I wanted to do a quick informational post about the differences between these types of blends. Fragrances use a lot of different descriptive words that can often be lost on the average consumer. Growing up I thought the difference between a Perfume and a Cologne was just the type of counter or place you could buy it from. It is far simpler than that, it comes down to the concentration of oil in alcohol, water or oil base.
Keep in mind that none of these are bad. Just because they are lower dilutions does not mean they are poor fragrances. In fact, I am sure there are some people who prefer it especially if they are sensitive to strong smells. From Fraiche to Parfum keep in mind as well that Fraiche would be the weakest in terms of longevity and Parfum would be the strongest. Longevity will also vary by your own personal skin chemistry. As well as how the scent blooms and morphs.
Eau Fraiche is the most diluted version of fragrance with 1% to 3% of a perfume oil, accord or any other lovely smellies in alcohol or water. The type of alcohol they might use would be lower in quality and might hold more of that alcohol smell.
Eau de Cologne is typically 2%-4% and would be most likely the type of fragrance you’d find at Walmart or other cheaper store bought blends. Again, a cheaper sort of perfumers alcohol the scents might be a little more artificial.
Eau de Toilette is a light spray composition with 5% to 15% of pure perfume essence in perfumers alcohol. I find that this is the typical choice for most mid-end perfumes you’d find at Macy’s.
Parfum is the most concentrated and expensive of all fragrance options and contains 20%-30% pure perfume essence. Think Chanel No.5 and other high end blends of perfume.
Perfume Oil is often most of what you’ll find in the Indie world. Darling Clandestine, Southern Comforts, Lilac & Moss, Haus of Gloi, Solstice Scents and more. Perfume Oil is fragrance oils, essential oils, aroma chemicals, accords, resins all suspended and lovingly mixed in with a carrier oil. Jojoba Oil, Rice Bran, Almond Oil, Fractionated Coconut Oil just to name a few. The strength, sillage and lasting power is going to vary amongst each perfume by type of ingredients and your own skin chemistry.
I hope this helps decipher all those pesky terms that might make picking out your perfect fragrance confusing. If you ever have any questions please feel free to ask either here in a comment, my instagram linked to the right in the sidebar, my facebook page linked in the same place or even through email.
<3 – K
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