The magic of the scent captivates both men and women. However, in reality, few people understand what eau de parfum is and how it differs from eau de toilette. And there are quite a lot of differences. To become a guru in the world of perfumery, just read this article!

What is eau de parfum?

If a bottle with an alluring aroma says Eau de Parfum, this means that you have eau de parfum in your hands. It is often called daytime perfume. The main feature of eau de parfum is that the leading position is occupied by the “heart” of the bouquet, and the notes of the trail only slightly shade the base.

Able to retain fragrance on the body for 5–7 hours. Many perfume lovers generously cover themselves with droplets of Eau de Parfum, believing that this way the scent will last longer. However, this will not happen! But on the other hand, the delicate, alluring perfume will acquire a sharp, aggressive, repulsive shade.

In the hope of surrounding yourself with an attractive aroma, you should not neglect perfume etiquette! Don't forget that more doesn't mean better. An elegant man or sexy woman should smell like expensive perfume, not an intrusive and repulsive cologne.

What is eau de toilette?

Eau de Toiette - this is how eau de toilette is designated. It is considered the lightest type of perfume and lasts no longer than 3-4 hours. The top and middle notes of the bouquet sound especially loud, and the trail is slightly perceptible. Ideal for a hot summer day, sports or active work. Famous perfumers claim that a heated body can give the aroma of eau de toilette a new life. To maintain a delicious aura throughout the day, you need to periodically refresh the aroma.

What is perfume?

Perfume (Parfum) is the elite among perfumes. They have the most concentrated composition and impeccable durability, up to 10–12 hours. They have a juicy trail that seduces everyone who falls under its magic.

As befits the elite, perfumes are a leader not only in quality, but also in cost. The gurus of the world of perfumery recommend wearing perfume in the cold season and wearing it as the main decoration for an evening party. Using perfume as an everyday attribute is considered bad form.

If you want to seduce and conquer forever, wear only perfume!

What is cologne?

Eau de Cologne is the most masculine representative among perfumes. It is the strong half of humanity that prefers cologne, while girls are quite indifferent to it. Cologne is often compared to eau de toilette, but Eau de Cologne has an even shorter life - about 2 hours. But the cost is appropriate - cologne is the most budget option for perfume.

Components

The work of a perfumer is the most responsible, because the fragrant aura of a person depends on his ability to correctly select the components of the composition. What is included in the perfume:

• perfume - a long-lasting aroma and exciting trail is created thanks to the content of 20–40% essential oils and aromatic essences in 90% alcohol;
• eau de parfum is the second most durable type of perfume, which contains up to 20% aromatic substances in 90% alcohol;
• eau de toilette - has a very short-term aromatic effect, associated with the content of only 8–12% of aromatic elements and essential oils in 80% alcohol;
• Cologne is the least persistent perfume, this is due to the fact that it contains no more than 5% odorous components in 70% alcohol.

When choosing perfumes, it is necessary to take into account the percentage of aromatic substances and essential oils, because the durability of the perfume will directly depend on this.

Main differences

Having familiarized yourself in detail with the various representatives of the world of aromagic, you can highlight the main differences among them:

1. Compound. Each type of perfume has a different percentage of the main component. The higher the concentration of aromatic substances in the composition, the juicier, richer and more durable the smell will be.
2. Persistence. Of course, it is difficult to compare expensive perfumes with cologne or eau de toilette, since they are clearly not competitors with each other in terms of durability.
3. Price. Price is one of the main criteria for many consumers. The difference in cost, for example, between perfume and eau de toilette can be several thousand rubles.

An interesting fact is that all the presented criteria are closely related to each other: the higher the concentration of essential oils and aromatic substances, the better the durability and the higher the cost.

Have you decided to save money and buy a cheaper perfume? An excellent choice, but do not forget that the consumption will be significantly higher. This is due to the rapid loss of the captivating aroma and the need to regularly renew it on the body. In this case, the savings are very doubtful!

Which is better to choose?

Among such a wide selection of perfumes, what should you give preference to? You must first decide what you want to get and where you intend to “wear” this fragrance. For work or walking around the city, it is recommended to choose eau de toilette or perfumed water. For a person of business, respectable status, perfume is preferable. It is also worth choosing perfume for a romantic meeting.

Of course, the choice of perfume should be approached individually. It is important to take into account the durability, the alluring trail (which is a unique, special addition to the image), which not every representative of the perfume world has. And of course the cost. Psychologists say that the aroma emanating from a person is of enormous importance. You can forget the color of your eyes, but never forget the attractive aroma! Therefore, you should not save on quality perfume!

