The final touch for each outfit is the perfume. Or is it the cologne? What do you wear? Eau de toilette, eau de parfum, perfume or cologne? Or is it all the same? If you have ever asked yourself these questions and you don’t know how to tell the products of the world of fragrance apart, you’re not alone.
It’s quite a common question, and we’re going to answer it in this article. Learn with us the difference between a perfume and a cologne, between eau de parfum and perfume, as well as the characteristics of an eau de toilette. Knowing the characteristics of each product will help you to choose the appropriate one for each occasion and to better understand the price of each of them. Today you will learn which fragrance is best suited to your taste and needs. Let’s get to it!
If you’re looking for a high-quality product, opt for a perfume. It is the most concentrated and longest lasting. To be called a perfume, it needs to contain at least 20% essential oils, which makes the fragrance stronger and usually more expensive. A good perfume can last on the skin for up to eight hours or more, making it the ideal choice for special occasions. Because of its intensity, a small amount is enough to make a style statement, especially if it is accompanied by an impeccable look and some elegant accessories, like a nice watch or some stylish yet unobtrusive earrings.
A cologne, also known as eau de cologne or cologne water, is a much lighter fragrance when compared to a perfume. It contains between 2% to 4% essential oils, which makes it the softest and more ephemeral fragrance on the market. If you want to maintain its freshness, continue to apply it throughout the day. Normally, it only lasts between one to four hours. It is ideal for everyday use and for those who prefer a subtle and refreshing scent that is not too overpowering. It is commonly sold in larger bottles as it is applied in larger quantities and several times a day.
In order to clarify this for you so you never get confused again, we’re going to summarize the key differences between a perfume and a cologne:
CONCENTRATION OF ESSENTIAL OILS: Perfume is the product with the largest concentration of essential oils that you will find on the market. A cologne, on the other hand, has a lower concentration.
DURATION: A perfume can last you all day. A cologne lasts just a few hours.
INTENSITY: Perfume is perfect for those who want to make a style statement with their fragrance. Cologne is ideal for informal occasions requiring a subtle touch of freshness.
It doesn’t end here. If you like fragrances, you will also have heard about eau de toilette and eau de parfum. Although it might seem that they are simply another name for cologne and perfume, this is not the case. They are other types of products. Let us explain why.
Just as for perfume and cologne, the key is in the concentration. While eau de toilette contains between 5% to 15% aromatic essences, eau de parfum contains between 15% to 20%, which makes it the highest quality product, after perfume.
So that you don’t get confused any more, we’re going to place the 4 types of fragrances in order from highest to lowest intensity:
In the same way, the intensity will influence the durability of the fragrance on the skin, as well as its price.
As we explained previously, fragrances such as perfume and eau de parfum are perfect for special occasions. These products can be used to make a style statement that will last throughout practically the whole day.
If you are looking for a lighter fragrance for everyday use, opt for eau de toilette or cologne. They are ideal for times when you simply want a touch of freshness, or for use after playing sport or showering.
Now that you know the differences between perfume and cologne it will be much easier to choose the appropriate product for each occasion. We invite you to explore the fragrances section at TOUS, where you will find products of different concentrations. Also, don’t forget to complete your look with some trendsetting TOUS accessories. Discover and enjoy!
