When it comes to finding your signature scent, there are plenty of things to consider besides whether you like how it smells. This includes knowing when one level of intensity is more appropriate than the other, how much of a scent bubble you want to create, and how long you want it to last – all things that can be helped by understanding the various fragrance types and terminology. Read on to learn which type of fragrance is best suited for your personal fragrance needs.
Body Mists
Body mists, sometimes referred to as eaux fraîches (in French, “fresh water”) have the lightest concentration of fragrance. These are the most diluted versions of fragrance, with anywhere between 1-5% perfume oil in alcohol and water. The longevity is modest; they usually last somewhere between one and two hours.
Because body mists are not as concentrated as other fragrance types, they are good options for when you want to smell good but have skin sensitivities, a picky pet, or need to be in an enclosed space where a strong scent may be ill-advised (or even disrespectful).
According to Zachary Tobar (aka @zachdeparfum), body mists and eaux fraîches are most appropriate “if you’re going to work out or if you’re going to do something like yoga or a meditative kind of practice, since they’re a little bit lighter and not as in-your-face.” Body mists are also a solid option on hot days, when a more concentrated fragrance can feel too heavy.
Eau de Cologne
Though eau de cologne is typically used as a synonym with a male-centric product, that isn’t the actual classification of the term. With a fragrance concentration between 2-4%, an eau de cologne has a similar lasting power to a body mist.
Eau de Toilette
With anywhere between 8-15% concentration of fragrance oil, an eau de toilette is usually a good middle ground for when you want to smell good for a longer period of time without the scent being overpowering. Eau de toilette lasts around three to four hours, making it appropriate for daytime wear.
While some fragrances are offered in eau de toilette and eau de parfum versions, they aren’t always just a less- or more-concentrated version of the same scent. Sometimes they will share the same theme, but have a different ingredient composition. Not only that, but the amount of fragrance oil in each product will change the way it develops on the skin throughout the day.
When in doubt, try getting sample sizes of each version of the product and testing it out to see which you like best – something you should do for any new fragrance whenever possible.
Eau de Parfum
Eau de parfum typically contains a higher concentration of oil, around 15-20%, and usually will last anywhere between five to eight hours without needing to reapply. “That’s definitely what you would want to wear if you’re going out somewhere to run an errand or if you’re going out to dinner,” Tobar says.
Pure Parfum
You may have already guessed it, but a pure parfum has the highest concentration of fragrance oil—anywhere between 20-40%— and can last up to 24 hours without needing to be reapplied. Parfum is harder to find and a lot more expensive. While parfum lasts longer than EDP and EDT, a little bit goes a very long way. It’s truly a less-is-more situation.