Choosing a perfume can be a confusing process. Should you be looking for an eau de toilette? Why not an eau de parfum? And how is an eau de cologne any different?
That’s why we’re with this handy guide to decode all the lingo surrounding fragrances leading you towards your new favourite scent - with the help of Beckielou Brown, the co-founder of natural fragrance brand Altra.
Keep scrolling to read our Q&A with the perfumer and to see our favourite colognes available to buy right now.
What’s the difference between an eau de parfumn, an eau de toilette and an eau de cologne?
The key differentiating factor is the percentage of the perfume concentrate within the alcohol base. The exact percentage and unique characteristics of the ingredients is dependent on the perfumer’s desired effect: being stronger isn’t necessarily better, as some heavier molecules will require a larger percentage of alcohol to lift them and create projection in the scent.
- An eau de parfum seems to be the most popular concentration right now. Containing a substantial 10 - 20 per cent perfume concentrate, it’s the strongest of the three.
- An eau de toilette is lighter, with between 7 - 10 per cent of perfume concentrate. Usually these have sparkling top notes and floral heart notes, so are a great summery alternative to an eau de parfum.
- Eau de cologne is the lightest of scents and generally contains 4-6 per cent of perfume concentrate, often featuring refreshing notes of citrus, aromatic herbs and florals such as lavender.
Why would you specifically choose to wear an eau de cologne?
An EDC is super light and refreshing. As we get into hotter summer days, we favour lighter, cleaner scents and this is where EDCs really deliver. Classic notes of bergamot, neroli and aromatic herbs like lavender and rosemary can feel cooling on the skin and uplifting for the senses.
Is there anything in particular to look out for when choosing EDC?
Zesty fresh top notes of bergamot, neroli, sparkling aldehydes and light florals. There are some new scents coming on the market that play into the light, bright airy freshness of a classic EDC but feature some of the more popular notes from the other categories, such as white musk, more modern aromatics like ginger and kefir lime or tea notes.
Why are there less available to buy when compared to EDP and EDT?
Perfume trends change over the years, and much like fashion are cyclical. Niche perfume brands have become increasingly popular recently, many of which favor more complex stronger EDP compositions. These EDPs have more emphasis on layered floral heart notes, musks and deep base notes such as oud. With these scents in such high demand, lighter fresher compositions and EDCs will have had less attention.
However, with trends for more minimal scents popping up - perhaps as a reaction to the bolder scents that have been dominating the market - the lighter brighter scents may be about to have their moment again, just in time for summer.
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Hermès Eau De Basilic Pourpre Eau De Cologne 50ml
You may know Hermès for its iconic selection of bags, but its range of perfumes is not to be missed - especially when it comes to eau de cologne.
Light and airy, this fragrance is reminiscent of summer holidays and sundrenched destinations. A blend of the freshness of purple basil with aromatic notes of bergamot and geranium, it’s at once lively and full of character.
Buy now £62.00, Sephora
Jo Malone London Amber & Patchouli cologne 100ml
A collaboration between perfume heavyweight, Jo Malone, and Savile Row tailor, Huntsman, this aroma will deliver gentlemanly charm to rival that of Colin Firth in Kingsman - a film that was based on the iconic tailor, by the way.
Spicy, warm and woody, you can expect notes of coriander seeds, smoky guaiacwood and amber, perfect for a summer soirée.
Buy now £150.00, Jo Malone
Acqua di Parma Colonia C.L.U.B. Eau de Cologne, 50ml
A rich eau de cologne that offers a comforting depth, Acqua di Parma’s C.L.U.B. balances the sparkling notes of bergamot and lemon with the spiciness of black pepper, all layered over a warming base of cedarwood and musk.
Earthy, aromatic and refreshing, it’s distinctly masculine without feeling overly heavy - would you expect anything less from Italian perfumer-extraordinaire Acqua di Parma?
Buy now £87.00, John Lewis
Penhaligon’s Quercus
Established in 1870, heritage brand Penhaligon’s has over 150 years experience in the fragrance field - and even boasts a royal warrant.
Sophisticated, elegant and uplifting, Quercus is both mountain fresh and earthy thanks to a delicious blend of mandarin, sweet jasmine and oakmoss.
Buy now £125.00, Selfridges
Murdock Black Tea Cologne, 100ml
No one knows more about your grooming needs than Murdock - the London based barber - and this best-selling cologne is a case in point.
A manly mixture of black tea, geranium and cedarwood, it’s richer than your average eau de cologne, and will make you feel post-haircut fresh from AM to PM.
Buy now £88.00, Fortnum & Mason
Guerlain Eau De Cologne Impériale
As the very first eau de cologne Guerlain created back in 1853, Impériale was originally composed for Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III, who enjoyed exclusive use of this fragrance before giving her authorisation for it to be sold.
Understated and subtle, it delicately balances floral accords of neroli with fresh citrussy notes of lemon and bergamot. Wear over your usual fragrance for an added layer of sophistication.
Buy now £91.00, Harrods
Atkinsons 24 Old Bond Street Eau de Cologne (100ml)
Smoky and musky, Atkinsons’ cologne is reminiscent of smoke-filled studies and dusty cellars. The notes of whiskey, cardamom and black tea deliver a perfect evening aroma for any discerning gent.
Buy now £114.00, Harrods
