EDP vs EDT? What does EDT mean in perfume? What is a toilette vs parfum when it comes to fragrance? There are so many little subtleties you may not notice or have any clue what they mean when picking out your signature scent or trying to find a new palette for the upcoming season. There is a lot to unpack and understand, and we don’t want you to be overwhelmed. We will help untangle the meanings behind the technical lingo.
You may have seen these terms before in tiny letters on your fragrance bottle. The difference between each formulation is the number of essential oils and the type of aromatic notes present in the fragrance and their amounts. A higher concentration of essential oils means the fragrance is stronger, and the scent will typically last longer on your skin.
Heavier notes like vanilla or musk may also last longer than a breezy citrus note. The length of time a fragrance lasts also really depends on your skin — some skin types hold a scent perfectly, while others soak it up fast. Discover your ideal aroma according to your tastes with our fragrance finder quiz, which emails you the results.
We know a lot of people have probably never glanced at those letters or little phrases on the bottle that specifies which type it is. But in order to get the best fragrances for your specific scent profile to build the ultimate collection, you should pay attention. To know your Eau de Parfum vs Eau de Toilette or parfum vs toilette, here’s an easy breakdown of each scent type or formula.
What Is EDT? (aka Eau De Toilette)
So, what is Eau de toilette? Much chicer than its literal translation, this fragrance is lighter than an Eau de Parfum but is still strong enough to last through a coffee date or brunch. We recommend spritzing this type on a few times during the day if you’d like to keep the scent on your skin. The historical Eu de Toilette meaning came from 14th-century Europe when it was often applied in the bathroom as a grooming product for the wealthy elite. Although liquid fragrances had been invented long before then, this was the most common at the time.
What Is EDP? (aka Eau De Parfum)
Comparing Eau de Toilette vs. parfum for your own daily routine? Meet our most potent formula, containing our highest concentration of essential oils. EDP is the most widely used type of fragrance in the industry because of its ability to stay on the skin and last longer. That’s why lots of people want to know the difference between Pau de parfum and Eau de Toilette before they buy one or the other.
This is the kind of fragrance you spray on in the morning and maybe once again in the late afternoon or in the evening before happy hour. Generally, you don’t have to use as much for a long-lasting scent, depending on your skin type. Knowing the meaning of EDP and how it works can help you decide what to purchase for your collection at home.
What is EDF? (aka Eau Fraiche)
With just a hint of scent, EDF is the equivalent of a mist, offering the lowest concentration of essential oils of all formulations. This fragrance is great for a refreshing spritz anytime you’d like a little pick-me-up. They’ll provide the most versatility with layering as well, because they’re subtle and can be refreshed throughout your day with different aromas.
When trying to pick your next fragrance, you need to consider a few more factors before you grab a toilette over a parfum. What time of day do you want the fragrance for? What type of occasion do you want to wear the scent for? What profile stays on your skin the longest? What scents stand out in the best way on our skin? What profiles do you like and which ones are favorable to your own nose?
You need to ask yourself certain questions first, because those answers will lead you to either a EDP vs EDT, and so on. Buying a fragrance isn’t as easy as spritzing one in the store, liking how it smells in the air, buying it and being done. If you want the right scent for your body, you have to do a little homework. But with EDT, EDF and EDP to choose from, you’re sure to find what you need. Feel empowered to read the bottle and understand the nuances on it to add to your collection in the right way each time.
