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While shopping for perfume, you may come across some French terms you’ve never heard of before. Words like parfum and sillage might sound overly sophisticated but are necessary for choosing the perfect fragrance. We promise they are easy to grasp over time.
In this guide, we’re going to break down scent labels step by step. By the end, you’ll know the difference between parfum, eau de parfum, eau de toilette, and more.
What Is Parfum?
Parfum, sometimes called extrait de parfum, is the most concentrated form of a fragrance. Parfums can contain anywhere from 20% to 40% fragrance oil mixed with alcohol, making it the most intense perfume option.
How Long Does Parfum Last?
In addition to being the most potent, parfums also have the most staying power. They can last between 8 to 12 hours, and in some cases, even longer. This is somewhat dependent upon external factors like the wearer’s skin chemistry.
For example, your body’s pH balance can influence how a perfume smells when applied to your skin. On neutral skin, fragrances typically maintain their scent. If your skin is more acidic, the fragrance may smell sharper.
What Is Eau de Parfum?
Eau de parfum (EDP) is less concentrated than parfum but more concentrated than eau de toilette. EDPs contain about 15% to 20% fragrance oils and are a popular choice for everyday activities.
How Long Does Eau de Parfum Last?
Eau de parfums usually last between four to five hours. Environmental factors can largely influence how long your EDP lasts and whether it’s the right choice for you.
For example, if you’re outside on a windy day, the air circulation can cause the fragrance molecules in your perfume to fade faster. Or if you’re inside with the AC on, there’s going to be less moisture in the air, causing your skin to dry out and absorb the perfume.
In both these instances, you’d have to reapply your perfume sooner than usual.
What Is Eau de Toilette?
Eau de toilette (EDT) is the lightest fragrance of the bunch and contains 5% to 15% fragrance oils.
This low concentration provides it with an airy aroma used casually and during the daytime. It also tends to be the safest perfume type for sensitive areas of the body like hair.
How Long Does Eau de Toilette Last?
Depending on the exact fragrance percentage, an eau de toilette can last between 2 to 4 hours. In addition to its low concentration, factors like the weather can cause an EDT to fade faster than parfum and eau de parfum.
For example, on a warm, sunny day, your body is more likely to overheat and sweat, which can affect the smell of your fragrance. Higher body temperature intensifies the scent, making it project more strongly.
Sweat can enhance warm notes like musk, but may cause lighter notes like citrus to fade more quickly.
What Do the Different Scent Labels Mean?
Scent labels on perfumes and fragrances are meant to help consumers understand what to expect from the contents inside. They list details like scent profiles and fragrance concentrations.
As we’ve already mentioned, fragrance concentration determines the intensity and longevity of a product. It can be labeled as parfum, eau de parfum, or eau de toilette. You may also see bottles labeled as eau de cologne (EDC). EDCs are distinctly light with 2% to 4% fragrance oils. They typically last one to two hours.
To explain the scent profile of a product, labels list fragrance notes. Fragrances are categorized as top notes, middle notes, and base notes, each unfolding one by one. Top notes are the first scent you notice, but they last for a very short amount of time.
Next comes the middle notes, also called heart notes, forming the core fragrance. Base notes develop last, linger the longest, and provide the most depth.
On the topic of lingering, your perfume’s scent label may also feature the term “sillage.” Sillage describes how long a fragrance will stay in the air, even after you’ve walked away. This effect is typically determined by the alcohol content. If your perfume is labeled as having strong sillage, it's more likely to trail behind you.
Which Type of Scent Is Best for a Special Event?
Special events usually involve spending an extended amount of time around others, making it important to leave a positive impression.
If you’re hoping to smell your best all throughout the occasion, you’ll probably want to wear a long-lasting, memorable fragrance.
Parfums can sometimes air on the side of intense and overwhelming, but they’re a strong option if your event is particularly long. Alternatively, you can also choose an eau de parfum — whether you’re heading to a coworker’s dinner party or your best friend’s wedding, an EDP will give you the necessary longevity.
We love using a fragrance that complements the occasion. If you’re having cocktails on an outdoor patio, for example, trying something fresh and fruity might fit the vibe.
Attending an important work gala? You might feel drawn to something warm and sophisticated. If you’re still not sure what to pick, it’s always a safe bet to go with your signature scent.
Which Type of Scent Is Best for Casual Occasions?
When it comes to casual occasions, it's better to use fragrances that are light and easygoing. The goal is to smell nice and fresh without overwhelming the senses. An eau de toilette’s moderate concentration makes it the perfect choice. Just like with an eau de parfum, we suggest tailoring your EDT based on the activities you have planned for the day.
If you’re grabbing brunch with friends, choose a gourmand option like a vanilla fragrance — or, even better, opt for Hot Cakes, our pancake fragrance that fits right in at the hottest breakfast spot.
Going for a walk through the park? Opt for a fruity, floral fragrance like a citrus scent or rose fragrance. At Snif, all of our fragrances are formulated for optimal performance and long-lasting daily wear.
Finding Your Fragrance
Now that you’re a pro at reading scent labels on perfume bottles, you get to enjoy the fun part: finding your fragrance! Remember to consider factors like what the occasion is, how long you need it to last, and how it will interact with your body and environment.
Whether you’re in the mood for a fancy parfum or a casual eau de toilette, we’re certain you’ll find a scent you love!
Sources:
Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors Affecting Skin Surface pH | PubMed
Aroma Compound - an overview | ScienceDirect