Looking for a new fragrance? When shopping for perfume, you may come across confusing terms such as Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum, cologne, and splash. But don’t worry. Here is what you need to know.
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EDT, EDP, COLOGNE, SPLASH: A GUIDE TO FRAGRANCE JARGON
Shopping for perfume is about so much more than the best scent. But terms like Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum, cologne, and splash can be confusing.
These terms refer to the concentration of fragrance oils in the formula, which affects the scent’s longevity and intensity. Not sure what that is? Here’s a quick and easy breakdown of the differences between Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum, cologne, and splash, courtesy of Shakil Ahmad, from Perfume brand Gold Series.
Making an informed decision when choosing your next scent has just become easier.
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE PRONOUNCIATION
The letter combination ‘Eau’ is pronounced like a closed o, as in rose with an /o/. /o/ sound: The tongue is back, the mouth is more open, and the lips are rounded.
WHAT’S A SPLASH?
Let’s start with splash fragrance, a light and refreshing type of fragrance. It’s perfect for a quick pick-me-up throughout the day. A splash fragrance has a light concentration of fragrance oils (around 2-5% fragrance oil). It’s typically used as an aftershave to soothe and refresh the skin.
Quick Tip: Because of its light and refreshing scent, a splash can be used as a quick refresher throughout the day, like a trip to the beach or after hitting the gym.
WHAT IS COLOGNE?
Cologne is often used interchangeably with Eau de Toilette, but it technically refers to a type of fragrance that’s more citrusy and refreshing. Due to its light concentration of fragrance oil (contains around 2-5% fragrance oil with alcohol and water) which makes it perfect for daytime wear and can be used for a quick refresh during the day.
Quick Tip: If you want your cologne to last longer, apply it to your pulse points, such as your wrists, neck, and chest.
WHAT IS EAU DE TOILETTE?
Next, we have EDT which is short for Eau de Toilette. It is a popular type of fragrance that’s widely available in the market. Known for its fresh and subtle scent, EDT has a lighter concentration of oils (around 5-10% fragrance oil with alcohol and water) and is perfect for everyday wear and can last for a few hours. Its lightness and affordability make it a great choice for those who prefer a more subtle fragrance.
Quick Tip: If you are looking at creating that memorable impression on someone, an EDT like Forever Red by Gold Series, is the way to go. With its sensual fragrance for women, it embodies energy and fire.
WHAT IS EAU DE PARFUM?
Lastly, Eau de Parfum (EDP) is a type of fragrance with a higher concentration of oils (around 10 -30% fragrance oil) than EDT, making it more intense and long-lasting. EDP fragrances typically last for several hours and can be a good choice for special occasions or evening wear. They are also more expensive than EDT and cologne due to their higher concentration of fragrance oils.
Tip: The best time to apply an EDP is directly after the shower. Not only is your skin free of dirt, but it is also warm and damp creating the optimum conditions to fully absorb the fragrance.
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TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE PERFECT FRAGRANCE
When shopping for fragrances, along with considering the occasion, it’s important to keep in mind that each fragrance will smell slightly different on everyone, due to factors such as body chemistry and skin type.
- Test the fragrance before purchasing it. You can get a sample or simply test it on your skin. This will help you get a better idea of how the fragrance smells on you and whether it’s the right fit.
- And don’t forget, choosing the perfect fragrance takes time, so don’t rush the process, and enjoy the journey!
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