Eau de Cologne, eau de toilette, eau de parfum: what's the difference?

On a bottle, the words “eau de Cologne”, “eau de toilette” or “eau de parfum” do not describe a scent but a concentration: the share of perfume oils diluted in alcohol. The higher it is, the more intense the fragrance and the longer it lasts. Here is our guide.

Eau de Cologne: freshness at will

The lightest of all, usually around 2 to 5% perfume concentrate. It is traditionally built on citrus (bergamot, lemon, orange), neroli and aromatic herbs. Apply it generously, after a shower or to freshen up during the day, and don't hesitate to reapply: it lasts one to two hours. It is the scent of sunny days, and one you can wear without bothering anyone.

Try: our house-made eaux de Cologne, made on boulevard de Sébastopol since 1936, or the famous 4711 Original.

Eau de toilette: the everyday fragrance

More concentrated (often between 5 and 15%), eau de toilette lasts several hours on the skin. It stays light enough for the office or daytime, while leaving a more noticeable trail than an eau de Cologne.

Try: our house-made eaux de toilette with patchouli, white musk, amber or orange blossom.

Eau de parfum: more longevity and depth

With around 15 to 20% concentrate, an eau de parfum often lasts all day. Its base notes (woods, vanilla, amber, musk) come through more. A few sprays are enough: on the neck, the wrists or your clothes.

Try: the eaux de parfum by Molinard, a Grasse house founded in 1849, or those by L.T. Piver.

Extrait de parfum: the most concentrated form

An extrait (or “parfum”) often exceeds 20% concentrate. It is intense, worn in small amounts, and can last more than a day. In our shop, for example: the Nohiba extrait by L.T. Piver.

Good to know

• There is no official rule: percentages vary from one house to another. An eau de toilette can sometimes last longer than another brand's eau de parfum.
• Longevity also depends on your skin, the season and the notes: citrus evaporates quickly, woods and musks linger.
• To choose, nothing beats trying it on your skin: wait about ten minutes before deciding, so the fragrance can settle.

You can smell all these perfumes in our shop at 75 boulevard de Sébastopol, Paris (2nd arrondissement), Monday to Saturday from 10:30 am to 7 pm, or order them online: free delivery in France on orders over €80, free in-store pickup.