Eau de Parfum

Eau de toilette, eau de parfum, perfume: what’s the difference?

To choose the right fragrance, it helps to understand the differences between eau de toilette, eau de parfum and perfume. These names refer to the concentration of fragrant essences in the product. Eau de toilette is the lightest, with a concentration of around 5 to 10% aromatic concentrate. It offers immediate freshness but fades more quickly, making it ideal for everyday use. Eau de parfum, which is more intense (around 10 to 20% concentrate), reveals a deeper trail and lasts longer. Finally, perfume - or perfume extract - is the most concentrated (up to 40%), applied in small touches and lingering on the skin for many hours. At L’Occitane en Provence, you will find a refined selection of eau de parfum and eau de toilette creations made with iconic natural ingredients from Provence.

Why and how should you choose an eau de parfum?

Choosing an eau de parfum means choosing a more intense, more sophisticated scent, ideal for marking a special occasion, a precious moment or simply expressing your style every day with a long-lasting fragrance. Eau de parfum also makes a refined gift, appreciated for its intensity and lasting power, making it a beautiful treat to give or receive. To choose the right eau de parfum, start by identifying your fragrance family (floral, fruity, woody, citrus and more) so you can find a scent that suits your personality - or the personality of the person you are buying for. Ideally, test the fragrance directly on the skin, preferably on the wrist or neck, then wait a few hours. This lets you appreciate how the top, heart and base notes evolve to create the fragrance’s full signature. The L’Occitane en Provence eau de parfum collections bring together the great scents of Provence’s perfume heritage, such as wisteria, hawthorn, Mélilot (Sweet Clover) and amber. 

How should eau de parfum be applied to maximise its staying power?

Wearing eau de parfum well relies on a few simple gestures. To optimise both staying power and intensity, spray the fragrance on the body’s pulse points, where warmth helps it diffuse: wrists, neck, nape, inside the elbows and behind the ears. These strategic areas allow the scent to unfold beautifully throughout the day. It is recommended to moisturise beforehand with a neutral cream or oil, or one matching the fragrance. Avoid rubbing the wrists together after spraying, as this can disrupt the structure of the notes. Finally, to prolong the pleasure, pair your perfume with other scented body care products such as shower gel or body lotion, and discover our full range of fragrance creations designed to create a complete olfactory ritual.