Perfume, Eau de Toilette, Cologne What’s the Difference?

Many of my clients ask me what the difference is between the many forms of fragrance we see in the stores today.

Fragrance terminology can be confusing. The main difference is the amount of essential oils in the product. The more essential oils – the less fragrance you will need to apply; the longer the scent will linger on your skin; and the more expensive the product generally is. The following charts clarify fragrance terminology.

Women

Form	Concentration	Reapply	Quality
Perfume	Most concentrated Apply pulse-points	4 – 5 hours	20 – 25% essential oils
Eau de Perfume	Concentrated       Apply pulse-points	3 – 4 hours	Up to 15% essential oils
Eau de Toilette	Medium concentration Apply throat or pulse-points	2 – 3 hours	Up to 12% essential oils
Cologne	Weaker concentration Apply throat or pulse-points	1 – 2 hours	Up to 8% essential oils
Splash or Soft Cologne	Weak  concentration Apply throat or pulse-points	Often	Less than 5% essential oils
Body lotion / cream	Weak concentration Apply on body	As needed	Varies
Shower gel	Weak concentration  Use like soap	When bathing	Varies

Men

Form	Use	Reapply
Eau de Toilette	Most concentrated              Apply throat and pulse-points	3 – 4 hours
Cologne	Concentrated                                  Apply throat or pulse-points	2 – 3 hours
Aftershave	Acts as astringent and antiseptic after shaving	After shaving as needed
Aftershave Balm	Protects and sooths sensitive & dry skin after shaving	After shaving as needed
Shower gel	Weak concentration                       Use like soap	When bathing

When applying Perfumes, Eau de Toilettes and Colognes use them sparingly and remember… a little goes a long way.

Find out more about fragrance and other grooming how-to`s in my eBook Personal Care from Feet to Hair.

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