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Eau De Parfum Vs Eau De Toilette: What is the Difference?
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.
Spotting the Difference Between Eau De Toilette & Eau De Parfum
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.
Why Is It Called Eau de Toilette?
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”.
Which Lasts Longer Eau de Toilette or Eau de Parfum?
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.