A young woman once asked Coco Chanel where one should wear perfume. The fashion icon answered simply, "Wherever one wants to be kissed." Whether it's fresh and floral or spicy and sensuous, the right perfume captures the essence of your personality, your sense of style and even your mood. When you settle on your perfect scent, you'll likely find it comes in a variety of concentrations. Cologne and eau de toilette are two of the lighter options.
Cologne
Cologne, also known as eau de cologne, contains between 4 and 7 percent aromatic oils mixed with between 60- and 70-proof alcohol. The lower concentration of oil gives cologne a milder, lighter bouquet compared to heavier concentrations like eau de parfum. It also evaporates more quickly, so the scent is not as long lasting. Cologne is often packaged in large spray bottles and is typically cheaper than stronger formulations.
Eau de Toilette
Eau de toilette contains a slightly higher amount of fragrance oil than cologne, typically between 8 and 15 percent. The fragrance lasts longer than cologne but still fades within a few hours. The lighter, fruitier top notes of an eau de toilette are the most intense. It's also usually less expensive than heavier concentrations.