FRAGRANCE STRENGTHS
Below you will find some definitions of some of the terms and
abbreviations concerning “perfume”. I am sure you are already
familiar with some of these. These definitions will help bring some
clarity and consistency in our communications once the CDF process
gets underway. I think you would agree that we should be “on the
same page.” I hope you find the material helpful and insightful.
First off, the word “perfume” comes from the Latin "Per Fumum." In
Latin that means "through the smoke." We get the words "fume",
"fumes," ""fumigate," etc from "fumum." But without bogging you down
with a lot of other details, the origin of perfume occurred in
ancient times when, for example, fragrant resins were burned as
incense offerings. However, today, the terminology has changed.
Now, at least in the United States, “perfume” is used generally to
mean a fragrance for a woman, and “cologne” can be used in
conversation to generally refer to a fragrance for a man. I even use
these terms in the same fashion at times. In fact, today it is not
uncommon to describe any fragrance, as “perfume” or “cologne”
regardless of what actual description it should have (EDT, EDP,
etc.).
Anyhow, one thing you need to keep in mind in the following
definitions is, of course, information about the length of time a
fragrance will last on you. Other than the concentration and notes
of the essence, a fragrance’s tenacity is dependent on other
factors, such as your skin type, diet, physical activity, and
environment. And, get this. Most people don’t "know" this, but it is
possible for a person who has a significant change in diet and
physical activity (loose or gain weight) to have a scent “change” in
smell ON them or TO them. The truth behind such situations is that
the scent was not redesigned or re-mixed with a different formula,
but that they, their body chemistry, or their environment changed.
And, as a side note, certain fragrance companies do in fact change
their fragrance formulations. There are a variety of reasons for
this. It could be done as a marketing strategy to spur new interest
and possibly create new demand for the new product formulation. And
part of the reason they do this is to save on marketing costs for a
new product. In this scenario, the new formulation “piggy backs” on
the marketing and name of the first launched fragrance. Another part
of the reason they do this is to test the demand and brand loyalty
for the original “perfume” or “cologne.”
Anyway, back to what we were talking about, the more technical
definition of “perfume” is that it is a fragrance that consists of
the highest concentration of the prepared perfume essence and is the
strongest fragrance available. This means that not only do you need
to use less, but also that the fragrance tends to last the longest
longest. Sometimes this is spelled and called “Parfum.” But Pure
Parfum Essence is the 100% formulated essence and depending on a
number of factors, it may or may not be offered or marketed and is
ususally never recommended for individuals with sensitive skin.
Another term is “Parfum De Toilette,” and abbreviated PDT, and is
usually between a perfume (parfum) and an EDP (defined below) in
strength of the prepared perfume essence, but a few companies use
the term to describe an EDT.
The term “Eau De Parfum” is abbreviated EDP, and is lighter (less
concentrated) than “Perfume” (parfum) and PDT, and so is less
expensive but still has long lasting characteristics, from 3 to 5
hours. Products can be called “Cologne” in this concentration range.
“Eau De Toilette” is abbreviated EDT, and is a lighter more delicate
fragrance, with an even lesser concentration of the prepared perfume
essence. That fact in and of itself makes it most suited to everyday
use. It is normally less expensive than Eau de Parfum, and is
generally said to last from 2 to 4 hours for women’s “fragrances.”
For men’s fragrances, this has the greatest concentration of essence
generally available for men and hence lasts the longest, up to 5
hours. An EDT is often available for men in either a splash or a
spray.
And, just guess what EDC stands for. ... (“Jeopardy” music playing).
...... Yes. You’re right. It’s the abbreviation for the term, “Eau
De Cologne” (EDC). This form of fragrance was originally developed
in Italy in the seventeenth century A. D. (Anno Domini=in the year
of our Lord). But guess what? It is named for, of all places,
Cologne, Germany. The reason, of course, for this is because that is
where it was first marketed successfully at the end of the
eighteenth century A. D. Men and women often generally refer to an
EDC as “Cologne”. And by some authorities it is considered the least
concentrated of fragrances while others, like me, would teach that
it less than an EDT, but more than an after-shave. It is said to
last up to 2 hours. Others would say it would last longer. Some
teach that an EDT has a higher concentration of essence than an EDC,
while others would say the opposite.
Aftershave, of course, is a term used in men’s fragrances to
describe and is less strong than what is called an EDT, it is the
most popular choice and can last for 2 to 3 hours. Aftershaves are
kinder to the skin than EDT's. Those with very sensitive skin should
use after-shave balms. Products within this concentration range can
also be called an After Bath Body Splash, a Body Mist, a Room Spray,
or a Linen Spray. What a company calls the fragrance strength is
dependent on the packaging it will use and the intended end use of
the product.
Our final term is “eau fraîche.” This can be considered the lightest
scent substance and used as a light splash in hot weather or when
engaging in sports. An old-fashioned term for “eau fraîche” is
sweet-water.
As I mentioned previously, keep in mind that information about the
length a fragrance will last on you is dependent on numerous other
factors other than the concentration of the essence. Among other
things, a fragrance’s “tenacity” is dependent on factors, such as
your skin type, diet, physical activity, and environment.
Anyhow, you should also know that a number of factors influence how
a particular company applies their terminology when designating a
fragrance’s strength, or concentration, for any given product.
At Martecci’s, we use the following list is as our general
conceptual guide as to concentration, from greatest concentration to
lowest, for a prepared fragrance essence in a given (usually a
non-consumable SD-alcoholic) base, which is great if you're a member
of MADD, or DADD.
Pure Parfum Essence
Parfume or Perfume
PDT
EDP
EDT
Cologne
EDC
Aftershave /Body Splash/Body Mist/ Room Spray/Linen Spray
Eau fraîche / sweet water