5 Perfume Types And Strengths, Per A Fragrance Expert

Fragrances are one of those invisible wonders that can change a whole mood. Even a single spritz of a certain scent can transport you to a time, place, and memory. 

When shopping for a bottle, one factor that plays a big role are the perfume types. These describe the fragrance concentration and give you an idea of how long the scent lasts.

“Perfumes with a higher fragrance concentration contain more perfume oils and less alcohol,” says Matthieu Sucheyre-Bouquet, senior manager of education and events at Interparfums Luxury Brands. He notes, “People with sensitive skin may do better with parfums as they have far less alcohol than other fragrance types and therefore are not as likely to dry out the skin.”

Fragrance concentrations are broken into five categories: parfum, eau de parfum, eau de toilette, eau de cologne, and eau fraiche.

Here are the details for each category and how long each typically lasts. 

The Ultimate Guide To Perfume Types And Strengths

Parfum

• Fragrance Concentration: Between 20% to 30%
• How Long It Lasts: 6 to 8 hours
• Parfum is generally the most expensive of all perfume types due to the higher concentrations of fragrance (but this depends on the fragrance and brand)

Eau de Parfum 

• Fragrance Concentration: Between 15% to 20%
• How Long It Lasts: 4 to 5 hours
• Eau de parfum is one of the most common fragrance types and is suitable for everyday use

Eau de Toilette 

• Fragrance Concentration: Between 5% to 15%
• How Long It Lasts: 2 to 3 hours
• Eau de toilette is typically more affordable than eau de parfum and is another popular choice  

Eau de Cologne 

• Fragrance Concentration: Between 2% to 4%
• How Long It Lasts: Up to 2 hours
• Eau de cologne has a much lower concentration of fragrance than the above types of perfume

Eau Fraîche

• Fragrance Concentration: Between 1% to 3%
• How Long It Lasts: Up to 2 hours
• Eau de fraiche is French for “fresh water” and is a much lighter fragrance. Besides being less expensive than the above perfume types, it’s refreshing and not overpowering for, say, a hot summer day

Which Perfume Types Are The Strongest, And Why?

Parfum is definitely the strongest type of perfume that leaves a lasting impression. Why? Their fragrance oil concentration is higher than other perfume types. They also allow a longer-lasting scent on your skin and clothes. 

Another great option is eau de parfum which has a considerably high concentration of fragrance oil (between 15% to 20%), though not as much as parfum (which has between 20% to 30%).

Do Eau de Parfums and Eau de Toilettes Have The Same Scent?

So many of the same fragrances come in different perfume types such as eau de parfum and eau de toilette. Do these really have the same scent (and is the only main difference how long they last)? 

Sucheyre-Bouquet notes, “The answer lies in the notes that make up the fragrance and within its structure. For example, an eau de toilette with citrus notes obtained from citrus extractions will be more volatile than another eau de toilette with more amber or woody notes.” 

He adds, “So yes, it’s obviously a case-by-case assessment, but an amber eau de toilette can have as good lasting as a citrusy eau de parfum. For instance, Jimmy Choo Man Eau de Toilette has excellent lastingness thanks to the patchouli it contains.

How Can I Find The Right Perfume Type For Me?

Finding the right type of fragrance for you is all personal preference. But I get it, with so many options from floral scents to fruity scents, woody scents, and more. It can be overwhelming to decide! 

Working as a beauty editor, I’ve tested many different types of perfumes throughout time and noticed that I’m more often drawn to warm amber fragrances. 

Sucheyre-Bouquet says, “Without forgetting those fragrances that have been enjoyed in the past can help bring more clarity your way.” He suggests to smell several fragrances on your skin as it reacts differently on a blotter. “The skin’s pH influences its diffusion as well as how the raw materials within the fragrance evolve.”

Also, remember that you don’t have to choose just one signature scent. You can always layer complementary fragrances or have a few on rotation to match your mood, outfit, and occasion. 

Shop: Top Perfume Types

This post may use affiliate links. As always, Style Meets Story only shares recommendations that we truly love.

Parfum
Jimmy Choo 
I WANT CHOO Le Parfum

Not only is this gold sculptural bottle aesthetically pleasing, but the scent profile is also spot on. This luxe amber floral woody perfume has all the fragrance notes that I love. I always feel more dressed up with this on and instantly feel ready for the day or night. Buy it for yourself or give it as a gift — it’s packaged in a shimmering gold box that’s ready to be adored.

• Fragrance Family: Florals
• Scent Type: Warm Florals
• Top Notes: Pear, Golden Gardenia, Blackberry
• Middle Notes: Jasmine, Patchouli, Ambrette
• Base Notes: Moss Amber, Sandalwood, Praline Accord

Eau de Parfum 
Montblanc 
Legend Blue Eau de Parfum

Sucheyre-Bouquet’s recommends this newly reimagined Legend Blue eau de parfum by Montblanc. “If I had to choose a masculine fragrance, my heart would definitely go to this scent. It’s a stunning fresh, masculine, and powerful scent mixing aromatic notes of spearmint and warm woods.”

The significance of the color blue is intentionally apparent in this fragrance. The shade is synonymous with truth, serenity, wisdom, and confidence, all the qualities that the wearer can appreciate upon every wear.

• Fragrance Family: Woody
• Scent Type: Woody Aromatic
  
• Top Notes: Spearmint
• Middle Notes: Woody Accord, Cedarwood, Sandalwood
• Base Notes: Ambroxan

Eau de Toilette 
YSL Beauty
Libre Eau de Toilette

Although eau de toilettes are typically less expensive than eau de parfums, that’s not the case here. This YSL Beauty Libre pick is pricier than both of the above if you calculate the cost per ounce. But from my opinion, this is one of my all-time favorite floral fragrances that’s so worth it. 

Every single time I have this on, people compliment the scent and ask where it’s from. This mix of lavender essence, orange blossom absolute, and white-tea accord is just heavenly.

• Fragrance Family: Florals
• Scent Type: Warm Florals

• Top Notes: Lavender, Bergamot, Mandarin Orange
• Middle Notes: Orange Blossom, Jasmine Tea, Jasmine
• Base Notes: Musk, Vanilla, Ambergris

Eau de Cologne 
Acqua di Parma 
Colonia Eau de Cologne Spray

Years ago when I worked at Nordstrom‘s men’s furnishings department, this cologne practically sold itself. Placed near the register, people often walked by, gave it a spritz, and loved it so much, they brought it home. 

An ode to its Italian heritage, this cologne is infused with elements of Sicilian citrus fruits and floral essences (think lavender and damask rose). Tying it all together are woody notes of vetiver, sandalwood, and patchouli.

• Fragrance Family: Citrus
• Scent Type: Citrus/Floral
• Top Notes: Lemon and Sweet Orange, Calabrian Bergamot
• Middle Notes: Lavender, Bulgarian Rose, Verbena, Rosemary
• Base Notes: Vetiver, Sandalwood, Patchouli

Eau de Fraîche
Robert Piguet 
Fracas Eau Fraîche

Whether it’s a hot summer day or you just want a fragrance that feels light as air, an eau de fraîche is calling your name. This limited-edition Fracas one pays homage to the signature scent that revolutionized the industry in 1948. This new version has a more youthful twist and a playful pink bottle to match that spirit. 

Since eau fraîche fragrances last the shortest time compared to the other perfume types on this list, a travel size like this makes it easy to reapply while on the go.

• Fragrance Family: Floral
• Scent Type: Citrus/Floral
• Top Notes: Bergamot, Mandarin
• Middle Notes: Jasmine, Tuberose, Gardenia
• Base Notes: Musk, Sandalwood

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