Perfume and fragrance explained

Fragrances vary by strength; this is often a key factor that determines the price.

For women:

Parfum.

This is the strongest concentration of perfume and is designed to provide a very long lasting fragrance.  Not surprisingly, it is also the most expensive variant of fragrance.

Eau de parfum  (edp)

This is the common relatively high concentrate form of perfume, it is designed to give a long lasting fragrance at a reasonable price.

Eau de toilette (edt)

This is probably the most popular form of perfume. It offers an affordable concentration of perfume with a higher percentage of water and fewer essential oils.  An EDT is most commonly sold in a spray format.

Eau de cologne (edc)

This is not as strong as an EDT, containing a lower concentration of essential oils.

Eau fraiche

This is really a summer month’s fragrance. It has a very low fragrance content and is often referred to a ‘perfume mist’.  It is usually alcohol free.

For men:

Eau de toilette (edt spray)

This is really the strongest concentration fragrance available and is ideal for use on the body or clothing and everyday use.  Note that this should not be used after shaving as it could cause irritation.

Aftershave

Aftershave is generally weaker than an EDT and designed to be used on the face, hence the term ‘aftershave’.