Parfum, eau de parfum or eau de toilette: how to choose

Concentration, development, projection and skin: why a family label alone cannot predict a fragrance.

ExtraitEDPEDTPeau

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key points: Extrait · EDP · EDT · Peau

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In this file01 · Concentration, not an absolute hierarchy 02 · Longevity, trail and projection 03 · Same name, different formula 04 · Skin, climate and dose 05 · Sample before bottle

Concentration, not an absolute hierarchy

Extrait, parfum, eau de parfum, eau de toilette and eau de Cologne generally indicate concentration families, but percentages and formulas vary by house. More concentrated does not automatically mean more beautiful, more projecting or better in heat. The whole formula and material evaporation matter more than one term.

Key points✦ Extrait✦ EDP✦ EDT✦ Peau

Longevity, trail and projection

Longevity is how long scent remains perceptible, projection is distance, and trail is what remains in movement. These dimensions do not always rise together. An extrait may sit close for a long time, while an eau de toilette may radiate brightly at first. Test lightly and note the scent after 15 minutes, two hours and day's end.

Cups of coffee on a wooden café table — FRA9 · 02

A TGV Duplex at Valence-Ville station — Archive photograph dated 2023-05-20 · Shadowwxx · CC BY-SA 4.0.

Same name, different formula

An eau de parfum is not necessarily an eau de toilette made stronger. Notes, balance and sometimes intention may change. Compare on separate blotters and then skin, avoiding too many scents in a row. Ask for the year or exact version when a name has existed for a long time.

Skin, climate and dose

Temperature, humidity, skin, clothing and spray count change the experience. Do not judge only from card in an air-conditioned shop. A dense formula may become tiring in a warm enclosed space, while a light one may need reapplication. Follow the label and avoid irritated areas.

Sample before bottle

For an expensive purchase, request a sample or buy the smallest legitimate size. Wear it in several contexts and check that you like the drydown, not only the opening. Compare price per millilitre, remembering that a large bottle ties up more money and may deteriorate with poor storage, light or heat.