When buying a perfume, you’ll often see labels like EDT, EDP, Parfum, or Extrait—but almost no one explains what they really mean.
In reality, these terms define how long the scent lasts, how intense it feels, when and how to use it, and whether it fits your everyday routine.
Here’s a clear, easy guide. But first:
What Makes a Perfume Last Longer?
It’s simple:
✔ Higher concentration of aromatic oils → more intensity and longer-lasting scent
✔ Lower concentration → lighter, fresher, and faster to evaporate
Think of it like juice:
Very diluted → mild flavor
Pure → intense flavor
With perfumes, it’s similar.
1. Eau de Cologne (EDC)
The lightest option: fresh, soft, and perfect for heat.
Concentration: 2% – 5%
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
What does it smell like?
Like stepping out of the shower.
Clean, fresh, almost like a light body spray.
When to use it?
- Extremely hot days
- After a gym session
- Before going to bed
- When you want to smell nice without standing out
Who is it recommended for?
People who prefer very subtle scents or who are sensitive to strong perfumes.
2. Eau de Toilette (EDT)
Light, fresh, and very versatile. The most popular choice for daily wear.
Concentration: 5% – 12%
Duration: 3 to 5 hours
What does it smell like?
Fresh and clean, with a bit more presence than a cologne.
When to use it?
- Office
- University
- Meetings
- Warm climates
- Sports or active days
Who is it ideal for?
Those who want a noticeable fragrance that isn’t overpowering.
Practical tip
If you’re unsure what to buy, an EDT almost never fails.
3. Eau de Parfum (EDP)
More intense, longer-lasting, and more sophisticated.
Concentration: 12% – 20%
Duration: 6 to 10 hours
What does it smell like?
Full-bodied, with character.
Sweet notes, deeper florals, woods, or spices become more noticeable.
When to use it?
- Work (if you like noticeable scents)
- Night outings
- Dates
- Mild or cold climates
- When you want impact without overdoing it
Who is it ideal for?
Those who want longevity and presence, but not the extreme intensity of Parfum.
4. Parfum / Extrait de Parfum
The most intense, longest-lasting, and most prestigious.
Concentration: 20% – 40%
Duration: 10 to 16+ hours
What does it smell like?
Deep, enveloping, rich.
It’s not always “strong,” but it is denser and much longer-lasting.
Ideal for fragrances that are:
- Sweet
- Ambery
- Spicy
- Dark woody
- Intensely floral
When to use it?
- Elegant evenings
- Special events
- Cold weather
- When you want to be remembered
Practical tip
Parfum is applied differently.
1–2 sprays are more than enough.
5. Body Mist
The softest and most refreshing option.
Concentration: 1% – 3%
Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
If you don’t like strong perfumes, this is a great choice.
When to use it?
- After showering
- To refresh yourself
- Before sleeping
- After the gym
- For quick touch-ups during the day
Which Intensity Suits You Based on Climate?
Very hot (tropical) climate:
→ EDC or EDT
Temperate climate:
→ EDT or EDP
Cold climate:
→ EDP or Parfum
Which One Fits Your Daily Routine?
Office / university:
✔ EDT or a soft EDP
Going out / dates:
✔ Strong EDP or Parfum
All-day wear without reapplying:
✔ EDP
If you can’t tolerate strong perfumes:
✔ EDC or Body Mist
Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
❌ Thinking an EDP is always very strong — many EDPs are soft yet long-lasting
❌ Choosing a Parfum for hot weather — it can feel overwhelming
❌ Assuming higher concentration = better — it depends on your taste and style
❌ Ignoring your skin type
If you have dry skin, any perfume will last less.
Final Recommendation: Don’t Buy by Intensity—Buy by Style
Intensity only tells you how long it lasts.
Your choice should always be based on how you want to feel:
- Clean
- Sweet
- Elegant
- Fresh
- Mysterious
- Unisex
- Professional
- Romantic
First, choose your style.
Then, pick the intensity that best fits your daily routine.
