Guide On Types Of Perfume And How To Find Your Signature Scent

The French way of saying 'perfume' is also referred to as Extrait De Parfum or pure perfume. Out of all the types, parfum is known to have the highest fragrance concentration, which basically means that the perfume contains less alcohol, and more essential oils. And since the concoction contains 20% to 30% of concentrate, it tends to linger on your skin for a good 12 plus hours with more of a pungent smell. 

Pros: 

Tends to last all day due to less alcohol content 

They are suitable for folks with super-sensitive skin 

Richer in pheromones, making them an aphrodisiac

Cons: 

The ingredients are mostly undisclosed 

Being mixed with ethyl alcohol makes them super flammable 

How Long It Lasts: 12+ hours

Best Suited Season: It's perfect for winter, as it's long-lasting and can power through cold weather.

If you're looking for a scent that can stay on your skin all day long, then choosing an Eau de Parfum is your best bet. It contains 15% to 20% pure perfume essence, with the concentrated formula resulting in a scent that can linger on the skin for hours making it perfect if you're aiming to have your own 'signature' scent. It can typically be strong but not on the same pungency level as parfum, making it perfect for events and gatherings. And while it’s not as expensive as parfum, it’s still one of the pricier types. However, since it is so potent, re-application isn't required as much, making it worth your buck.

Pros: 

Tend to be more affordable than perfumes 

More choices since all perfume brands make EdPs. 

Cons: 

Shorter life-span on dry skin 

May cause respiratory issues along with affecting sinuses and throat 

How Long It Lasts: 8+ hours

Best Suited Season: The higher concentration of essential oils makes it a good choice for the humid season.

If you're someone who leans more towards subtle scents that are light and fresh, then Eau de Toilette is what you need. This type pf perfume is preferred for its daytime wear with a concentration of around 5% to 15% pure perfume essence. And since it is less concentrated, its longevity also tends to be lesser compared to parfums and EDPs. However, EDTs are great to keep as your day-wear perfumes, where you can also opt for cheaper alternatives. 

Pros: 

More affordable compared to perfumes and EDPs

Less stronger scent, which makes it great for folks who are sensitive to strong scents 

Cons: 

Needs constant re-application, which means more use of the product 

How Long It Lasts: 4 to 7 hours

Best Suited Season: Although great for every day, we recommend it for summertime especially because of the high alcohol concentrations.

When it comes to comparing an Eau de Cologne with a parfum, there's a huge gap in terms of the essential oil content. It is typically marketed to men, mainly because of its high alcohol content, which makes it not very suitable for high-sensitivity skin (something that's believed women have more compared to men). It has a perfume concentration of only 2% to 4% and is sold in large bottles since it's applied more frequently. It tends to last only two-odd hours on the skin; hence, people tend to dab some on their clothes as well. Due to its lack of longevity, it is a much cheaper alternative. 

Pros: 

They tend to be much lighter and refreshing with citrus notes that can be worn anytime. It’s a contrast to stronger French perfumes.

Cons: 

It can be super harsh on the skin due to the alcohol 

Not many unisex options 

How Long It Lasts: 2 to 3 hours

Best Suited Season: We'd recommend it for spring and summertime, but you must reapply it regularly. 

Eau Fraiche is a type of perfume that contains the lowest concentration of only 3%, making it last about two-odd hours or so. Because of the 1% to 3% concentration of essential oils, it is also more affordable. And since most of them have water instead of alcohol, it is perfect and best suited for sensitive and dry skin. Further, Eau Fraiche is light, airy, and perfect for folks who like subtle scents. 

Pros: 

The most affordable type of perfume 

Less alcohol content means it's kinder on the skin 

Cons: 

Lasts only a couple of hours 

Its lightness means it's not very suitable for night events 

How Long It Lasts: 2 hours

Best Suited Season: Because of its fresh appeal, we deem it best for the summer and spring seasons.

Perfume oils are purely oil-based perfumes, with the essential oil concentration being high at about 20%. What makes perfume oils different is that instead of carriers like water and alcohol, oils like jojoba oil are mixed in with the essential oil. Perfume oils are also known to be naturally extracted from flowers, woods, and spices to make a super-potent scent that can last up to 12 hours. And since it is heavy in texture, it cannot be sprayed, and hence is usually rubbed onto the pulse points on your body–wrist, inner elbow, and behind the ears. 

Pros: 

No water or alcohol makes it best for dry skin 

Super concentrated 

Cons:

One could be allergic to the carrier oil 

How Long It Lasts: 8+ hours

Best Suited Season: Great for almost all seasons, they work especially well for summers because of their lasting ability. 

Buying expensive perfume online? Check out our expert's guide to buying perfume online.