Like it or not, a fragrance is here to make a statement. With it, many emotions and memories intertwine, creating a unique connection between you and those around you. So, choosing a fragrance is not just picking out a scent, is about choosing how other people remember you.
The global fragrance market is a billion-dollar industry. By 2025, the global market is expected to be worth around $52.4 billion. When it comes to fragrance products, North America is the biggest global market. With a sea of options, it is difficult to know the exact type you like.
You often come across terms that you don’t have the faintest clue what they mean. Especially Eau de toilette and Eau de parfum. But, unless you understand the difference between an Eau de parfum and Eau de toilette, you will have trouble narrowing down the options.
That’s because finding the right concentration is just as important as picking the perfect scent you will wear throughout the day. Learning the lingo will help you make that decision. Here is all you need to know when choosing the ideal fragrance.
The main difference between Eau de toilette (EDT) and Eau de parfum (EDP) is in the concentration. This determines the intensity of the fragrance. A perfumer often combines over 100 different ingredients with unique scents to create a mixture known as perfume oil or pure perfume.
On average, an Eau de parfum contains a 12% to 18% fragrance concentration. Whereas, Eau de toilette contains between 8% and 12% concentration. Regardless of the product you buy, Eau de toilette will always be less concentrated than Eau de parfum.
This question “why eau de toilette is called toilet water” tends to boggle many people. Toilette and Eau de toilette is derived from the French word “Toilette”, which means “a tiny piece of cloth”. However, it is specifically tailored towards grooming and shaving. So, since we use the aromatic water after grooming or shaving, it makes sense for it to be called “Eau de Toilette”.
When you think about the longevity of the brand, make sure to consider the prices. Because of the high perfume oil concentration, Eau de parfums last longer than toilette Eau de. With Eau de parfum, you can get a solid four to five hours of a good scent. That’s why it is a more costly purchase and great to wear at night.
While the Eau de toilette often lasts two to three hours and is ideal for daywear. It’s a practical choice for a tight budget. Then there is Eau de cologne (EDC), which contains a low fragrance concentration of 2% to 4%, compared to EDT with higher alcohol content. Thus, making it a much cheaper choice than Eau de toilette or Eau de parfums. EDC won’t last more than 2 hours.
How Do You Make Eau de Toilette Last Longer?
Pop it in the fridge! That’s right, a lot of experts suggest storing de toilette Eau in the fridge. That’s because it can maintain a stable temperature and keep the product away from direct heat and sunlight. Therefore, making it a practical choice for preventing chemical degradation or oxidation. A cold and dry storage cupboard works just as well.
The reason for that is relatively simple. The essences and natural oils of the fragrance begin to coagulate in very hot or humid places. Over time, the water and alcohol evaporate, leaving you with syrupy sediment that has lost its nice scent.
When it comes to the freezer, storing the de toilette Eau there is a tad extreme. Some experts claim it can preserve the fragrance. But, is it necessary? No. Of course, perfumes contain alcohol, so they won’t turn into an ice block. But, there is no need to pop it in the freezer. The fridge will do for those who want to prolong its scent.
Which Type of Perfume Lasts the Longest?
Pure perfume or Extrait de parfum features a higher concentration. For most parfums, it is around 20% to 30%. But it can also range from 15% to 40% concentration. Of all scents, it lasts the longest often 6 hours to 8 hours. It also has the heftiest prices and can be a good choice for sensitive skin.
The product with the lightest concentration is Eau Fraiche. Options such as these contain just 1% to 2% perfume oil, meaning it is light and lasts for around 2 hours. If you prefer a heavy scent, then look for a higher oil concentration. These come at higher prices.
How Should I Choose the Right Fragrance Type and Strength?
To find your favourite fragrance, you should learn about the different scent families. The four primary types are fresh notes, oriental, woody, and floral notes. Each of them brings out a different combination. The fresh fragrance has green, water, and citrus notes.
It’s a bit zesty and has quite a vibrant smell. If you need something uplifting and cheerful, fresh notes like lavender, citrus oil, and marine are the way to go. Oriental notes are sweet, warm, and somewhat spicy. They are a great choice when you are feeling sensual or fancy.
Woody notes are mysterious with a sweet and earthy undertone. Then, there are floral notes, like lilies or peonies. They can be both delicate and intense and are very popular among the female population. Basically, it all comes down to personal taste. Pick a toilette Eau de or parfum that makes you feel good.
What Is Better Eau de Parfum or Parfum?
Due to the highest concentration of fragrances, parfum is often a better choice. It lasts longer, it’s good for sensitive skin and perfect for everyday wear.
Why Is Parfum More Expensive Than Eau de Toilette?
When you look at the price tag of toilette vs Eau de parfum, it is easy to judge Eau de toilette as a less sophisticated and cheaper product. But, there is more to it than meets the eye. Eau de toilette is good for a tight budget because it has a lower concentration of fine fragrance oils. Not because it has cheap ingredients.
