Perfume, EdP, EdT, or EdC – Do You Know Your Fragrance Concentrations?

How to Pick a Fragrance that Lasts

How long a fragrance lasts on your skin is determined by a combination of factors. But the most important one is written directly on the bottle: fragrance concentration. A higher concentration means a higher amount of fragrant ingredients compared to alcohol and water, resulting in a stronger and longer lasting fragrance, as well as a higher price. 

Differences Between Eau de Toilette and Eau de Parfum – What Abbreviations such as EdT and EdC Actually Mean

Here’s a little cheat sheet with fragrance types according to their concentration, so that you know what to expect from them. 

• Eau fraîche: 1–3% aromatic compounds
• Eau de Cologne (EdC): 3–5% aromatic compounds
• Eau de Toilette (EdT): 4–8% aromatic compounds
• Eau de Parfum (EdP): 8–15% aromatic compounds
• Parfum (P)/extrait parfum: 15–30% aromatic compounds

The stronger the better? That’s not always the case, as Kateřina Kloudová, an aromatherapist, perfumer and founder of the Aroma Atelier, confirms: “A strong fragrance concentration can be overpowering for you and your surroundings. Not everyone is on the same wavelength when it comes to fragrances. You may even experience mental rejection based on someone not liking the fragrance you’re wearing.” That’s how much power fragrances can have. So which type of fragrance should you reach for and when?

Fresh with Eau Fraîche

The French term eau fraîche could be translated as “fresh water”, which describes the character of the fragrance perfectly. It has the lowest fragrance concentration of all and has no ambition to last for hours and hours. Instead, it lends you a subtle hint of its accords and enhances your natural scent. A trip to the countryside, a scorching summer’s day, a day spent at home, those are all great occasions to wear this light and refreshing type of fragrance. 

Refreshing Cologne

Lightness is also a key attribute of Eau de Cologne, also simply referred to as cologne. This name was originally given to a specific perfume created by the Italian perfumer Giovanni Maria Farina in Cologne. It was mostly composed of a blend of citrus oils, reminiscent of a refreshing Italian morning. The term later began to be used when referring to an entire group of fragrances with a 3–5% concentration of aromatic ingredients, enveloping you in a pleasant scent for about two hours. “I must admit that I love subtle fragrances that fall into the Eau de Cologne category and I would recommend them for when you want to avoid anything too overwhelming,” advises Kateřina Kloudová.

Eau de Toilette for Every Day

The most common, best-selling and most affordable, that’s Eau de Toilette. Just the right amount of aromatic ingredients makes it the perfect choice for regular everyday wear, lending you a medium-intensity fragrance for about four to seven hours, gently caressing the senses of those around you. And what else makes it such a popular choice? Compared to fragrances with a stronger concentration, it’s still an affordable option.

Fragrance for the Whole Day: Eau de Parfum

You apply your perfume in the morning and you can still smell it in the evening. EdP, or Eau de Parfums, with an 8–15% fragrance concentration, can make a lasting impression, so they’re a must-have for any special occasion or evening. Their higher price tag is balanced out by their longer-lasting scent and overall longevity. Formulated with less alcohol, an EdP is also a little more gentle on sensitive skin. 

Exclusive Perfume 

A small bottle, high price and a fragrance content approaching 30%; meet pure perfume or perfume extract. Its description alone suggests that we’re talking about something special, and special occasions are exactly what perfumes like these are for. “I would recommend leaving the strong scent of a perfume or Eau de Parfum for moments you spend as a couple, as long as your partner also enjoys the fragrance. And I would avoid it when going to the theatre or attending a lecture,” the expert advises.

Tips & Tricks to Make Your Perfume Last

Fragrance longevity isn’t just about concentration, it’s also about the right technique. And this is how you can master it!

It’s important to make sure that your perfume doesn’t just vanish into thin air by applying it to the wrong areas. You’ll achieve the best effect by applying it to your pulse points. That’s where the most body warmth is, allowing the fragrance to diffuse gradually. The areas you’re looking for include the neck and décolletage, behind the ears, wrists, inner elbows and behind the knees. 

Longevity is also a matter of timing. “Even in her book Le Cabinet de Toilette d'une Honnête Femme – The Honest Woman’s Bathroom – from 1892, the Countess of Gence advises that perfume is most effective when applied to washed skin. And not much has changed since,” says the perfume designer. So to get the best effect, apply your fragrance to clean and dry skin, preferably after a shower. Also make sure to moisturise (fragrance-free petroleum jelly or body cream will do), as fragrance fades faster when applied to dry skin. And don’t underestimate storage either. Your scented friends will do best in a dry and dark environment.

Why Perfume Smells Different on Everyone

You’re probably wondering why your fragrance doesn’t last as long or smells completely different than it does on a friend. Why is that? “A few things can influence how a perfume smells on us. Things that apply to everyone definitely include diet, lifestyle and, of course, genetics,” says the perfumer, adding: “It may sound surprising, but emotions also play a big role. Studies show that our scent is far more influenced by negative emotions. If life isn’t going well for you, you may have a scent that’s more unpleasant.”

This means that you should pick your fragrance carefully, trying and testing out to see what suits you. “I recommend buying a sample first to see how the scent develops on your skin during the day, how it makes you feel, and what emotions it evokes. Smell is unfortunately still an underestimated sense in our culture, and yet the right fragrance can even make you happier,“ says the expert.

So keep that in mind when you’re choosing your next fragrance. You already know their types according to concentrations, so it’ll be a piece of cake, don’t you think?