EDT and EDP concentrations, but the Toilette version is usually fresher, lighter, and focuses more on the top notes. Depending on the type of fragrance family, EDT scents can last from three to four hours, and its subtlety works great for summer or the workplace.
Eau de Parfum
Concentration of perfume oils: 10% to 20%. EDP is now often the highest concentration of perfumes sold in stores, and it’s also the most popular as women tend to consider this as a benchmark for a fragrance house’s trademark scent. It is still very wearable and lasts up to five hours. EDPs also tend to have stronger base notes, only revealing the perfume’s true scent after a couple of hours on the skin. If you’re looking for an irresistible scent that is subtle yet long-lasting, try Caress Sheer Twilight – its bewitching notes of black orchid and tuberose will enchant, not overwhelm, for up to eight hours.
Extrait de Parfum
Concentration of perfume oils: 15% to 40%. The high ratio of fine oils used in this range means that the cost is justifiably higher, which is why it is less common. They also come in smaller quantities and you can usually find them at niche perfumeries. Depending on the notes used, it can last for up to eight hours. This is perfect for outdoor night events.
Attar Parfum
Concentration of perfume oils: 100%. This is pure fragrance oil, without additives like water or alcohol – which are usually added to complete the physical makeup of perfumes. Mostly found in traditional Middle Eastern perfumeries, this concentration is sold in extremely limited quantities, as they are very expensive. It is so strong that a dab or two is enough to last for more than 12 hours.