Keep reading this article to avoid choosing the wrong fragrance for yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n
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What Are Fragrance Strengths?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The strength of a fragrance is determined by the percentage of fragrance oils that\u2019s been added to the scent formula. This is also referred to as fragrance concentration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The higher the fragrance concentration, the stronger and more lasting the scent.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Within the fragrance industry, there are a number of categories used to describe each level of fragrance strength. There are five categories that are most popular:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Broadly speaking, the only thing that differentiates these categories is the amount of fragrance oil each one has. Parfum is the strongest and is usually offered in exclusive collections. Eau de parfum is the category most people make reference to when they\u2019re talking about perfumes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll find an eau de toilette\u2019s concentration to be mid-range. An eau de cologne requires constant reapplication and the weakest scent composition of them all is eau fraiche.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why does this matter? Well, as you\u2019ll see as I go into depth with each category, the amount of oil not only determines its scent strength, but it also influences how long the scent will last<\/a>.<\/strong> Additionally, the higher the fragrance concentration, the more companies can charge you for that fragrance.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n As explained here<\/a> fragrances are primarily made of fragrance oils and a solvent<\/strong>. That solvent is primarily an alcohol and water mixture. Additional ingredients can be added to aid in longevity, preservation, sillage, and so forth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The fragrance oils can be natural, synthetic, or a combination of the two.<\/strong> Purely synthetic oils are still based on scents derived from nature. Sometimes it\u2019s more sustainable to produce a synthetic scent made in a lab because it keeps natural resources intact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, when I mention fragrance oil concentration, I\u2019m generally referring to the amount of natural or synthetic oils added to the base solvent solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As I\u2019m sure you can guess, the scent from parfum will last longest once applied to your body. Typically, parfums last at least 8 hours. Many of them last even longer than that.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Also referred to as extrait de perfume, this is the purest form of a personal fragrance, as 20% to 30% of its total liquid is fragrance oil.<\/strong> In some cases, depending on the brand, there might be slightly more than 30%. When you think about it, that\u2019s a significant portion of the liquid that you\u2019re spraying or dabbing onto your body<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Parfums are in essence, oiler than the other fragrances, which makes it a good choice for individuals with sensitive skin. More oils, means less alcohol and water – both of which can cause already dry skin to become even dryer. <\/strong>The excessive dryness can lead to irritation or itchiness for some people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A multi-layered fragrance, the scent of your parfum subtly changes throughout the day as it transitions between top, middle, and base notes. Fragrance notes can come from any of the categories: floral, spicy, fresh, or woody.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because parfums are heavier, they\u2019re the perfect fragrance category to wear in colder temperatures. This is because the scent will still project when it\u2019s cold, and it\u2019ll take longer to evaporate.<\/strong> Alternatively, if there was more alcohol or water, you wouldn\u2019t notice the scent as well during fall or winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lastly, you can expect parfum to have the most longevity of the group.<\/strong> Conservatively, parfum lasts for eight hours but in many cases, a high quality perfume can last a full 24 hour day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the most popular fragrance categories is eau de parfum. While price points for an eau de parfum can still be quite high, eau de parfums are more accessible than fragrances in the parfum category.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Less than a third of this liquid solution will have fragrance oil added to it. You can expect the fragrance oil concentration to range from 15%-20% for most brands.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n While this is not as much oil as parfum, an eau de parfum is still one of the better choices for individuals with dry skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An eau de parfum can last for an entire workday, or at least close to a full work day. You can expect it to last from 6 to 8 hours, but many can last for 10 to 12 hours when made with high quality ingredients.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n So you\u2019ll have to test out your fragrance in order to know whether or not it will continue to project if you were to go have drinks after work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As with a parfum, eau de parfum fragrances unfold throughout the day. Top notes are most fleeting and heart notes are usually most dominant. These middle notes also last for the longest amount of time. The scent fades out to base notes. Any of the four fragrance categories are common with eau de parfums.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Many eau de parfum fragrances can be worn year-round. They\u2019re not so strong that they\u2019ll be overbearing during warmer months. And they are still strong enough to continue to project when it\u2019s cold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can choose an eau de parfum as a good everyday signature fragrance.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Even more affordable is the eau de toilette with 5% to 15% of fragrance oil concentration. So this option has much more alcohol and water than the previous two categories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You might find an eau de toilette from mid-range companies like Bath & Body Works, but premier fragrance houses like Chanel also offer eau de toilettes. And this is where pricing is relative and varies widely by brand.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A Chanel eau de toilette is less expensive than a parfum or eau de parfum offered by the company, but their eau de toilettes are still well over $100 USD. So when considering your budget, the fragrance category alone might not be more affordable. You have to also compare prices by brand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since there\u2019s less fragrance and more solution, you can expect an eau de toilette scent to evaporate more quickly. It can last you at least 2 hours, but likely no more than 4 hours.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Eau de toilettes are also layered but the top notes are most dominant, making them much more noticeable when you first spray them on<\/strong>. As a result, they\u2019re likely composed of fresh, floral, or fruity notes. You won\u2019t find many eau de toilettes that are spicy or woody.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is where you might also notice subtle (or sometimes drastic) changes in the scent composition. Slightly different extraction methods or sometimes less intense versions of a fragrance ingredient might also be found in an eau de toilette.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance, La Vie Est Belle by Lanc\u00f4me is a sweet floral eau de parfum. But La Vie Est Belle En Rose is a fruity floral eau de toilette. A different strength of the same fragrance doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019ll smell the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since there\u2019s less fragrance oil in an eau de toilette, it\u2019s less likely to project much in colder temperatures. Eau de toilettes are not only ideal for warmer temperatures but also shorter special events or get-togethers.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you already have dry skin, you\u2019ll either need to veer away from a fragrance with so much more alcohol and water, or you\u2019ll have to apply much more oil to your skin prior to spraying on the fragrance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Primarily marketed to men, eau de colognes also exist for women and many of them are now labeled unisex. But as you know, anyone can wear an eau de cologne<\/a> no matter how it’s labeled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With one of the lowest fragrance concentrations, eau de colognes are primarily formulated with its solvent mixture and only 2% to 4% of fragrance oil.<\/strong> So you can imagine that it won\u2019t remain on your skin for long. Up to two hours at best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although this is one of the more affordable fragrance categories, you may not be saving much money because you\u2019ll have to frequently reapply the fragrance if you want it to last throughout the day.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
What’s in a Fragrance?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Is Parfum the Right Fragrance Strength for You?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Choosing Eau de Parfum as a Fragrance Strength<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Should You Choose an Eau de Toilette Fragrance Strength?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Is an Eau de Cologne Fragrance Strength Worth It?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n