In front of a fragrance shelf, the question often comes up: should you choose an eau de parfum or an eau de toilette? The difference is not in the scent, but in the concentration of scented essences. And that changes a lot of things.
The difference: concentration
A perfume is made of a mixture of aromatic essences diluted in alcohol and water. The higher the percentage of essences, the more intense the perfume is and the longer it lasts. Generally:
- Eau de toilette: about 5 to 15% essences. It is lighter and fresher.
- Eau de parfum: about 15 to 20% essences. It is more intense, with a more pronounced sillage.
These ranges vary according to the brand: there is no strict standard.
Longevity and sillage
An eau de toilette generally lasts for a few hours: ideal for everyday use, sports, or summer, when you want a discreet and refreshing fragrance. An eau de parfum lasts longer and leaves a more noticeable trail: perfect for the evening, winter, or a special occasion.
How to choose based on your usage?
- For the office or every day: a light, floral, or fruity eau de toilette.
- For an evening out: a woody or ambery eau de parfum, which is more enveloping.
- In summer: fresh and floral notes, often as an eau de toilette.
- In winter: warm notes (vanilla, amber, sandalwood), as an eau de parfum.
Finding your olfactory family
Beyond concentration, it is the olfactory family that matters most:
- Floral: delicate and feminine. Try the Fleurs de Cerisier eau de toilette or the Voile de Santal eau de parfum (jasmine, ylang-ylang, sandalwood).
- Fruity and gourmand: sweet and comforting. Discover Jardin Sucré or the Amande Lactée eau de toilette.
- Woody and ambery: warm and assertive. Let yourself be tempted by Nocturne d'Ambre, Ambre Brut, or the Vanille Patchouli eau de toilette.
Our tips to make your perfume last longer
- Moisturize your skin beforehand: perfume lasts better on nourished skin. A neutral oil or body cream is ideal.
- Spray on pulse points: wrists, neck, inside of elbows, behind the ears.
- Do not rub your wrists together: this "breaks" the top notes.
- Store your bottle away from light and heat, never in the bathroom.
In summary
Eau de toilette is lighter; eau de parfum is more intense and longer-lasting. The right choice depends above all on your preferences and the occasion. And nothing is stopping you from having both!
Discover all our fragrances in our Perfumes category.