The differences between Aftershave, Cologne, Eau de Toilette and Eau de Parfum
The differences between Aftershave, Cologne, Eau de Toilette and Eau de Parfum
Every day I see online comments and influencers describing virtually all male fragrances as aftershaves. Apart from the obvious price differences what else sets them apart?
Aftershave
The main purpose of aftershave is to kill bacteria on the skin after wet shaving. Wet shaving can cause nicks which may become infected. Applying an aftershave will stop these nicks becoming infected due to the inclusion of alcohol in the ingredients. The purpose ofaftershave is to soothe freshly shaved skin, kill any bacteria and leave the skin lightly scented. The amount of perfume contained in a typical aftershave will be around 1-3%. Old Spice is the most famous aftershave, its very inexpensive at £9.50 for 150ml (July 2024). Do not expect an aftershave fragrance to remain on the skin for any more than an hour but do expect to benefit from a refreshing, post-shave skin tingle that will set you up for the day ahead.
Cologne
Like aftershave, cologne has become a generic name for men’s fragrances especially in the USA. Unlike aftershave, cologne typically contains up to 2-4% perfume so users will benefit from a scent that will linger on the skin longer than an aftershave. Depending on the quality and grade of the perfume used, the scent from cologne my last up to four hours. Colognes are easy to source and an affordable gateway to the varied world of perfume.
Eau de Toilette Eau de Toilette’s (EDT)
Usually contain higher grades of perfume than those used in colognes and a higher percentage of perfume. Expect an EDT to contain around 10% perfume and for the scent to linger on the skin for six to eight hours. EDTs are typically lighter in scent than a Parfum and the scent may not necessarily last for more than four hours. Usually, an EDT will be used for daytime wear but if your favourite perfume is an EDT then wear it whenever and wherever you like.
EDPs re at the pinnacle of the male perfume empire. Typically, they will benefit from containing around 20% and sometimes as much as 30% perfume and the perfume used will generally be of a much higher quality compared to colognes and EDTs. Expect better initial impact, projection and sillage (perfume trail) from an EDP. Expect an EDP scent to remain potent for at least eight hours. Don’t apply too much EDP, test a small amount on your skin and gauge the strength of the scent and its longevity before going all-out gung ho and overpowering everyone within 10 metres! As they say, less is often more.
Pocket Scents and Eau de Parfum
Here at Pocket Scents, we specialise in high-end EDPs that are sometimes very much like expensive designer brands such as Adventus and Parfums de Marly Layton but we also offer a range of our own flagship EDPs that we say are as good as anything else available but at a much lower price. We drive the price of our EDPs down by cutting out traditional advertising, not using expensive brand ambassadors and by making our EDPs at our very own Glasgow perfumery. This way, you can benefit from truly wonderful EDPs at a fraction of the cost of mainstream brands. Check out our range here.
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