Every bottle says something like Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum or Parfum. This is not just marketing. The words show how much aromatic oil the perfume contains, and that determines how strongly and how long it will be noticeable.
What concentration means
Perfume is a mix of aromatic oils, alcohol and a little water. The more oils it contains, the richer and longer lasting the scent. The exact percentages vary by brand, but roughly they are:
- Eau de Cologne: around 2 to 5% oils. Very light and fresh, lasts an hour or two.
- Eau de Toilette (EDT): around 5 to 15%. Fresh and light, usually noticeable for 3 to 5 hours.
- Eau de Parfum (EDP): around 15 to 20%. Denser and longer lasting, often 6 to 8 hours.
- Parfum or Extrait de Parfum: around 20 to 30%. The richest, stays for 8 hours or more and sits closer to the skin.
Is stronger always better?
Not necessarily. The same line in different concentrations often smells different. The EDT version is usually fresher and better suited to summer and the office, while the EDP or Parfum version is warmer, deeper and more of an evening scent. That is why people sometimes like the EDT of a fragrance but not the Parfum, and vice versa.
Words like Intense, Elixir or Absolu also usually mean a richer version. For example, Boss Bottled Elixir is a Parfum Intense and is much denser and longer lasting than the classic Boss Bottled.
Why scent fades fast on some people
Longevity depends not only on concentration but also on your skin. On dry skin perfume evaporates faster, while on oilier skin it holds longer. On top of that, we get used to a scent, and after an hour our nose stops noticing it even though people around us still pick it up.
How to make perfume last longer
- Spray on moisturised skin. An unscented lotion under your perfume helps a lot.
- Choose the right spots. The neck, behind the ears, the inside of the wrists and elbows are warm and help the scent unfold.
- Do not rub. Rubbing ruins the top notes and makes the scent evaporate faster.
- Spray your clothes too. Fabrics hold a scent much longer than skin. Just be careful with silk and light coloured fabrics.
- Store it properly. Keep perfume away from sun, heat and humidity. The bathroom is the worst place for it.
Which to choose
If you want something light for every day, EDT is a great choice. If you want a scent that lasts all day or all evening, look for EDP or Parfum. And if you are not sure which version suits you, get a 5 ml decant and see how it performs on your skin before buying a full bottle.
Browse all decants and find your concentration.
Read more: Fragrance notes explained: top, heart and base and How to store your perfume so it lasts for years