Look at the bottles not as a stark contrast, but as a representation of who you are. Ask yourself, how strong is the fragrance that you prefer? Eau de toilette is better for those who feel comfortable with lighter scents. But, if you are looking for a bottle that has that fiery fragrance, then you might want to gravitate towards parfum or EDP.
Where Should You Apply Eau de Toilette?
Start light and layer the product as you go. Apply de toilette and Eau to warm areas of the body, like chest, wrist, shoulders, and inner elbow. Preferably on dry skin. To create a lingering effect with the de parfum and Eau, spray a bit on the clothes or hair. Don’t overdo it. You want the fragrance to blend in with your outfit, not become overbearing.
How Do You Apply Eau de Parfum?
To spray parfum, make sure to choose the proper areas that are naturally moist and warm. That includes the sides of the neck, chest, back of the knee, and inside of the elbow. If you don’t, the top notes can evaporate too soon, and you won’t make the most of the parfum you just bought.
The trick is to rely on a gentle application technique. Just a dab of fragrance on the pulse points is more than enough to get the desired result. Your body heat will take care of the rest and act as a natural diffuser.
Should I Spray Perfume on Clothes or Skin?
A couple of basic rules exist for those who want to carry the smell for a very long time. Eau de parfum won’t last too long on dry skin, explains Vogue. Therefore, it is best to use body lotion or an unscented moisturiser to create that perfect environment for the scent to thrive.
Where you spray the Eau de parfum also matters. You shouldn’t cover it up with the clothing. Rather target spots that are exposed to the air, the pulse points of the inner elbow, wrist, or neck. If your skin can handle it, apply Eau de parfum directly to the body. That way you can leave a lasting impression.
Now that you know the real difference between Eau de toilette and Eau de parfum, you will have an easier time picking out a scent that resonates with you. As you can see, it is all about the formula and concentration of perfume oil. So, the next time you shop for a bottle, you can pick the right fragrances that perfectly match your character.
Did you find our guide useful? What type of fragrances do you want to shop for the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below. We would love to know what you think. Also, subscribe to our newsletter to get regular updates on similar topics.
FAQs
Which lasts longer eau de toilette or eau de parfum? ›
An Eau De Toilette typically contains around 8-15% fragrance oil which lasts around 4-6 hours, in comparison to an Eau De Parfum which typically contains 15-30% and can last up to 8-10 hours.
Why is eau de toilette cheaper than eau de parfum? ›Answer: It's the higher concentration of fragrance extract which makes eau de parfum more expensive than eau de toilette. Question: How many types of perfume are there in the market?
What are the 3 types of perfumes? ›The Different Perfume Categories
Eau de Toilette, Eau de Cologne, and the less well known Eau Fraiche.
The French 'toilette' refers to the ritual of preparing yourself for the day ahead, from washing to carrying out your daily beauty rituals and spritzing on your favourite scent. Eau de Toilette simply means, water of the toilette and refers to a scented water used to perfume the body and hair.
Should I buy perfume or eau de parfum? ›The simplest way to choose one over the other is to ask yourself how strong you want your fragrance to be. An eau de parfum's higher concentration of fragrance makes for a longer lasting, more aromatic scent, while an eau de parfum is more "like a body splash to be applied more liberally" than a parfum.
Why do people buy eau de toilette? ›Today Eau de Toilette is used as a generic reference to stronger perfumes for both men and women. Typically, you would place Eau de Toilette fragrance on your pulse points, and it should last much longer, up to 8 hours in some cases, so you don't have to continuously re-apply.
Why is eau de toilette so popular? ›Because it is more diluted, eau de toilette is less expensive and can be sprayed liberally as a day-to-day or night scent. Eau de parfum and parfum are more expensive, but the lower amount of alcohol plays well with sensitive skin and provides a long-lasting, skin-clinging scent.
Where do you apply eau de toilette? ›"The best areas to spray would be on one's neck, the crease of your arm (inner elbow) and wrist. Here, the cologne benefits from body heat which will warm through the fragrance.
Does perfume expire? ›Does Perfume Expire? The short answer is yes. How long perfume lasts depends on the chemical composition and how the perfume is stored. Many perfumes don't have a set expiry date and can last between 1-10 years.
How do you make eau de toilette last longer? ›- Apply your fragrance after your shower on damp skin. ...
- Spritz directly on your pulse points. ...
- Spritz don't mist. ...
- Avoid rubbing your wrists together. ...
- Prep with a little Vaseline on your skin. ...
- Spritz on the top of your ears. ...
- Apply on your hairbrush.
What type of perfume is strongest? ›
“Parfum”, “Parfum Extrait”, “Extrait de Parfum”, “Perfume Extract”, “ pure perfume” or “Elixir” is the strongest concentration of fragrance and can have between 15% and 40% of aromatic compounds.
Is expensive perfume better? ›A bigger difference is that an expensive fragrance is more likely to last longer. Most cheap perfumes can replicate a pricier version's top notes (the scent that lasts about a half hour after spraying), but without the proper essential oils to add mid-notes and base-notes, it won't be able to wear as long.
