Perfume and Cologne

Perfume is composed of natural or synthetic fragrant oil extracts diluted in water and high-grade alcohol. The differences are simply a matter of the amount or concentration of oils in the fragrance. The higher the concentration of oils the longer the fragrance will last.

Eau de Cologne with just 4% essential oils and Eau de Toilette with 8% to 15% oils are the least concentrated and last about 2 hours. Cologne does not last long during the day and hence have to be applied several times. Too much of cologne put at a time can turn a nice scent into an overwhelming, nauseating experience.

Eau de Perfume (Parfum) with 15 to 22% essential oils lasts about 3-5 hours.
Perfume or Parfum Classic is highly concentrated to 22% of essential oils and lasts 6 hours or more. Perfume is usually quite strong, and only a small dab is enough to create redolence. Depending upon the brand and the strength of the fragrance, sometimes the fragrance emanated can last up to two busy days after application.

Eau de Cologne with just 4% essential oils and Eau de Toilette with 8 to 15% oils are the least concentrated and last about 2 hours. They come in larger spray or splash bottles and are meant to be used liberally all over the body as the first layer, or first line of defense if you wish.