It is recommended to remember the classics of world cinema - “The Scent of a Woman”, “Perfume: The Story of a Murderer”. The aroma can captivate and seduce. In addition, a person’s smell directly affects the attitude of others - it attracts or, on the contrary, repels. Perfume is one of the most powerful weapons! And you need to wield it correctly.

Perfume, eau de toilette, eau de parfum, cologne... It turns out that the difference is not only in price. Perfume couturier and creator of the first Russian brand of selective perfumery Maria Borisova spoke about the differences between different types of perfumes and the advantages of each of them.

Cologne (Eau De Cologne)

Cologne is the “lightest” type of perfume, since the content of the active component in it is only 3-8%. The concentration of fragrant substances in it is not very high, so colognes do not have high durability - the aroma will stay with you for 1 to 2 hours. Today, cologne has become an attribute of predominantly men's perfumery, although many famous perfume houses previously released women's fragrances in such concentrations.

Eau De Toilet

Eau de toilette is the most common type of perfume, the concentration of the fragrant substance in which ranges from 8 to 12%. The popularity of eau de toilette is easy to explain: the composition will last from 3 to 6 hours and, if desired, you can easily change the daytime scent to the evening one. In addition, the concentration of “eau de toilette” makes it possible to make a too strong smell more “politically correct”.

Eau De Parfum

Eau de parfum - also known as "eau de toilette" - is the second most popular type of perfume. The concentration of aromatic substances in it fluctuates around 15-20%, and durability begins at least 6 hours. Most of the time, the aroma comes from the heart or base notes, as the freshest and lightest accords of the composition evaporate within a few hours. Perfumers call Eau de parfum a daytime perfume, but it can be used as an evening option. This is why eau de parfum always costs more than eau de toilette.

Perfume (Parfum or Perfume)

And finally, perfume is the most durable type of perfume, and at the same time the most expensive. The content of fragrant substances in them ranges from 20 to 30%. In perfumes, the heart and base notes are felt to a greater extent, which subsequently settle on the skin. Perfume is recommended to be used in very small quantities or on special occasions.

Perfumed body care (Parfum Body Lotion)

Perfumed body care products are cosmetic products that are based on the base scent of a perfume. The content of the fragrant component in such products is minimal - no more than 1%. It will not be possible to preserve the aroma using only a perfumed product, but the effect of layering odors significantly increases the durability of the main aroma.

Favorite eau de toilette is an important element of a modern girl’s wardrobe. On the dressing tables of Parisian women there are luxurious bottles containing enchanting scents. Many of them strive to put together an individual collection of perfumes - after all, expensive eau de toilette from premium brands can instantly improve their mood and give them self-confidence.

Choosing the perfect eau de toilette is a pleasant experience, which, however, can sometimes be confusing. Indeed, it is very important to choose “your” scent, which will not get boring after a short time. Standing in a perfume store, it can be difficult to decide which of these beautiful bottles will be the best decoration for a woman’s image. Our article will help you understand the difference between eau de toilette and eau de parfum and which scent is better - chypre or floral.

What is the difference between eau de toilette and eau de parfum?

In order to figure out what is more durable - eau de toilette or eau de parfum, you need to know the classification of perfumed products. This information will certainly come in handy when choosing the best perfume for yourself or as a gift.

All perfume products consist of water, alcohol and aromatic substances. Depending on the ratio of these ingredients, perfumes are divided into the following groups:

perfume - Parfum or Perfume- This is the most concentrated type of perfume. The content of aromatic essences and essential oils in them reaches from 20 to 40% in 90% alcohol. Perfume has a pronounced, rich and persistent aroma with bright notes of trail that lasts for several days, so they are usually used in the cold season, mainly in the context of evening events. In hot weather, the aroma of perfume may seem too heavy;

eau de parfum - Eau De Parfum (EDP)- contains 15-20% aromatic substances in 90% alcohol. This product is also called day or toilet perfume. This concentration allows you to focus on pronounced heart notes. Eau de parfum is suitable for daytime use with careful, light application;

eau de toilette - Eau De Toilette (EDT) is a lightweight spray that was originally used as an affordable alternative to perfume. Today this product is considered the most popular type of perfume products. Eau de toilette contains 8-15% essential oils and other aromatic elements dissolved in 80% alcohol. This product has bright top and middle notes, but the trail nuances are only slightly felt. Good eau de toilette is universal, it can be used in winter and summer, day and evening, it is suitable even for hot climates or outdoor activities;

cologne - Eau De Cologne (EDC)- an even less concentrated type of perfume. This product contains up to 5% odorous substances dissolved in 70-80% alcohol. Typically, colognes are designed for men and have corresponding scents with fresh, marine or woody notes;

perfumed products for body care, which includes a wide variety of body care cosmetics that quote the basic aroma of eau de toilette - shower gel, moisturizing milk, nourishing cream and others. Such products are usually sold in a gift set with a bottle of perfume. Their purpose is to support the aromas of eau de toilette for women and increase the durability of their favorite scents. High-quality skincare cosmetics do not contain alcohol at all, so as not to dry out the skin, and the concentration of fragrant components in it is about 1%.

