A vanity essential, perfume perfumes our daily lives and leaves its mark on our memories. But with so many different names for fragrances, it's easy to get lost. Eau de parfum and eau de toilette... learn the difference. 

Perfume, that delicate essence nestled in a bottle, is an odorant composition created from a blend of different aromatic substances... It is designed to produce a pleasant scent that can be applied to the body or clothing, or used to perfume the air, mask unpleasant odors or simply add an olfactory dimension to a person or an environment. Perfume appeals to one of our primary senses: the sense of smell. This is probably one of the most powerful of our senses, as it has relived our memories, engraved our memories and enveloped our personalities for millennia. In fact, many people consider their fragrance to be a defining personal trait, and keep it for life.

What is the composition of the perfume?

Perfumes are generally made from a complex blend of essential oils, plant extracts, resins, solvents and other odorants. Essential oils are obtained from flowers, leaves, fruit or tree bark. They are highly concentrated, which is what gives them the olfactory power that will mark the signature of the juice. Perfumes can be divided into different categories: floral, woody, oriental, fresh, etc. Each category has its own olfactory characteristics. Each category has its own distinct olfactory characteristics... There are also two different ways of understanding juice: eau de parfum and eau de toilette. 

What you need to know about eau de parfum 

An eau de parfum is distinguished by its high concentration of aromatic oils, and its composition is different from that of an eau de toilette. Here are all the characteristics that mark this distinction: 

1. La concentration : L'eau de parfum contient généralement entre 15% et 20% d'huiles aromatiques. Cette concentration de parfum est plus élevée que celle des autres catégories de parfums, telles que l'eau de toilette, l'eau de cologne ou l'eau fraîche.

2. L'intensité olfactive : En raison de sa concentration élevée en huiles aromatiques, l'eau de parfum offre une odeur intense et riche. Elle a souvent des notes plus profondes et complexes, qui se développent progressivement sur la peau.

3. La longévité : L'eau de parfum a une meilleure tenue que l'eau de toilette. Elle peut durer de plusieurs heures à toute la journée, en fonction de la composition spécifique du parfum et des réactions individuelles avec la peau.

4. Application: Eau de parfum is generally applied in small quantities to specific areas of the body, such as the wrists, neck, behind the ears or on pulse points. A small spray or a few drops are all it takes to effectively diffuse its scent.

5. Versatility: Eau de Parfum can be used for a variety of occasions, whether formal or casual. Its intensity allows it to stand out and leave a lasting impression.

6. Price: Eau de parfum is generally more expensive than other fragrance categories, due to its higher concentration of aromatic oils. However, it's important to note that quality, brand and other factors can also influence price.

7. Storage: To preserve the quality of eau de parfum, we recommend storing it away from direct sunlight and excessive heat, in a cool, dry place. This will help maintain its fragrance and longevity.

What you need to know about eau de toilette 

Unlike eau de parfum, eau de toilette is less concentrated in aromatic oils, and its subtle scent gives off a sensation of freshness! For this reason, it holds much less well on the skin than eau de parfum. As for its scent, eau de toilette can last for up to a few hours, but inevitably requires a touch-up during the day to maintain its intoxicating effect. As for price, there's a noticeable difference here too, since they are less concentrated in essential oils (a raw material that has its price), eaux de toilette are less expensive, although the price can vary from one brand to another.

Eau de toilette or eau de parfum, what should you choose? 

There really isn't a universal answer to this question: it's all a matter of taste, and that's not up for debate, especially when it comes to perfume. But if we had to list a few points of comparison to help you see things more clearly, here they are: 

1. Intensité et longévité : Si vous préférez une fragrance plus intense et durable, l'eau de parfum est généralement le meilleur choix. Sa forte concentration en huiles aromatiques lui confère une odeur plus puissante et une tenue plus longue sur la peau. Cela convient particulièrement aux occasions spéciales ou lorsque vous souhaitez avoir un parfum qui dure toute la journée. C'est aussi un bon choix pour les journées d'hiver ! 

2. Freshness and lightness: If you prefer a lighter, fresher and more subtle fragrance, eau de toilette may be more suitable. Its lower concentration of aromatic oils gives it a more delicate, discreet scent. This is best suited to everyday activities or when a lighter fragrance is preferable, such as during warmer seasons or in environments where a more subtle scent is desired.

3. Depending on the occasion: The nature of the occasion can also influence your choice. Eaux de parfum are often preferred for formal events, parties or special occasions where you want to stand out with a more intense scent. Eaux de toilette are better suited to informal occasions, casual gatherings or work environments where a more subtle fragrance is preferred.

4. Individual chemical reaction: It's important to consider how your skin reacts to fragrance. Some fragrances may react differently on each individual due to body chemistry and skin pH. It is therefore advisable to try a fragrance on your skin* before making your final choice.

* How to use the right perfume? 

Once again, choosing the best perfumes for yourself is a matter of taste. But the last piece of good advice we could give you here is to (quite simply) choose an eau de parfum for the winter season, and opt for an eau de toilette that will delight the long, hot days of summer.