Often people think that fragrance is just… fragrance. The truth is, there are many different perfume varieties available and the quality standards that go into them also can vary remarkably. Finding the right fragrance can be a bit tricky – fragrances are not one type fits all kind of products. What`s the difference between common perfume types?
Parfum
Parfum means perfume in French and is the strongest and longest lasting of fragrances available. This is perfume in its purest and most concentrated form. Parfum may contain several hundreds different ingredients and typically costs a small fortune. It contains up to 20-50% fragrance oils in its composition.
Like lipstick or make-up, this type of fragrance makes a point of your personality. Meant to be applied sparingly to the pulse points, parfum will provide a really long-lasting application.
Parfum could be applied wherever you feel the beat of the heart – at the nape of your neck, behind the ears, at the bosom, at the base of the throat, the inside bend of the elbows, at the inside of the wrists, behind the knees, at the inside of the ankles – fragrance will rise, and the heat of the body at these points will help you achieve a great fragrance application.
People who purchase this type of fragrance can use it sparingly. The scents of parfums usually stick with a person for a long time, that`s the reason why they are favored by many despite pretty high prices.
Eau de Parfum (EDP)
Eau de Parfum (also Parfum de Toilette or PDT) means in French „Perfume Water“ and is a next step down from the strongest fragrance variety. These fragrances contain up to 10-18% perfume compound. EDP remains fairly strong, assures a long-lasting concentrated application and can still be quite expensive to purchase.
“Perfume Water”, one of the newest forms of perfumes, has taken a place in many of the finest fragrance collections. Some of the most famous designer names come in to this style, but it’s still possible to find some great fragrances at lower prices that fit this composition.
For balanced application you should smooth or spray Eau de Parfum just before dressing, from the feet up all over your body. It’s a good idea to use this composition sparingly at first to test its actual strength.
Eau de Toilette (EDT)
Eau de Toilette or “Toilet Water” is a very common and often affordable type of perfume. Using 3-8% fragrance oils, this type of perfume is lighter form of specific fragrance than Eau de Parfum. EDT might require more than one application for all-day scent, it also provides the foundation for your fragrance application. Apply in similar way as Eau de Parfum.
This fragrance composition is favored by many because it is perfect for a more subtle impression, no matter the fragrance, and does dissipate faster than stronger mixes.
Cologne (COL)
Cologne is the lightest form of fragrance for women or a bit more concentrated and lasting form of fragrance for men. Usually Cologne is a blend of natural essential oils, aroma molecules and additional fixatives. With a 3-8% concentration of fragrance oils, Cologne is often considered similar to Eau de Toilette. Like perfumes, the finest colognes may contain hundreds of different ingredients.
Cologne is ideal for splashing liberally all over the body, it`s actually the perfect refresher. Cologne does not provide a longer lasting fragrance application. Because fragrance rises, you should splash or spray this type of perfume from the feet up.
Eau de Cologne (EDC)
Eau de cologne is for men, it’s a fragrance composition that as a standard involves about 3-5% fragrance oils.
Aftershave
Aftershave is a lightest fragrance for men, it is also made of perfume oils in an alcohol water base. After Shave Lotion might use less than 3% fragrance compound in their mix. Formulated to be applied to the face, there can be found two forms of Aftershaves — one provides cooling astringent qualities as a cure for smaller nicks and cuts. The second, which incorporates ingredients to smoothen and moisturize the skin, is a newer development in After Shave Lotions. The After Shave Lotions are created for a relatively short time application.
Moisturizing Perfume Mist
A Moisturizing Perfume Mist is a variety of fragrance that does not incorporate alcohol. It is a spray that contains oil and leaves skin with a smooth veil of perfumed moisturizers. This type of fragrance is perfect to wear in the warm weather because it is less drying to the skin.
Natural spray
Usually a non-aerosol spray generated by pump action. Created to produce a subtile delicate misting of fragrance.
Composition of fragrances varies, that way there are so many different scents – perfumes can range from heavy musk fragrances to light and fresh varieties. There are basically only three major classifications of perfumes, but within these classes you can find several hundreds of different fragrances.
If you like a particular scent, but it seems a bit strong, it`s not a bad idea to try it in a lower fragrance oil compositions. Many leading designers have range of scents in Parfum and even Eau de Toilette varieties for this reason. If one doesn’t fit, most likely some others will – just take your time for trial and error. Don`t wonder if it will need some effort to discover your favorite fragrance.