Perfume 101

What's the difference: Perfumes, Eau de Parfums, Eau de Toilettes, Colognes & Testers

Choosing the right fragrance can be a daunting task for most people. Not only are there top notes, middle notes, and bottom notes, but completey different classes of scents and fragrances. Choosing the scent that works for you is just the first step. Next is deciding whether you should choose a perfume, eau de parfum, eau de toilette or cologne, and you don't even speak French!

The same fragrances are available in perfume, eau de parfum, eau de toilette, or cologne form. What's the difference you ask? Whta seperates one from another is the concentration of the scents or the amount of fragrance that is added to the formula. The higher the concenterate and the more actual perfume concentrate added the longer the scent will last, and the more expensive the product will be. 

 

Perfume

Perfume is the most concentrated, and is usually the most expensive. It contains 15-30% aromatic compounds. Due to its high concentration, it also tends to last the longest when applied to the skin. It is usually sold in small bottles of 1 ounce or less. 

Eau de Parfum

Eau de parfum, also called eau de perfume, is the next most concentrated formula, and one of the most popular purchases. It consists of 10-15% aromatic compounds.

Eau de Toilette

Eau de toilette is also a common choice when it comes to deciding on a scent. It's less expensive than the perfume or parfum formulations, although its scent will not last as long when applied to the skin. Eau de toilette contains 5-20% aromatic compounds.

Cologne, or Eau de Cologne

Yes, Eau de Cologne originated in Cologne, Germany. Today, cologne is a generic term that defines a class of scents by its typical concentration of only about 2-5%. Cologne products are available for either men or women. Not to be  mistaken for aftershave, cologne is actually a formula containing moisturizers, antiseptic agents, and perfume. In addition, aftershave can be a gel, lotion, or liquid, cologne is only a liquid.

Tester

Testers are simply discounted, but authentic products just without the retail packaging. Testers are 100% authentic, fresh and although they are meant to be used as a sampler in department stores, they come completely full just like the original fragrance. They are however, meant for the counter in a department store. Testers often come in a plain white box but sometimes they do not have a cap or a box, but otherwise they are authentic. Testers are desireable because of the savings due to the lack of retail packaging.