Find whats the best: Parfum vs Eau de Parfum vs Eau de Toilette

Find whats the best concentration for you

Quick definitions

Parfum / Extrait: the most concentrated format; often 20–40% oil. Denser, closer-to-skin aura, long wear.
Eau de Parfum (EDP): balanced, typically ~8–20%; noticeable presence with good longevity.
Eau de Toilette (EDT): lighter, usually ~4–15%; fresher opening, shorter wear.

These are guidelines, not rigid laws. A bright citrus EDP may feel lighter than a resinous EDT because ingredients evaporate at different speeds.

Why the percentages vary (and why it matters)

No single global standard

Reference ranges differ slightly by source (e.g., Perfume Society vs. brand education vs. encyclopedias), but the hierarchy is consistent: Parfum > EDP > EDT.

Materials change the game

Citrus molecules fly; ambers and musks linger. So an EDP heavy in citrus may feel lighter than an EDT rich in woods. Naming is a useful label, not a performance guarantee.

Longevity & projection (realistic expectations)

Parfum / Extrait: often 6–8+ hours with a softer, intimate trail.
EDP: typically 4–6 hours with a noticeable presence.
EDT: often 2–4 hours, fresher opening, easier to reapply.

Climate and skin type matter: dry skin shortens wear; moisturize or use a touch on fabric for extra hold.

Where Layer Paris sits (~30%)

Layer Paris formulas lean toward ~30% perfume oil in many editions, the high end of EDP into extrait territory. Practically, you get a refined, long-lasting wear without harsh projection. This aligns with the wider trend of luxury houses releasing more intense concentrations for a signature, memorable trail.

Translation for your skin: richer base, smoother dry-down, and a presence that reads “elegant” rather than “loud.”

Parfum vs EDP vs EDT: when to choose what

Day & office

EDT if you want airy freshness; EDP if you want a polished presence that lasts through meetings.

Evening & events

Parfum or richer EDP for a warmer, longer trail that sits beautifully in low light.

Warm vs cool weather

Warm: Parfum / fresher EDPs; Cool: richer EDPs or Parfum.

FAQs the internet keeps asking (clear answers)

Is Parfum always stronger than EDP?

Not always in the air. Parfum often wears closer to skin but longer; EDP may project more at first. Formula decides.

Does higher % mean better quality?

No. Quality = materials + construction. Percentage is just one lever.

How long should a bottle last on the shelf?

Stored cool, dark, and dry, most fragrances smell great for 3–5 years after opening.

How many sprays?

Start small (especially with ~30%). You can always add; it’s hard to subtract. Practical guides suggest 1–3 sprays on pulse points.

A simple method to find whats the best concentration

Try two strengths of a similar style (e.g., citrus-amber in EDP vs EDT).
Wear each for a full day, not just five minutes.
Check the dry-down after 2–4 hours; that’s what people close to you will smell.
Note compliments and comfort. If you forget you’re wearing it (in a good way), that’s your match.
Prefer testing at home? Use the Layer Paris Experience Kit and wear scents in your real routine.

Examples (how concentration changes the mood)

Citrus-amber formula

EDT: sparkling, breezy, reapply after lunch.
EDP (~30%): sun-lit opening with a glowing base that lingers into evening.

Oud-musk formula

EDP: elegant presence, polished trail.
Parfum/Extrait: intimate aura that lasts and softens beautifully over time.

Custom visuals for your blog (briefing for design)

“Strength Ladder” mini-infographic
- Bars for EDT (4–15%), EDP (8–20%), Parfum (20–40%) with notes on typical wear.
- Alt text: Find whats the best perfume concentration: EDT vs EDP vs Parfum.
  Sources: Perfume Society, Britannica, Vogue.
“Projection vs. Longevity” 2-axis chart
- X = projection, Y = longevity; plot EDT, EDP, Parfum with overlaps; call-out: “materials matter.”
- Alt text: Find whats the best balance of projection and longevity.
“Season & Setting Selector” wheel
- Quadrants for day/office, evening/event, warm weather, cool weather; icons for spray counts.
- Alt text: Find whats the best fragrance strength by season and occasion.

Conclusion

Choosing between Parfum, EDP, and EDT is less about memorizing numbers and more about how you want to feel. Parfum (and high-EDP/extrait around ~30%) delivers a smooth, lasting presence, close, elegant, confident. EDP strikes a versatile balance for most lives and climates. EDT is your effortless, fresh option that’s easy to reapply. Remember: percentage is a guide; the materials and structure of the perfume do the heavy lifting, and your skin and setting finish the job.

If you’re shopping at Layer Paris, start with what fits your day: office-polished, evening-magnetic, or fresh-and-bright. Then test it properly on skin, through the heart and dry-down. That’s how you find whats the best concentration for your routine, and build a collection you actually reach for.

FAQs

Does Parfum always last longer than EDP?
Usually, yes. Parfum often lasts longer but wears closer to the skin; EDP may project more upfront.

Is EDP always 15–20%?
Often—but ranges vary across sources and brands (think 8–20%+). It’s a helpful label, not a strict rule.

Why does my EDT vanish fast?
Light formulas + warm weather + dry skin. Moisturize and consider a fabric spritz; or move up to EDP.

Are higher percentages better quality?
Not automatically. Ingredients and construction matter as much as concentration.

Where do Layer Paris scents sit?
Around ~30% in many editions, high EDP into extrait, meaning refined longevity without loud projection.