Perfume bottles usually say EDP, EDT or Extrait. This shows how much aromatic oil the liquid contains – and therefore how intense and long-lasting the scent will be.
Concentrations
- Extrait de Parfum (extrait, “parfum”) – usually 20–40 % aromatic oils. The most intense and long-lasting; a small amount is enough.
- Eau de Parfum (EDP) – usually 15–20 %. The most popular choice: noticeable all day without being overpowering.
- Eau de Toilette (EDT) – usually 5–15 %. Lighter and fresher, good for daytime and warm weather.
- Eau de Cologne (EDC) – usually 2–5 %. Very light and fades quickly.
These ranges are not set by law – each manufacturer chooses its own, so they are indicative.
How long does a scent last
Longevity depends not only on concentration but also on the scent itself: citrus and fresh notes fade faster, while amber, vanilla, musk and woods stay on the skin for hours. A light citrus EDP can therefore last less than an EDT with a woody base. Skin (perfume fades faster on dry skin), weather and clothing also matter.
Oil perfumes
Oil perfumes (such as Lattafa oil perfumes) contain no alcohol – the fragrance is oil-based. They are concentrated, project more softly and last long close to the skin. They are applied with an applicator to a few spots rather than sprayed.
What to choose
- For daytime and work – EDT or a light EDP.
- For evenings and cold weather – EDP or an extrait.
- If you want the scent to be noticeable only up close – oil perfumes.
For example, Olfazeta perfumes are extraits with 30 % aromatic oils – so 1–2 sprays are enough. Many Arabic perfumes are EDPs with a rich, long-lasting base. To compare without risk, use testers and samples.