If you are an avid fragrance lover or new to the world of perfumes, you may have come across terms such as EDT, EDP, EDC, and Parfum. However, you may not be familiar with the meaning of these terms or which one is best suited for you. To help you choose the perfect fragrance, we will explain the concentration of perfume oil and how it differs with each type. We will also clarify the significance of each perfume type and provide additional advice to help you choose the one that best suits your needs. In our blog post titled “Key Factors of Fragrance" we explained that "Eau de" means "water of the..." This is an important fact to keep in mind when understanding the differences between each type.
Eau de Toilette (EDT)
Eau de Toilette is a scented water that can be applied to the body and hair. The term also originates from French, where "toilette" means preparing oneself physically for a particular occasion by washing, dressing, grooming, putting on makeup, etc. It does not mean a bathroom or toilet. It is pronounced as "twa-let" and not "toilet."
EDT fragrances are known for their light and easy-to-layer properties, making them an ideal choice for people who prefer subtle scents. Typically, these fragrances contain an essential oil concentration of 5-10%. If you are sensitive to strong fragrances and trying to decide between EDP and EDT, then EDT is the better option.
EDTs contain high alcohol content and can cause skin dryness. If you have dry or sensitive skin, consider spraying your EDT on your hair or clothes. However, the high alcohol percentage also enhances the projection power of the EDT, allowing the fragrance to radiate farther out. EDTs are best for daytime use but must be reapplied every 4-6 hours. EDTs come in large bottles, which makes them more affordable.
Eau de Parfum (EDP)
Eau de Parfum means "perfume water." Most perfume brands initially produce their fragrances as an EDP. It has a higher concentration of essential oil, usually 15-20%, and can last 6-8 hours, depending on the essential oils used and the user's skin type. The longevity of a fragrance depends on the size and weight of the essential oil molecules, with larger and heavier molecules lasting longer.
EDP is an ideal choice for winter since it has a strong scent that can penetrate through layers of clothing. EDP can also be used in other seasons throughout the year, depending on the essential oils used. Compared to EDT, EDP has a lower concentration of alcohol, making it a better option for those with sensitive skin.
EDP typically contains pure essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances. This allows your skin to fully experience the scent's profile with minimal irritation. Due to its higher essential oil concentration, EDP is more expensive than EDT. However, both EDP and EDT are relatively affordable compared to other types of fragrances.
Parfum
Parfums are perfumes that contain a high concentration of essential oils. They usually have 25-35% of essential oils and come in small bottles of 7.5-30ml, which makes them more expensive than EDPs. Parfums are potent and can last up to 8 hours or more. They have a lower alcohol concentration, making them suitable for sensitive-skin people. Unlike EDPs or EDTs, Parfums won't dry out your skin or clog your pores.
Parfums are perfect for winter use as they create a robust and intense fragrance. However, they may be too overpowering for daily wear. You can wear them to events where there will be many people, and you want to stand out. Parfums can withstand harsh conditions and keep their fragrance intact, so you don't have to reapply them often.
Extrait de Parfum
Extrait de Parfum is the most concentrated form of perfume, with essential oil concentrations ranging from 35-45%. This type of fragrance has the strongest and longest-lasting scent. Due to the complexity of their formulas and the use of rare, natural ingredients, Extrait de Parfums are also the most expensive fragrances. They come in splash bottles or falcons to prevent any fragrance wastage.
Eau de Cologne (EDC)
Eau de Cologne was created by an Italian barber in the early 18th century in Köln, Germany. This is why it's called cologne, the French name for the city. EDC is a fragrance type that contains 2-4% essential oils, making it perfect for people who prefer a light scent lasting about 2-4 hours. It is primarily marketed towards men, although some EDCs are designed for women. Even if you are unfamiliar with fragrances and their terminology, you may have tried EDC at least once.
These fragrances are ideal for everyday wear, as they offer a light scent that doesn't overpower. They are perfect for running errands or taking a quick walk in the park. EDC is often used to mask unpleasant smells or to smell nice for a short period. Many people use EDC to add a light scent to personal items. These oils are highly concentrated and sold in larger bottles, making EDC a more affordable option than other fragrances.
More Fragrance Options
Aftershave and Splash
Aftershave, also known as a splash, is a product typically used by men after shaving. Its purpose is to disinfect and protect the skin against infection. It has a mild scent compared to cologne and contains the lowest concentration of aromatic compounds, usually only 1-3%. Aftershave is primarily used to soothe and nourish the skin, reducing redness and irritation caused by shaving. Moreover, alcohol in these fragrances can also help tighten the skin and close the pores on the face, providing a youthful appearance. For a long-lasting and lingering fragrance, it is advisable to complement the aftershave with other fragrance products.
Body Mists
Body mists are fragrances made of essential oils, ethanol, and water. They give off a subtle scent that's only noticeable up close. Some people spray them on their bedsheets to sleep better. If you're sensitive to strong scents, body mists may be a good option for you. They're gentle and affordable. You can even combine them or pair them with scented body butter to layer fragrances. Just remember that you'll need to reapply body mist every few hours to keep the scent going.
The Choice is Yours
Choosing between EDT, EDP, or EDC depends entirely on your personal preferences. If you want a fragrance that lasts longer and has a stronger scent, it is recommended to choose EDP, which is also suitable for sensitive skin as it has less alcohol. However, if you prefer a light scent that spreads to a greater distance, then EDT or even a body mist would be a better choice. The higher alcohol content in EDT can carry the fragrance molecules further.
There are other factors to consider when purchasing a new fragrance. Temperature, body chemistry, and immunity can affect how long a fragrance will last & may also change how a scent smells from one person to another.
It's best to store your fragrances in a cool and dry place to make sure that your scents last longer. By doing so, you can maintain the quality of your favorite perfumes and colognes for an extended period of time.
Have you ever noticed that a fragrance can smell different on someone else than it does on you? It's because of our distinct body chemistry, which can make fragrances react differently on each person.
If you wear the same perfume every day, you may become immune to its scent over time. This means that even though the perfume is still present, you won't be able to smell it as strongly as the first time you used it. The level of immunity varies from person to person and can be boosted over time. One way to boost immunity is by regularly exposing yourself to strong scents. However, if you want to prevent this, we suggest switching to a different perfume every other day.
In the end, the choice of fragrance depends on various factors such as your preferences, how long you want it to last, how it smells on you, and how strong you want it to be. It's not as straightforward as we initially thought, so hopefully, this information provides some clarity and helps you make a well-informed decision.
At Be in the Pink, we believe that taking care of ourselves is essential to feeling our best, and fragrances are one way to achieve that. We offer a diverse range of fragrances, including perfumes, body gels, lotions, deodorants, and hair oils from many of your favorite brands. Shop here to see what our collection has to offer. Use code FRG20BLG to save 20% off anything in our fragrance collection, but we encourage you to take advantage of this before the code expires on April 30th.
We are here to assist you in choosing your next fragrance, so please do not hesitate to contact us if you require any assistance in your decision-making process. Always remember that you deserve to feel amazing every day! Good luck with choosing your next fragrance!
