If you are a perfume lover, you have undoubtedly noticed that there are different names for perfumed products: eau de toilette, eau de parfum, perfume extract... But do you know what these terms mean and what is the difference between them? Here are some answers to help you choose the perfume that suits you best.
The concentration of odorous materials
The main difference between eau de toilette and eau de parfum lies in the concentration of odorous materials, that is to say the substances which give the perfume its smell. These odorous materials are diluted in a solvent, generally alcohol, and can be of natural origin (essential oils, extracts of flowers, fruits, wood, etc.) or synthetic (molecules created in the laboratory). p>
The concentration of odorous materials determines the intensity and staying power of the perfume on the skin. The higher the concentration, the more powerful and persistent the scent. Here are the different categories of scented products according to their concentration:
Perfume extract: This is the most concentrated form, with 15 to 40% odorous materials. It is also the rarest and most expensive. The perfume extract usually comes in a bottle with a screw cap or a spray bottle. It is applied in small touches to the body's pulse points (wrists, neck, behind the ears, etc.).
Eau de parfum: This is the most common form, with 10 to 20% odorous materials. The eau de parfum offers good intensity and good hold, without being too overpowering. It is sprayed on the skin or on clothing, from a distance of approximately 20 cm.
Eau de toilette: This is the lightest form, with 5 to 10% odorous materials. Eau de toilette is ideal for daily perfume, especially in summer or in hot climates. It is sprayed generously on the body or hair, avoiding the face.
Eau de Cologne: This is the freshest form, with 2 to 5% odorous materials. Eau de Cologne is composed mainly of citrus fruits and aromatic herbs. It can be sprayed all over the body after showering or shaving, to refresh and tone up.
The olfactory composition
The olfactory composition of a perfume is also an element that can influence the choice between eau de toilette and eau de parfum. Indeed, the same perfume can have variations depending on its concentration. For example, eau de toilette may be fresher and more sparkling than eau de parfum, which may be deeper and more sensual.
The olfactory composition of a perfume is generally divided into three parts:
The top note: is the first olfactory impression that we perceive when we smell a perfume. It is made up of the most volatile ingredients, which evaporate quickly. It lasts approximately 15 minutes. The top note is often fresh and lively, with citrus, fruit or spices.
The heart note: is the heart of the perfume, which is revealed after the top note. It is composed of the least volatile ingredients, which persist longer. It lasts approximately 4 hours. The heart note is often floral or woody, with flowers, leaves or roots.
The base note: is the last olfactory impression that we keep from a perfume. It is composed of the most persistent ingredients, which fix the perfume on the skin. It lasts several hours, even several days. The base note is often warm and enveloping, with resins, balms or musks.
Depending on the concentration of the perfume, the notes can be more or less accentuated. For example, eau de toilette can highlight the top note, while eau de parfum can reinforce the base note.
The choice of perfume
The choice between eau de toilette and eau de parfum therefore depends on several factors, such as concentration, composition, but also personal taste, budget, occasion or season. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfume that suits you best:
Test the perfume on your skin : each skin reacts differently to odorous materials, depending on its pH, temperature or hydration. It is therefore important to smell the perfume on your skin and not on a paper or on someone else. Spray the perfume on your wrist and wait a few minutes to feel its evolution.
Don't be fooled by the price: the price of a perfume is not necessarily linked to its quality or concentration. It may depend on the brand, packaging, marketing or the rarity of the ingredients. There are affordable, good quality perfumes, just as there are expensive, mediocre perfumes.
Adapt the perfume to the occasion: depending on whether you want to perfume yourself for work, for a romantic date or for a festive evening, you can opt for an eau de toilette or a perfume. In general, we prefer an eau de toilette for the day, more discreet and fresher, and an eau de parfum for the night, more intense and more seductive.
Vary the scent according to the season: depending on the ambient temperature, the scent may diffuse more or less. In summer, we prefer an eau de toilette or eau de Cologne, which is lighter and more refreshing. In winter, we opt for an eau de parfum or a perfume extract, warmer and more comforting.
In conclusion, there is no absolute rule for choosing between eau de toilette and eau de parfum. The main thing is to treat yourself and feel good with your perfume.
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