The 5 Types of Fragrances You Need to Know About

If you are new to the world of perfume, you might be confused by all of the names you see on the shelves and online. For example, one minute, there are eau de parfum fragrances and the next, there are eau de fraiche. What is the difference between all of these options?

Well, first, know that there is a difference and you want to select the right fragrance for you. some are going to be heavier and longer lasting than others, while some are fresh and light for the summer. Knowing the various options there are means you can purchase one and not be disappointed. So, let’s take a look at the five types of fragrances you are going to come across when you are shopping for perfume.

Parfum

First of all, let’s start with the strongest fragrance you can purchase. We are talking about parfum. This should not be confused with eau de parfum, which we will discuss later on. Instead, parfum contains the highest concentration of fragrance oil. So, if you are going to see from 15 to 40 per cent fragrance oil in a bottle. This means that you can expect a strong and distinctive perfume, which may be heavy and even oily, depending on the notes that are combined in the bottle.

One of the benefits of parfum is that you will not have to apply a lot to your skin. It is going to be strong and recognisable. Plus, it is likely to last for several hours since it has a high concentration of oil. But, some people do find some parfum scents too heavy and intense. This is something that you will need to consider.

Eau de Parfum

Next, we have eau de parfum. This is a common fragrance that you are going to see online and in stores. This has a lower concentration of fragrance oil than parfum, which is going to be around 10 to 15 per cent. A lot of wearers say that it feels slightly lighter on the skin and still lasts a good amount of time. Since it is a popular perfume, it will be beneficial to read about the basic types of fragrances first. This way, you can work out what one you like, whether this is a musk or citrus scent. Yes, the makeup of the perfume is important. But, the scent also plays a part in your experience too.

Eau De Toilette

You can also consider eau de toilette when it comes to buying perfume. The fragrance concentration can be anywhere from four to 10 per cent, which allows you to enjoy the perfume without it being too dominating. For instance, some people like to wear this scent during the summer because it is not oppressive.

It can last up to four hours on the skin. So, it is not as long as parfum and eau de parfum, but it is going to be longer than other options.

Eau de Cologne

Another popular option you are going to see is eau de cologne. It has become associated with being a scent for men. This is probably because it is a light fragrance and it is not going to be as heavy or noticeable as parfum. This is not to say that there are no eau de cologne options for women. You will find this type of fragrance on the shelves too.

Typically, you are going to find that eau de cologne has a fragrance oil concentration of around two to five per cent. This means that the scent can last for around two to four hours on the skin. Since the dilution is light, you can wear this fragrance in a variety of settings. This could be for a special occasion, as well as into the office.

Eau de Fraiche

Last but not least, we have eau de fraiche. This is also referred to as fragrance water and this is going to give you an indication of what you can expect. Namely, it is a light fragrance and one that has the least concentration of fragrance oil. Often, this is around one to three per cent. So, if you are looking for something that is going to feel light and fresh on your skin, an eau de fraiche is going to be the best for you. In particular, it is popular in the summer.

But, something that you should be aware of is that eau de fraiche is not going to be a fragrance that lasts long. Indeed, with the least fragrance oil on the list, it is going to last the shortest amount of time. This can be around one or two hours before it fades. Again, this can be something you want in the summer.