Types of eau de toilette

Sometimes it can be very difficult to understand which eau de toilette to choose for a young girl, and which scent is best for an elegant adult lady. To solve this issue, you need to have an idea of ​​the existing classifications of fragrances. This knowledge will give you the opportunity to choose your ideal scent for the rest of your life or, conversely, conduct successful experiments by choosing a new perfume or eau de toilette within your favorite family.

It is perhaps impossible to create a unified system of odors. Today, perfume companies sometimes invent synthetic aroma ingredients, and scent connoisseurs strive to fit them into existing schemes or reimagine them. In this article we will tell you about the system proposed in 1990 by the French Perfumery Committee (Comite Francais De Parfum), the entire variety of scents used in perfumery is divided into seven large groups or families:

citrus- the basis of these aromas are essential oils obtained from the zest of citrus fruits - orange, bergamot, tangerine and many others. Light and energetic, citrus eau de toilette for girls will perfectly complement your morning look and give your image freshness and vigor;

floral- they use essences extracted from fresh flowers: roses, jasmine, lilac. Such a delicate and romantic scent will create a seductive image, ideal for a first date;

woody- warm rich notes created on the basis of essential oils of various tree species: cedar, sandalwood, vetiver. These nuances are often used to create unisex perfumes; they will also organically complement a discreet office wardrobe;

eastern- spicy and tart scents created using animal notes - musk and amber, or classic spices - cinnamon, cloves, coriander. Such scents are more suitable for luxurious appearances in evening dresses;

leather- a relatively small family consisting of dryish tart aromas. These notes are used to create men's and women's perfumes. Leather scents go perfectly with laconic clothes in a men's style - a business suit or, on the contrary, a rocker biker jacket;

chypre- this group got its name in honor of the Mediterranean island of Cyprus and the perfume of the same name, created in 1917 by perfumer Francois Coty. In such perfumes you can catch notes of incense, oak moss and patchouli. Relaxed chypre perfume will perfectly complement a casual look;

wine glasses- complex aromas with notes of wood moss, lavender and coumarin. These warm scents are ideal for the cold season, as well as for everyday life and work.

Of course, this classification is very conditional. Most existing perfumes can be classified into several families. For example, a good eau de toilette from Lancome Tresor is considered an oriental floral scent, and its popular flanker Tresor Midnight Rose is a fruity floral scent.

Which is better - eau de toilette or perfumed

So, whose scent is more lasting - eau de toilette or perfumed water? On the one hand, it can be argued that eau de toilette is less persistent due to the lower concentration of aromatic essences. However, it happens that the smell of regular cologne lasts much longer than the aroma of perfume. It can be argued that it is not easy to clearly determine the durability of eau de toilette.

Firstly, longevity depends not only on the concentration of aromatic substances, but also on the ingredients used. It has been proven that the most persistent notes are oriental and woody, but light fruity nuances fade much faster.

Secondly, even the best eau de toilette for women reveals differently on different people. This concerns not only the expressiveness of the sound of individual notes, but also the durability in general. Sometimes it is impossible to predict how a perfume will behave on the skin - so before deciding on a purchase, you should listen to the aroma of the product on yourself.

But even if you no longer smell the perfume on yourself, you should not be upset - perhaps your nose is simply accustomed to the aroma. Ask friends or family to evaluate the smell a few hours after application - it is quite possible that other people can still smell it.

Composition of eau de toilette

It's no secret that expensive perfume or eau de toilette smell differently throughout the day. Subtle nuances, when mixed, create a unique composition with a delicate aftertaste. The best eau de toilette for women gives an excellent scent that gradually changes and appears in a new way after some time after application.

The idea of ​​a fragrance pyramid first appeared in the 19th century, when, with the development of perfumery, mono-aromas were replaced by more complex compositions of several ingredients. Master perfumers soon developed a theory about the scent pyramid, which helps them create the perfect perfume and predict how the scent will change over time after application. This concept is based on information about the evaporation rate of various essential oils and essences.

