What is PERFUME VS COLOGNE

The differences between fragrance terms such as aftershave, cologne, eau de toilette and parfum don’t end at price. And if you want to make sure you don’t end up with something used for shaving when you really want a scent with staying power, they’re worth learning. 

“It really comes down to the purity of the ingredients used, the strength of the scent, the sillage (scent trail), how well the scent is emitted (projection), and how long the scent lasts on the skin,” explains Emma South, fragrance and lifestyle expert at Jo Malone London. “Eau de parfum utilises a higher purity of ingredients and oil concentration than an eau de cologne.”

Although different fragrances work better for different occasions — no one wants to be choking on a bottle of musk at a barbecue — South recommends letting your nose dictate your choice. “Some people like a subtle scent and will opt for a light floral cologne, while others want to be noticed and to make a statement, so will wear a heavier oriental parfum.”