March 11, 2021

Fragrances Explained

Finally learn the difference between EDT, EDP and Cologne with this handy guide

If you thought the difference between EDT and EDP was just a letter, think again. There’s much more to your scent than those three letters - and they’re not just a french flight of fancy either - they do actually mean something. Oh, and to add another layer of confusion, cologne is not just a name for men’s fragrance either! In fact, what it really comes down to is the concentration of the good stuff - that is, the actual fragrance or perfume concentrate - in relation to the amount of water and alcohol used to dilute it inside the bottle. This, of course will affect the strength, longevity, and often the price of the scent, so understanding the difference between EDT, EDP, Parfum and Cologne will not only help you work out which one is right for you - it’ll have you shopping smarter when it comes to your next fragrance purchase. We break it down for you.

Eau de Cologne: Because “Cologne” is typically used in marketing for mens fragrance, it’s easy to think this is just one for the dudes. But not so. In reality, colognes have one of the lowest concentrations of perfume oil, with around 2%- 4%. What this means is that it generally won’t last as long, or be as potent - you’re typically looking at around a two hour life span.

Eau de Toilette: When shopping for perfume, these are the ones you’ll probably see a lot of. They are often more affordable than your EDP counterparts, because again, they contain less of the fragrance concentrate (though more than EDC). It’s less intense than an EDP, and with more dominant top notes, however if you’re after a stronger smell you may need a few sprays to get your required potency. An EDT is a lighter fragrance choice with 5% to 15% perfume oil concentration, meaning it will last approximately four hours on the skin, and also makes it a great choice for everyday wear.

Eau de Parfum: EDPs on the other hand are more heavy hitters. Generally suited to cooler months, or evening, so they’re not so heady, they have a high concentration of perfume oil (typically 15%-20%) and can last up to eight hours. With Eau De Parfums particularly you can really go on an olfactory journey, with the top notes wearing down to the fragrance heart - the middle notes - which will be what you really identify the scent to smell like.

Perfume Oil: Perfume oils offer a more affordable alternative to traditional perfumes, allowing you to indulge in luxurious fragrances without breaking the bank. Their versatility is unmatched: apply them directly to your pulse points for a subtle scent, or layer them with other fragrances to create a personalized and unique aroma that is truly yours.

Parfum Crema: The perfect handbag addition, cream perfume is triple scented for a lingering impression. Wear crema alone or layer it with a complementary body lotion for a long-lasting effect.