Perfume, Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette or Cologne?
Everything you need to know about fragrance concentrations.
Shopping for fragrance can be confusing. Beyond top, middle and base notes, there are whole classes of scent — and once you've chosen one, you still have to pick a concentration.
The main difference between these is the concentration of aromatic compounds — that is, how much actual fragrance is in the formula. The more concentrate it contains, the longer the scent lasts on your skin, and the more it usually costs. Here's a simple breakdown.
Perfume (Parfum)
15–30%The most concentrated and longest-lasting formulation, and usually the most expensive. With the highest amount of aromatic compounds, a little goes a long way and the scent stays with you for hours. Usually sold in small bottles of 1 oz or less.
Eau de Parfum (EDP)
10–15%The next most concentrated formula and one of the most popular choices — long-lasting without being overpowering. A great everyday-to-evening option.
Eau de Toilette (EDT)
5–15%Lighter and fresher than an EDP, ideal for daytime and warm weather. You may reapply through the day, but it's easy to wear and very versatile.
Eau de Cologne (EDC)
2–5%Originating in Cologne, Germany, this is a light, fresh formulation worn by men and women alike. It's the lightest of the sprays and is reapplied more often. Not to be confused with aftershave, which contains a moisturiser and an antiseptic agent.
Tester
Same as the original100% authentic, fresh and completely full — identical to the boxed version, but meant for the counter in a store. Testers often come in plain packaging and sometimes without a cap or box. The savings on packaging means you pay less for the same fragrance.
Storing your fragrance
Keep the bottle tightly sealed and stored in a cool, dry place away from windows, direct sunlight and heat. For best results, keep opened bottles inside their boxes. Fragrances typically last around three years from the date they were made.