Eau de Toilette named Wale’s favourite type of fragrance – Barry experts explain why stronger is not always better

Spring has begun, the nights are getting lighter, and we’re even getting a bit of sunshine now.

The good vibes are flowing, and people are getting together more and more, leaving the warmth of their home to meet up in public – and with this comes the return of smelling great!

But when you’re picking a fragrance, there’s so much to consider. It’s easy to decide whether you like or loathe a particular scent…but then things get more technical. 

Word’s like Parfum, Toilette and Cologne get thrown around…but what do they actually mean?

Experts at Perfume Oasis based in Barry, Wales, looked to tackle the vocabulary once and for all.

Across Wales, the terms Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, and Eau de Cologne are searched an average of 1110 times a month, according to research by Perfume Oasis in Barry, Wales.

The most popular, by far, is Eau de Toilette (720), with over double the number of monthly searches than Eau de Parfum (320) and a whopping 10 times more than Eau de Cologne (70)

But what is the difference, and why is Eau de Toilette so popular? 

We put the question to perfume expert Hasan Per from Perfume Oasis in Barry, Wales:

Eau de Parfum:

Long-Lasting: Eau de Parfum has a higher concentration of perfume oils, meaning it has a longer-lasting scent. You can spray it on in the morning and still catch whiffs by the evening. 

Rich and Intense: The higher concentration of fragrance oils also means Eau de Parfum has a more intense and complex scent. It tends to have deeper base notes, making it perfect for special occasions or when you want to make a lasting impression. 

A Little Goes a Long Way: Because of its potency, you typically need to use less Eau de Parfum compared to other types of fragrance. This means your bottle will last longer, making it a wise investment. 

Eau de Toilette: 

Affordable Luxury: Eau de Toilette finds a balance between quality and cost, without breaking the bank, making it much more accessible. 

Versatile and Daytime Friendly: With a lighter concentration of fragrance oils compared to Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette is perfectly suited for everyday wear. Its lighter scent profile makes it ideal for work or casual days out. 

Gentle on the Senses: The lighter formulation makes it less likely to overwhelm those around you. It’s excellent for people who prefer a more subtle scent. 

Eau de Cologne: 

Refreshingly Light: Eau de Cologne is light and refreshing, perfect for hot summer days or as a post-shower pick-me-up. 

Budget-Friendly: Eau de Cologne tends to be more affordable compared to Eau de Parfum and Eau de Toilette, making it perfect for those on a budget. 

Ideal for Layering: Its subtle nature makes Eau de Cologne an excellent option for layering with other fragrances. You can mix and match scents to create your own unique scent. 

So overall, what’s best? 

Hasan said: “The fragrance for you ultimately depends on your personal preferences, budget, and the occasion.  

“The best thing to do is to experiment, don’t be afraid to mix things up, or even have a selection of different fragrances. 

“So, whether you’re drawn to the richness of Eau de Parfum, the versatility of Eau de Toilette, or the refreshing lightness of Eau de Cologne, there’s a scent out there waiting to be your signature.”