My knowledge of perfume is slim. Although I could probably smell my mother’s scent of Chloe from a mile away, the talent stops there. I do love wearing perfume, but I wear it based on what it smells like on my skin, or if I get compliments or not. I have no idea what notes work well together, or why certain perfumes are more expensive than others. I have always been curious to expand my knowledge and the first stop on that bus ride is to learn the difference between all the types. There’s nothing worse then going up to the counter in Myer, to ask for your best friend’s favourite perfume when the sales assistant asks “Would you like it in the Eau de Parfum or the Eau de Toilette?” and all you can manage is an “errrrrrr… what does that mean?”
Perfume Extract (Extrait)
I had never heard of Perfume Extract before and seeing as I was until recently a poor uni student, and it’s generally only sold in top-of-the line fragrance families such as Chanel No.5, it’s not hard to guess why. Perfume Extract is a fragrance that consists of the highest concentration of perfume essence, typically around 20 per cent, but some can be as high as 40 per cent. A higher concentration means the scent is richer, will last longer and is typically higher in cost.
EDP – Eau de Parfum
Eau de Parfum is the next highest level of perfume concentration and consists of a 15-30 per cent concentration of perfume essence. This type of perfume tends to last for up to 6 hours depending on your skin type. Most high-end brands will release their perfumes in Eau de Parfum.
Try:
DKNY Fresh Blossom Eau So Intense
Elizabeth Arden 5th Avenue Eau de Parfum
Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau de Parfum
EDT – Eau de Toilette
Eau de Toilette is lighter than Eau de Parfum, with an 8-15 per cent concentration, but still has long lasting characteristics, from 3 to 5 hours. It is less expensive than Eau de Parfum and some brands will create similar versions of their original scent in Eau de Toilette to make it more affordable.
Try:
philosophy amazing grace fragrance EDT
Balenciaga Paris
EDC – Eau de Cologne
I always assumed that ‘cologne’ just meant that it was a fragrance for men and while this is generally true, the other difference of Cologne to other perfumes is that it has a greater dilution with only 3-5 per cent concentration. Cologne’s are typically citrus type scents that work well in low concentration because they have no base notes. They will usually last for up to 2 hours.
Try:
Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede Cologne
Crabtree & Evelyn Verbena & Lavender de Provence Spray Cologne
L’Occitane Lavender Eau de Cologne
Body Spray
Body spray has the least amount of extracts and aromatic oils, making it much lighter than perfumes. Most usually contain around 1–3 per cent extract concentration and are designed to be lighter and airier than perfumes. Because of the diluted formula and lower concentration, you have to apply body spray more frequently as the fragrance evaporates quicker.
Try:
Hello Kitty Strawberry and Cream
Did you know there was a difference between EDP and EDT? What type of fragrance do you prefer?
And all the boys had lynx of course
I remember everyone at school had the impulse spray cans haha.
I only use EDP, nothing lower. And “le perfume” or extract version.