A common question that might cross your mind when you’re browsing your local department store, or favorite fragrance website is that there seems to be a plethora of different types of colognes and perfumes on the market to choose. So what’s the difference?
You will notice different kinds of colognes and perfumes labeled as Eau de Toilette, Perfume, and Eau de Parum and so on. They all have different characteristics about them that make them unique, and each of the cologne and perfume types might be a leading factor into what scent you’re trying to achieve.
So, what’s the difference between cologne and perfume types? The difference lies in the amount of concentrated oils that are present in the formula. Perfumes, for example, carry a concentration of 35%, whereas a common cologne, may carry a fragrance concentration of about 4%.
Since there are so many types of different fragrances, let’s take a look at each of the different types of characteristics that will be common when you’re finding a cologne that’s right for you. We will describe each common scent type going from least-concentrated, to most-concentrated. The concentration level will generally tell you how long the scent will last once applied.
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What are Eau De Fraiche Fragrances?
When you’re purchasing an Eau Fraiche fragrance, these will typically be the most “weak” scents that you can achieve. These types of fragrances are typically found on most aftershave products and the fragrance doesn’t last very long. The smell will typically last between 30 minutes to an hour.
Since the fragrance wears off quickly when you’re applying an Eau Fraiche, they shouldn’t be used if you’re looking to achieve a great smell all day/night. The best time to apply an Eau Fraiche fragrance would typically be after your shower when you’re getting ready for whichever event you’re going to.
What is Eau de Cologne?
Eau de Cologne is most likely the most common fragrance level that a man can find. These are commonly referred to as “colognes” and they will last up to 4 hours.
When you’re looking for an Eau de Cologne, they generally come in a more “masculine” smell, which is why I would always recommend this type of cologne when compared to a perfume. It may seem like common sense, but sometimes the lady’s perfume might carry a fruit-like fragrance with enough muskiness to be confused with a men’s cologne. This can be dangerous.
So, when’s the best time to wear an Eau de Cologne? I would generally recommend wearing these when you’re going to work, stepping out for a couple of drinks with some friends, or even on a date. Since they don’t last as long, applying them right before you leave your house is probably the best course of action.
You might also be wondering, what’s the difference between cologne and eau de cologne? Well, the difference lies in the fact that the word “cologne” has improperly been labeled as any form of masculine scent. The fragrance eau de cologne typically refers to a fragrance with a lower concentration of fragrant oils.
What’s the difference between Eau de Toilette and Eau de Cologne?
When you’re trying to make the differentiation between Eau de Toilette and Cologne, it’s important to know that an Eau de Toilette contains a higher concentration of fragrant oils when compared to Eau de Cologne.
The concentration level of Eau de Toilette is right around 10-15% which will give you a scent lasting right around 3 hours before your skin begins to change the underlying tones of the fragrance. Things such as hormones, diet and skin type can change the scent of the fragrance.
Since your body can change the scent of your fragrance, it’s important to not take the first leap and making judgements off the initial smell when it is first applied. I recommend applying it, waiting for a couple of hours, and asking a friend of yours how the smell is.
It’s better to get their opinion later on after the scent has had a chance to settle.
What is Eau de Parfum?
Eau de Parfum is often called Perfume to denote a typically “feminine” scent. However, authentic perfume contains a higher concentration of fragrant oils than Eau de Parfum does. Eau de Parfum contains an oil concentration right around 20%. This will mean that you’ll be achieving a longer-lasting scent when it’s applied. Typically the scent will last 7-8 hours.
With an oil concentration that high, you might notice a harsh, sometimes even overpowering smell. This can be off-putting for most. However, when it’s initially applied, that strong smell will gradually fade. And, just like Eau de Toilette, the smell will change according to your body’s chemistry, so it’s also important to get someone’s opinion of the smell after it has had a chance to interact with your body.
What’s the difference between Eau de Parfum and Perfume?
Like mentioned earlier, Eau de Parfums are incorrectly labeled as “Perfumes”. However, authentic Perfumes have a higher concentration of fragrant oils when compared to Eau de Parfum. Perfume will contain an oil concentration of around 30%, whereas Eau de Parfum will have a fragrant oil concentration of around 15-20%.
This is a large difference when you compare the two, because Perfume will be a much more intense fragrance when compared to Eau de Parfum.
However, Eau de Parfum and Perfume and similar in the fact that they both need a chance to interact with your body’s chemistry in order to understand how the fragrance will smell on you individually. When you’re testing out perfumes it’s so important to not leap to the first scent you think smells great right off the bat. Give your fragrance a chance to settle before making a decision.
Can Men Wear Perfume?
This question is something so common, but the answer is simply yes. Men can wear perfume, just like a woman can wear cologne. However, the difference in these formulas lie in the way that they are created. Of course, the common cologne will carry a more masculine scent when compared to a feminine perfume.
However, there are perfumes out there that might compliment a man better than any cologne can. Unfortunately, recommending a scent is incredibly difficult without understanding the wearer’s unique body chemistry. Colognes and perfumes are a trial and error process. You might not achieve that perfect scent you’ve always wanted right off the bat (unless you’re lucky).
Men have been wearing perfume for years with amazing success. However, the nomenclature of cologne vs. perfume has gained the men vs. women comparison. The fact of this is that it is just not true.
Each fragrance you try contains several different notes of smell which can be either flattering or unmannerly depending on how it suits the wearer. A bad cologne on a man can be just as offensive as bad perfume on a woman. The same is also true where a perfume can be as flattering on a man as a cologne can be on a woman.
There are so many different fragrances out there, but putting the cologne and perfume labels away opens your doors to more scents than you can possibly imagine.