Traditionally, the aroma pyramid includes three steps:

top notes (“head”). Top notes are the opening chord, the first thing a person will feel when opening a bottle of eau de toilette. They open instantly and set the tone for the aroma during the first 10-20 minutes. As a rule, they make up about 20% of the total fragrant substance. Citrus or fruit scents are used as top notes - grapefruit, raspberry, honeysuckle;

middle notes (“heart”). The middle notes reveal themselves in all their glory after the top chords evaporate. The heart notes are also called the “core” of a fragrance because they represent its main character. These smells have a fairly long duration - up to 5 hours. As a rule, the heart range is very soft, it includes delicate flowers or tart oriental spices: rose, jasmine, coriander;

base notes (“base notes”). Middle notes gently help the scent trail, which makes up 40-50% of the entire aromatic composition, to sound. Mixing with the heart notes, the basic nuances reveal the fullness of the scent and remain on the skin for up to 8-10 hours, responsible for the “aftertaste” of the perfume. As a rule, the base notes are heavy, rich scents - amber, musk, vanilla, leather, and various resins.

Modern perfumers sometimes create innovative scents, experimenting with the traditional pyramid and making smells sound in an unusual sequence. However, most eau de toilette and perfume waters still have a classic structure. For example, La vie est belle eau de toilette for girls, created in 2012 by perfumers Olivier Polge, Dominique Ropion and Anne Flipo, boasts the following pyramid:

top notes are fruity: black currant and pear;

heart notes are iris, jasmine and orange blossom;

base - patchouli, tonka bean, vanilla and almond praline.

Such a complex, expressive composition sounds great on tender and dreamy young girls who love flirty dresses and sweet desserts.

How to use eau de toilette

Having chosen your ideal scent, you should figure out how to apply eau de toilette correctly, because inept use of perfumed products can not only ruin your thoughtful image, but also harm the aromatic product itself. To prevent this from happening, you must follow a few simple rules:

do not forget about hair and body hygiene - eau de toilette should be applied after a shower to clean and dry skin;

if you want to perfume your clothes, it is better to apply perfume from the wrong side to avoid stains;

do not spray eau de toilette on jewelry - the alcohol solution can harm your favorite earrings or chain;

Do not apply too much perfume - two or three sprays are enough.

In search of a new pleasant smell, specialists have been going through different essences for a long time. The found compositions appear on store windows in the form of deodorant, perfume, cologne, and eau de parfum. To make an intelligent choice and buy a product that meets your expectations, you need to know its characteristics.

The difference between eau de parfum and eau de toilette

Originating around the same time in the 19th century, both names have their own history. The term "eau de toilette", abbreviated EdT (Eau de Toilette), owes its appearance to Napoleon Bonaparte. The great emperor, sensitive to fragrances, often wore men's cologne while exiled to St. Helena. During this period, Napoleon invented an alternative product called eau de toilette.

Abbreviated EdP from the French phrase Eau de Parfum, eau de parfum is the invention of French chemist Pascal Guerlain. The scientist was educated in England, returned to his homeland, and opened a small pharmacy store. His business was profitable, but Guerlain was obsessed with the desire to create. He was involved in mixing components and creating interesting scents. This hobby made the scientist a famous perfumer. Pascal Guerlain created fragrances for Napoleon III and royalty throughout Europe.

Main components included

All aromatic compositions according to GOST include essential oils, purified water, and alcohol. The proportions of these components are how eau de toilette differs from eau de parfum. The content of odorous substances in the first case is 5-10 percent. This product is one of the most non-concentrated. It is popular due to its affordable price and light scent.

The difference between the two products is the intensity of the smell. Eau de parfum is close in the ratio of components to perfume. Fragrant extracts in such products make up 10-20 percent. Eau de parfum has a high concentration and a comfortable price. A good combination of price and quality makes the product popular among fragrance lovers.

When is it better to use

How does eau de toilette differ from eau de parfum in terms of time of use? Simple and straightforward, this product is designed for daytime use. The discreet fragrance is suitable for use at work and while playing sports. The barely noticeable light scent is appropriate during shopping and cafe trips, and is suitable for summer walks. The product is used in cases where there is no need to emphasize a bright image.

When wearing an evening dress or a cocktail dress, it is better to give preference to dense aromatic compositions. A rich smell is what distinguishes eau de parfum from eau de toilette. This product, presented by different manufacturers, is used to emphasize the sophistication of the image and become a frame for beautiful hairstyles and makeup. A correctly selected product complements the appearance and leaves behind an aromatic trail that completes the experience.

What is more durable – eau de toilette or eau de parfum?

Having a higher concentration of fragrant substances, eau de parfum is more stable. Essence in small quantities can last 3-7 hours. The longevity of a fragrance product is not related to how many drops of the product are applied at a time. Excessive use gives nothing but an overly pungent, sometimes unpleasant odor for a long time.

