- Featured
- A
- B
- C
- D
- E
- F
- G
- H
- I
- J
- K
- L
- M
- N
- O
- P
- Q
- R
- S
- T
- U
- V
- W
- Y
- 123
-
Featured
-
A
-
B
-
C
-
D
-
E
-
F
-
G
-
H
-
I
-
J
-
K
-
L
-
M
-
N
-
O
-
P
-
Q
-
R
-
S
-
T
-
U
-
V
-
W
-
Y
-
123
Cologne vs Aftershave vs Eau de Toilette – what’s the difference?
The fragrance world can be an overwhelming place, especially if you’re not sure what you are looking for. The terminology is there to help you find the scent that is right for you but to do that, you need to understand what the terms mean. So if you’re looking to find out the difference between an EDT and EDP or to learn your aftershave from your cologne, you’re in the right place
To help combat the confusion, here at The Perfume Shop, we’re setting the record straight with our no-nonsense guide to male fragrances. Read on to learn the answers to ‘what is an EDT?’, ‘what is an EDP?’ and more commonly used terms.
Fragrance Terms 101
The main difference between fragrances, such as aftershave, cologne, Eau de Toilette and Eau de Parfum, is the level of essential oils (or aromatic compounds) used in the fragrance. It can range from as little as 1% up to 40% in some cases. This level of essential oil will alter the scents longevity, price and overall performance.
Infographic: Perfume Concentration Guide.
What is aftershave?
The term aftershave has, over time, become somewhat of an umbrella term for all male fragrances. However, despite the familiar phrase, an aftershave isn’t what most people think!
Containing around 80-90% alcohol content and a very low percentage of essential oil, aftershave is best used (you guessed it) to soothe the skin after shaving. The lightly scented formula will leave your skin feeling fresh, but the aroma will not likely hang around for long. So, an aftershave is best used to help heal the skin and disinfect minor cuts caused by a razor.
At The Perfume Shop, we recommend applying a matching Eau de Toilette or Eau de Parfum afterwards, if you want to enjoy the scent on your skin for longer.
DIOR
Sauvage
Aftershave Lotion for him
100ML – €61.00
CHANEL
BLEU DE CHANEL
After-Shave Lotion
100ML – €60.00
What is cologne?
Cologne is another term that is often banded around when referring to men’s fragrance as a whole; however, cologne is simply another low concentration of scent, not a term to refer to every male fragrance ever made.
Despite being low on the strength scale, a cologne is designed to linger on your skin, unlike an aftershave. They are great for everyday use, but with up to approximately 5% aromatic compounds used, you may have to top up as the day progresses.
Givenchy
Gentleman Givenchy Cologne
Eau de Toilette for him
50ML – €63.50
DIOR
Dior Homme Cologne
Eau de Cologne for him
75ML – €75.00
Ralph Lauren
Polo Cologne Intense
Eau de Cologne for him
59ML – €64.00
What is an EDT?
If you are familiar with the Eau de Toilette meaning, you may also know that this category is one of the most popular amongst both men and women. With its higher level of essential oil and accessible price point, there’s an Eau de Toilette out there for every occasion, from feeling fresh and fabulous at work to making a great first impression on a date. Spray your pulse points with your chosen EDT and enjoy its gentle release of top, heart and base notes over several hours.
Paco Rabanne
1 Million
Eau de Toilette for him
50ML – €66.00
Ralph Lauren
Polo
Eau de Toilette for him
59ML – €64.00
What is an EDP? What is Parfum?
Eau de Parfum (EDP) and Parfum are less common for men, but that doesn’t mean they are not out there. An Eau de Parfum sits just above an Eau de Toilette for strength and longevity, with roughly up to 20% essential oil. While a Parfum, which could be considered the crème de la crème of fragrances, can contain anything above 20%. To find out more, check out our blog: What’s the difference between Parfum and Eau de Parfum.
Both their intensity and longevity are often phenomenal and the most potent scents you will come across. So, if you love your EDT version but want something with a bit more oomph, it’s worth checking if they have an EDP or Parfum version too.
Jean Paul Gaultier
Le Male Le Parfum
Eau de Parfum for him
75ML – €76.00
Montblanc
Explorer
Eau de Parfum for him
30ML – €41.00
Now you the difference between an EDP and EDT
Explore our broad range of men’s fragrances at The Perfume Shop
Read next
Skincare ingredients that work well together
How to wrap a present like a pro
How to layer perfume guide