What's the deal with all the different fragrance types? Perfume, Eau de Parfum, and more

If you’re here reading this blog, I assume you’ve just taken your first step into the world of perfumes. Welcome! It’s completely normal to feel a bit overwhelmed with all the French terms being thrown around and the multitude of questions that might be swirling in your mind. Are perfume and Eau de Parfum the same thing? Is Parfum different from Eau de Parfum? Does Eau de Toilette have something to do with actual toilets? (Spoiler alert: it definitely doesn’t.)

Well, don’t worry! These are some common questions that every perfume beginner has. By the time you finish reading this blog, you’ll have a clear understanding of what these different terms mean and how they vary from each other. Let’s break down these terms so you’ll have a much better idea of what you're spraying on and why it matters.

Different perfume types

The most common way for brands to sell perfume is by varying strengths, and those strengths depend on something called fragrance concentration. Simply put, it’s how much pure perfume oil is in a bottle compared to alcohol and water. The concentration not only affects the intensity of the fragrance but also its longevity and how it interacts with your skin.

To make things easier, I’ve listed the common types of fragrances, ranked from the lightest to boldest, with a simple explanation of what they mean.

Eau de Fraîche – The Lightest of them all

Think of Eau de Fraîche as the ghost of a fragrance. It’s the lightest concentration, usually containing around 1-3% perfume oil. If you prefer a subtle hint of fragrance without being too overpowering, this one’s your best bet. Eau de Fraîche is ideal for a quick spritz before heading to the gym or running errands. It’s refreshing and airy, but don’t expect it to last much longer than your morning coffee. If you blink, it’s gone! This type is perfect for those who want just a whisper of scent that won’t intrude on others’ personal space.

Cologne – Not just for men, but often associated with them

Cologne, traditionally associated with men's fragrances, has about 2-5% concentration of perfume oil. It’s a bit stronger than Eau de Fraîche but still maintains a relatively light presence. While historically cologne has been marketed towards men, many women’s colognes exist as well. It offers a pleasant, fresh scent without lingering too long, making it a good choice for a casual day or when you don’t want to overwhelm those around you. It’s like a friendly, easygoing companion that doesn’t stick around too long but still leaves a pleasant impression.

Eau de Toilette – The everyday star

Now we’re talking! Eau de Toilette (EDT) is a crowd favorite because it strikes a balance between price, performance, and scent strength. With around 5-15% perfume oil concentration, it lasts about 3-4 hours on your skin. This makes it perfect for a casual day out or a low-key evening. Eau de Toilette is affordable and accessible, and it won’t burn a hole in your wallet. Plus, it’ll leave people wondering what you’re wearing. It’s versatile enough to wear to work, on a date, or while running errands, making it a staple in many fragrance collections.

Eau de Parfum – Stronger, deeper, and ready to impress

Eau de Parfum (EDP) is for those moments when you need your perfume to make a significant impact. Whether it's date night or an important meeting, EDP’s 15-20% concentration has got you covered. Eau de Parfum is usually stronger and longer-lasting, sticking around for a solid 4-8 hours. It’s a great choice for when you want a fragrance that transitions smoothly from day to night. With its deeper, richer scent, EDP often garners more compliments and can be a powerful part of your personal scent signature.

Le Parfum/Parfum – The deepest and the boldest

With a concentration of 20-30% perfume oil, Le Parfum or Parfum is the strongest and longest-lasting of the bunch. The scent is rich, deep, and luxurious. Because of the higher concentration of perfume oil, it tends to come with a hefty price tag. However, if you’re looking for something truly special and long-lasting, this is the way to go. The fragrance lingers on the skin and clothes, often becoming a signature scent that leaves a lasting impression. It’s perfect for special occasions or when you want to make a memorable entrance.

Insider tips for choosing the right fragrance

Just because a fragrance has a higher concentration of perfume oil doesn’t automatically mean it’ll last longer or project better. Surprising, right? In fact, when comparing an EDT to a Parfum, it’s not unusual for the EDT to perform better in certain cases. This happens because fragrances with more alcohol often make a bold entrance but tend to fade faster as they evaporate.

Moreover, it’s not just the concentration that makes a difference—perfumers often tweak the formula by adding different notes. While the original DNA of the fragrance remains, these added notes can shift the scent, creating subtle variations as it develops over time. For instance, a fragrance might start with a burst of citrus and then mellow into a warm, woody base, which can vary depending on how the perfume interacts with your skin chemistry and the weather.

A key factor here is how well a fragrance works with your skin and the weather. It’s not always about the price or the fancy name. Different people will experience the same fragrance differently based on their skin type, body temperature, and even the season.

Before you buy a fragrance, be sure to look for reviews and, if possible, test it out in-store. Spraying a fragrance on a tester strip or your wrist and letting it develop over time can give you a better idea of how it will wear on you. Trust your senses and choose a scent that feels right for you. Happy exploring!