The difference between eau de toilette and perfume is a subtle aroma that lasts for several hours. Reapplication is expected throughout the day. The durability of the fragrance depends on the characteristics of the human body. The flavored composition interacts with the body. One composition applied to different people will produce different notes. In this case, durability may also differ.

How the aroma reveals itself

Perfume and eau de toilette have three stages of aroma development. First, attention is attracted by the upper, volatile fractions, then the middle “heart notes” are heard. Heavy base components appear after a few hours. The difference between eau de parfum is that its components are initially enhanced. This contributes to a more powerful disclosure of the composition. When using this product, you get the impression of being enveloped in fragrance. A light fragrance, a barely noticeable trail - this is how eau de toilette differs significantly from eau de parfum.

Which is better, eau de parfum or eau de toilette?

Each individual type of product has its own advantages and is intended for specific purposes. Low cost is how everyday eau de toilette differs from eau de parfum. Affordable price increases demand for products. On the other hand, this aromatic essence is consumed faster. Its fragrance is considered less interesting. Still, this flavored essence is well suited for use on weekdays.

Use on special occasions is what distinguishes eau de parfum from eau de toilette. An elegant scent should not be used on weekdays. These products are inexpensive, have a unique aroma, and are available in bottles with a spray bottle. This combination of price and quality, complemented by convenient packaging, is appreciated by consumers around the world.

Video: what is the difference between perfume and eau de toilette

For many women, choosing a perfume is a very important and special process, even somewhat reminiscent of a ritual. You need to decide on the brand, choose a scent that suits all parameters and ideally complements the image. Not only the aroma is important, but also the concentration of the perfume, on which its durability depends.

For true connoisseurs, figuring this out won’t be difficult, but if you’re just starting to get acquainted with the world of perfumery, it’s very easy to get confused. We will tell you how different types of perfumes differ and which one is best to choose.

Which perfume to choose

All types of perfumes mainly consist of aromatic concentrate, water and alcohol. The main difference is the ratio of these three components. Perfumes, eau de parfum, eau de toilette, and cologne differ precisely in this parameter. This factor also affects the price. Let's talk about each type of perfume separately.

1. Perfume
   The most concentrated and long-lasting type of perfume. The content of essential oils is approximately 20–30%; this aroma lasts on the skin for more than 6 hours and more than a day on fabrics or paper. Perfume belongs to the category luxury perfumes and they are not cheap.

   

   One of the main differences between perfumes from other perfumes - strongly pronounced final notes, the so-called trail. Thanks to the high concentration of essential oils, perfumes have the ability to gradually open up. That is, the aroma changes over time. In the first minutes it will have one smell, and after that the composition changes and the smell becomes different.

   

2. Eau de parfum, or toilet perfume (Eau De Parfum)
   The concentration of aromatic substances in eau de parfum is slightly lower - approximately 15–20%. The scent lasts for more than 4 hours on the skin and up to a day on fabrics and paper. Unlike perfume, eau de parfum can be used throughout the day. It is also called daytime perfume. In toilet perfumes, the “heart” of the aroma is more pronounced, but the sillage is much weaker. This type of perfume will not retain the aroma all day and using it abundantly will not improve the situation at all. This will only make the smell too strong in the first hour, and daytime perfumes should not be like that.

   

3. Eau De Toilette
   This is a light type of perfume in which the top and middle notes are best felt, but the trail is almost imperceptible. The concentration of aromatic substance is approximately 7–10%. Like eau de parfum, it is suitable for use throughout the day. In addition, it can be used several times a day, it is perfect for outdoor activities and even for hot days. The durability of eau de toilette is much lower, but the aroma is much lighter. This is the most common type of perfume.

   

4. Cologne (Eau De Cologne)
   Cologne contains approximately 3-5% oil content. This scent will last on the skin for about two hours, and on fabrics and paper - less than a day. This is the lightest type of perfume and is used most often by men. Its properties are similar to eau de toilette. In cologne, all phases of aroma development merge into one. The smell is about the same as the third stage of perfume. At the same time, the shade of alcohol is strongly pronounced. Cologne is often referred to as any type of men's perfume, but this is a misnomer.

   

5. Refreshing water (Eau Fraiche)
   The concentration of the aromatic component is approximately 1–3%. The scent lasts on the skin for less than an hour. The peculiarity of this type of perfume is its fresh citrus scent. This perfume can be used throughout the day and for sports.
   

You ask what type of perfume to choose? There is no universal advice that will suit everyone; there are many nuances. It makes sense to have different perfumes for different situations. We hope this short guide to the world of perfume will help you find something you like.