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Fragrance strengths explained

This shows the perfume oil concentration levels of each strength. A higher concentration usually means a richer scent that lasts longer on the skin.

• Body Mist / All-Over Body Spray
  1–3% perfume oils On skin: 1–2 hoursOn clothes: Up to 4–6 hours

  A gentle all-over scent for body and clothes. Great for layering under a matching perfume.

• Eau Fraîche
  1–3% perfume oils On skin: 1–2 hoursOn clothes: Up to 4–6 hours

  The lightest strength, mostly water with a little alcohol. A soft, fresh veil you can reapply freely.

• Eau de Cologne
  2–5% perfume oils On skin: 2–4 hoursOn clothes: Up to 8 hours

  A light, refreshing splash, traditionally citrus-led. Lovely after a shower or in hot weather.

• Eau de Toilette
  5–15% perfume oils On skin: 3–6 hoursOn clothes: Up to a day

  Lighter and brighter, with the fresh top notes to the fore. Ideal for daytime and the office.

• Eau de Parfum
  15–20% perfume oils On skin: 5–8 hoursOn clothes: 1–2 days

  Full and well-rounded with a noticeable trail. The most popular strength and a great all-rounder.

• Intense / Absolu
  Usually 15–25% perfume oils On skin: 6–10 hoursOn clothes: 1–3 days

  A deeper, richer edition of an existing fragrance, normally at Eau de Parfum strength or above.

• Parfum
  15–30% perfume oils On skin: 8+ hoursOn clothes: 2–3 days

  Also called pure parfum. Sits close to the skin with a rich, smooth trail that lasts all day.

• Elixir
  Usually 20%+ perfume oils On skin: 8–12+ hoursOn clothes: 2–3+ days

  Not an official strength, but always a bolder, more intense version of the original scent, often warmer and sweeter.

• Extrait de Parfum
  20–40% perfume oils On skin: 8–12+ hoursOn clothes: 2–3+ days

  The purest and most concentrated form of a fragrance. Rich, deep and long-lasting, so one or two sprays is plenty.

• Concentrated Perfume Oil
  15–30%+ in an oil base, no alcohol On skin: 6–12 hoursOn clothes: Several days (oil can mark fabric)

  An alcohol-free perfume in a carrier oil. Gentle on the skin, wears close and lasts well. Roll or dab onto the pulse points.

• Attar (Ittar)
  Up to 100% perfume oil, no alcohol On skin: 8–12+ hoursOn clothes: Several days (oil can mark fabric)

  A traditional Arabian perfume oil, often distilled from flowers, woods or oud. Dab a tiny amount on the pulse points. It wears close and lasts beautifully.

Strengths and times are typical ranges; each perfume house sets its own. On skin, how long a scent lasts depends on your skin, the weather and the notes themselves: woods, amber, musk and oud last longer than citrus. On clothes, wool and thick cotton hold scent longest (often days), while polyester and nylon may only hold it for a few hours. Alcohol and oils can mark silk, satin and light colours, so test on a hidden spot first.