HomePerfume types guide
Perfume types explained: extrait, eau de parfum, eau de toilette and more
A plain guide to what the words on the bottle mean, and how to choose between them.
The short answer
The names on a perfume bottle describe how much fragrance oil is mixed into the alcohol and water. More oil usually means a stronger scent that lasts longer and sits closer to the skin. Less oil gives a lighter, fresher scent that fades sooner.
Perfume types compared
| Type | Fragrance oil | Typical wear time | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extrait de Parfum | About 20% to 30% or more | Often 8 hours or longer | Evenings, special occasions, a signature scent |
| Eau de Parfum | About 15% to 20% | Around 6 to 8 hours | Day to night, the most versatile choice |
| Eau de Toilette | About 5% to 15% | Around 3 to 5 hours | Warm weather, office and everyday wear |
| Eau de Cologne | About 2% to 5% | Around 2 to 3 hours | A quick refresh, reapplied through the day |
| Eau Fraîche | About 1% to 3% | Around 1 to 2 hours | A light, cooling splash |
These figures are typical ranges. They vary between fragrance houses and between people, because skin chemistry, climate and the notes in the scent all change how long a perfume lasts.
Which one should you choose?
For a signature scent
Choose an eau de parfum or an extrait de parfum. Both last long enough that you apply once in the morning and still smell them in the evening.
For hot, humid days
Lighter concentrations such as eau de toilette or eau de cologne often feel fresher in the heat. A rich extrait can feel heavy outdoors in humid weather, though it is lovely in an air-conditioned room or in the evening.
For a gift
An eau de parfum is a safe, versatile choice. An extrait de parfum feels more special and suits milestone gifts. If you add a personal note, as you can with a Mevwe gift, the concentration matters less than the thought behind it.
How to wear perfume so it lasts
- Apply to clean, moisturised skin. Scent clings better to hydrated skin.
- Spray the pulse points: the wrists, the neck and the inner elbows.
- Hold the bottle 15 to 20 centimetres from your skin and let the scent settle. Rubbing your wrists together can dull the top notes.
- Store bottles in a cool, dark place. Heat and sunlight break fragrance down faster, so a bathroom shelf is a poor home for a good perfume.
Where Mevwe fits in
Mevwe pieces are classified using these same categories. If you want to know which type a fragrance is before you order, ask us on WhatsApp. Whichever you choose, every bottle carries a QR code so you can seal a note into it.
Give a perfume that says something
Browse the collection, then order on WhatsApp or find a Mevwe stockist.