Where do you spray perfume? ›Spray it onto your pulse points.
It's places like the inside of your wrists, inner elbows, below your belly button, behind your ear lobes, and the back of your knees. These warm spots on your body emit extra body heat, which helps to naturally diffuse a scent.
What is eau de toilette? The eau de toilette is fresher and richer in top notes than the eau de parfum. This type of fragrance is fast diffusing and can be sprayed on clothes. However, due to its low concentration (it contains 3 to 20% of concentrate in an 80° vol.
Does cologne expire? ›Yes, perfume and cologne do go bad. However, how long they last depends on the scent's chemical composition. Many perfumes, especially from well-respected brand names like Chanel or Marc Jacobs, don't have a hard-and-fast expiration date.
How many times should you apply eau de toilette? ›If you don't know how many sprays of fragrance should you do, check the perfume concentration of your fragrance. If you have some light and refreshing Eau de Cologne or Eau de Toilette, make 3-4 sprays without any worries. But if you have some intensive and heavy Eau de Parfum or Perfume, make 1-2 sprays.
How often should you apply eau de toilette? ›Reapply your perfume once throughout the day if you're wearing eau de parfum or every four hours if you're wearing eau de toilette. The most potent perfumes don't require a second spritz and can work their magic for a full 24 hours.
What is real perfume called? ›Pure Perfume, Parfum or Extrait De Parfum
Still, pure perfume is the highest concentration of fragrance available — usually between 15 and 30 percent perfume oil — and is enough to make the scent potent, noticeable and last all day.
Eau de parfum, pure parfum and extrait are highly concentrated formulas that will smell stronger and last longer. They may be more expensive, but you can end up using far less.
What smells stronger eau de parfum or toilette? ›Well, in a nutshell, the strength of the fragrance. Perfumes with a higher concentration contain more perfume oils and less alcohol, therefore links to the longevity of the scent. Generally, Eau De Toilette concentration is lower, between 8% and 12%, while an Eau de Parfum concentration is between 12% and 18%.
How long does eau de toilette stay on for? ›
An Eau de Toilette perfumes typically lasts up to 6 hours and around 10 hours on clothes, as usual perfume longevity may be affected by other factors as mentioned here.
Why does eau de toilette not last long? ›There's a very simple reason. It's down to the fact our skin is drier. “The more moisture on your skin the longer your fragrance will last,” says Dom De Vetta, founder of fragrance brand Shay and Blue , so when skin is less hydrated (i.e. in the chillier months) that's when you're likely to experience fragrance fade.
Does perfume last longer on skin or clothes? ›Perfume will stay longer on textile than on your skin. If you want your perfume to last longer, praying some on your clothes or scarf is a good idea. But be careful: some perfumes can cause stains on your clothes, especially the more concentrated perfumes with a darker, ambery color.
How do you make perfume last all day? ›- Apply your fragrance after your shower on damp skin. ...
- Spritz directly on your pulse points. ...
- Spritz don't mist. ...
- Avoid rubbing your wrists together. ...
- Prep with a little Vaseline on your skin. ...
- Spritz on the top of your ears. ...
- Apply on your hairbrush.
The Pulse Points
Pulse points are the areas of your body which allow for the most even distribution of scent since your skin there is warmer. For men these points are the neck, armpits, knees, wrists, and behind the ears. You don't need to spray the fragrance on all your pulse points.
When applying perfume correctly, you want to hit all the right spots. "It's important to select the areas of the body that are naturally warm and moist, like the insides of the elbows, back of the knees, chest, and the sides of the neck," says Milèo. "These areas allow the perfume to be truly enjoyed.
Do you spray eau de toilette on clothes or skin? ›Don't Spray on Clothes
And the scent won't last. Let perfume dry before putting on your clothes if they will cover the pulse points where you wear your fragrance.
Don't rub perfume into your skin.
It's one of the first fragrance habits we ever learned (and one of the hardest to break, TBH). But rubbing perfume into your skin in this way actually causes the fragrance's top notes to fade and evaporate before they can settle.
The eau de toilette is fresher and richer in top notes than the eau de parfum. This type of fragrance is fast diffusing and can be sprayed on clothes.
Why can't I smell my perfume on me? ›Olfactory adaptation
When we wear a fragrance regularly, the brain associates it with our own body odor. The fact that we no longer smell our perfume is part of a physiological process of olfaction. With our own scent, the stimulation of our olfactory sensors is permanent.
Why do people prefer eau de toilette? ›
"Often, the Eau de toilette is both lighter and fresher, while the Eau de parfum is richer and more lasting. For daytime or office wear, the Eau de toilette may be more comfortable and appropriate, while the Eau de parfum offers more depth, which can be nice for the evening," she says.
How many times should you spray eau de toilette? ›If you don't know how many sprays of fragrance should you do, check the perfume concentration of your fragrance. If you have some light and refreshing Eau de Cologne or Eau de Toilette, make 3-4 sprays without any worries. But if you have some intensive and heavy Eau de Parfum or Perfume, make 1-2 sprays.