When should you use a body spray? When should you use a perfume? When should you use an eau de cologne? Where do you apply a deodorant, perfume or body spray? What is the difference between eau de cologne, perfume, body spray and deodorant? What is the difference between eau de parfum, eau de toilette, eau de cologne, after shave lotions?
Answers:
The key differentiator is concentration of aromatic compounds in a solvent, which is typically ethanol or a mix of water and ethanol. Various sources differ considerably in the definitions of perfume types. The concentration by percent/volume of perfume oil is as follows:
- Perfume extract : 15-40% ( typical 20%) aromatic compounds
- Eau de Parfum (EdP), Parfum de Toilette (PdT): 10-20% (typical ~15%) aromatic compounds. Sometimes listed as "eau de perfume" or "millésime". Perfumes come in this class
- Eau de Toilette (EdT): 5-15% (typical ~10%) aromatic compounds. Deodorants fall in this category
- Eau de Cologne (EdC): Chypre citrus type perfumes with 3-8% (typical ~5%) aromatic compounds. Deodorants and body spray fall in this category
- Splash and After shave: 1-3% aromatic compounds
- Perfumes are used sparingly behind the ears and on wrists and at the neck possibly because there is a pulse felt here and with the belief that it would evapourate better and with the mild throbbing.
- Deodorants/ eau de colognes/ eau de toilettes are used to mask body odour and are used in arm pits and between legs/thighs were sweating occurs and also in other parts of the body since it is less concentrated and therefore less expensive.
- Shave lotions also have antiseptic properties and are used after shaving and after the bath on the cheek and on the shaved surface
- Using perfume on hankies and clothes should be carefully done to ensure that the cloth does not stain. People who are allergic to perfumes use it on clothes.
- Attar is always used on clothes and the perfume remains for a long time. It is higly concentrated. It is popular in the desert regions where water is scarce and is the only solution for body odour.
- Wearing cotton vests helps prevent body odour from reaching clothes and suits.
- Talcum powder is supposed to prevent perspiration and protect the skin from bacteria that breeds with sweaty skin. Nycil and medicinal powders specifically are summertime powders.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/sunday-toi/open-space/What-is-the-difference-between-eau-de-cologne-deodorant-and-perfume/articleshow/888159.cms
http://www.allperfumesweb.com/essentials/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perfume
There is also a lovely movie called "Perfume" directed by Tom Tykwer,where perfume is used as a metaphor and used brilliantly, may I add. Definitely worth watching.:)
