BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO FRAGRANCE CHAPTER 6: WILL YOU HAVE AN EDT OR AN EDP?

Today we're discussing fragrance in its different forms - Cologne, EDT (Eau de Toilette), EDP (Eau de Parfum) and Parfum.

Every fragrance exists on a sliding scale according to its concentration - from a lightweight Cologne through to the purest and most intense, Parfum. The quality of a scent relates directly to the concentration of pure base oil it contains, so the higher the percentage, the longer it lasts on your skin. In each formula, a combination of base oil, water and alcohol are blended in ratio according to quality, intensity and price.

You may feel drawn to one particular form of fragrance or choose to indulge in a selection as part of your fragrance wardrobe... a Cologne for casual beach days, Eau de Toilette for the office or travelling, Eau de Parfum for evening wear or intimate moments and Parfum for extra special occasions.

Fragrance is such an individual choice; there is no right or wrong selection. What matters most is that you enjoy the experience of discovering and wearing an aromatic reflection of the true essence of you.  

 

Let's walk through the differences between each fragrance concentration...

COLOGNE

As the lightest form of fragrance, cologne is designed to be applied liberally all over your body and refreshed often, lasting a couple of hours tops.

• Contains the lowest percentage of base oil, from 2-4%
• Considerably less expensive than its counterparts, cologne usually comes in a large bottle for liberal application and lends itself well to herbal or citrus scents.
• Suitable for everyday use, a spritz (or splash!) will linger only briefly... perfect for those who prefer a low key fragrance.

EAU DE TOILETTE (EDT)

A light, everyday fragrance, Eau de Toilette should be reapplied throughout your day to sustain its scent.       

• EDT contains 5-15% fragrant essential oils.                                                
• Ideal for the office or general daily use, this is one of the most popular forms of everyday fragrance that brings more joy to you as the wearer than your companions.                                                     
• Easy on the nose and pocket, it lasts 2-4 hours at most on the skin.

EAU DE PARFUM (EDP)

Intoxicatingly luxurious yet wearable, Eau de Parfum is made to last. Adaptable in its intensity - depending on how much you apply - it will linger on your skin for up to 8 hours.

• EDP has a base oil of 15-20%.
• Apply lightly for everyday wear or more liberally for evenings when you want to make an entrance or attract attention.
• Less expensive than Parfum, Eau de Parfum is of extremely high quality with impressive lasting power, making it the choice of many fine fragrance houses, including our own.

PARFUM

Also known as Perfume, Pure Perfume or Extrait de Parfum, Parfum is considered the most luxurious of all. Boasting the highest concentration of base oil and the longest staying power, it lasts up to 12 hours, often lingering into the next day.

• Parfum contains 30% scented perfume ingredients, together with alcohol and/or water.
• The most expensive type of fragrance due to its highest concentration of base oil, this is your most decadent special occasion fragrance.
• Usually comes in a glass bottle and dabbed directly onto skin rather than sprayed. Only a few drops are needed of this intense concentration. 
  
  

NOTES

In Chapter 3, we explored how fragrances are composed of top, heart and base notes. The top notes reach (and leave) you first, piquing curiosity, while heart notes form the main story and base notes linger the longest. It's worth noting that within each category of EDT and EDP, fragrances may contain different standout notes alongside different intensities.

STORIES Nº. 01 and STORIES Nº. 02 Eau de Parfums feature top quality oils made with the finest ingredients from around the world, each a fragrant expression of my own story and designed to help you tap into yours. I hope this guide helps inspire your own personal scented journey.