Types of Perfume: An Ultimate Guide by Scentories

Perfume is more than just a fragrance; it’s an identity, a memory, and a personal statement.  The correct fragrance can reflect your personality, leave a lasting impression, and increase confidence. 

But with so many types of perfume in Pakistan and in UAE available, it can feel overwhelming to choose the one. Whether you're looking for types of perfume for males or want to know  which type of perfume lasts the longest.

This guide by Scentories will take you through everything, from concentrations and families to seasonal choices.

Types of Perfumes: Concentration & Longevity

• Parfum (Extrait de Parfum): 20–30% oil concentration - Lasts 8–12 hours
• Eau de Parfum (EDP): 15–20% oil concentration -  Lasts 6–8 hours
• Eau de Toilette (EDT): 5–15% oil concentration - Lasts 3–5 hours
• Eau de Cologne (EDC): 2–4% oil concentration - Lasts 2–3 hours
• Eau Fraîche: 1–3% oil concentration - Lasts 1–2 hours

Understanding Perfume Concentrations

Concentration is one of the most crucial factors to consider when purchasing a perfume. Percentage of fragrance oils combined with water and alcohol determines the classification. 

This concentration decides how strong the scent will be, how long it will last, and how noticeable it will be. The rule is simple: The perfume is stronger and lasts longer when the oil concentration is higher. 

People often wonder what the 3 types of perfumes are, but actually there are 6 types of perfumes covered below.

1. Parfum (Extrait de Parfum)

• Oil concentration: 20–40%
• Longevity: 8–12+ hours, sometimes lasting until the next day
• Best for: Special occasions, evening events, weddings, or anyone who loves luxury and sophistication.
• Why choose it: The strongest and most persistent kind of perfume is called parfum. The fragrance lasts all day with just one or two dabs. It’s intense and rich and often comes in smaller bottles since you only need a little.

If you’re wondering which type of perfume lasts the longest, the answer is always Parfum.

2. Eau de Parfum (EDP)

• Oil concentration: 15–20%
• Longevity: 6–8 hours
• Best for: Daily use, professional settings, or evenings out
• Why choose it: Eau de Parfum is the perfect middle ground, strong enough to last most of the day but not overwhelming. It’s versatile, elegant, and one of the most popular perfume concentrations worldwide.

Because of their luxury and usefulness, EDPs are very popular in the UAE, where perfumes are the culture.

3. Eau de Toilette (EDT)

• Oil concentration: 5–15%
• Longevity: 3–5 hours
• Best for: Office wear, casual outings, hot climates, or when you want a lighter fragrance
• Why choose it: One of the most popular varieties of perfume is EDT because it is reasonably priced and refreshing. It’s great for people who like reapplying fragrance or prefer a scent that doesn’t overpower.

4. Eau de Cologne (EDC)

• Oil concentration: 2–5%
• Longevity: 2–3 hours
• Best for: Mornings, gym sessions, or quick refreshment
• Why choose it: Light and crisp, Eau de Cologne is ideal for warm weather. While it doesn’t last long, it gives you an instant burst of freshness. 

5. Eau Fraîche

• Oil concentration: 1–3%
• Longevity: Up to 2 hours
• Best for: Hot summers, after workouts, or layering with stronger scents
• Why choose it: Eau Fraîche is the lightest perfume concentration, almost like scented water. It’s refreshing, but it fades quickly, making it ideal when you just need a quick splash.

6. Perfume Oils

• Oil concentration: 100% pure oils (alcohol-free)
• Longevity: 10+ hours (depends on skin chemistry and quality of oils)
• Best for: People who prefer natural, alcohol-free perfumes with long-lasting depth
• Why choose it: Perfume oils are popular in the Middle East. Especially in the UAE, because they offer deep, rich, and long-lasting fragrances without alcohol. They sit close to the skin, making them more intimate compared to spray perfumes.

Which Type of Perfume Lasts the Longest?

Parfum, also known as Extrait de Parfum, is the kind of perfume that lasts the longest. It has the highest percentage of fragrance oils (20–30%). These concentrations  make it rich, intense, and able to stay on the skin for 8 to 12 hours or more.

Right after that comes Eau de Parfum (EDP), which usually lasts 6 to 8 hours and is perfect for daily wear. Eau de Toilette (EDT) is lighter, lasting 3 to 5 hours. While Eau de Cologne (EDC) and Eau Fraîche are the shortest-lived, lasting only a couple of hours.

The best options for the UAE climate are Parfum and Eau de Parfum. They can withstand heat and humidity while keeping the scent noticeable all day.

Perfume Concentrations & Longevity: A Complete Comparison

Choosing the right perfume often comes down to understanding its concentration and lasting power. 

Below is a straightforward table outlining the main distinctions between the various types of perfume concentrations:

Perfume Families & Types of Perfume Scents

When exploring the types of perfume brands, it’s important to understand that perfumes are not about strength and concentration. They also belong to olfactory families.  These families group fragrances based on their dominant notes and overall character. 

Finding a family that fits your personality and way of life is made easier if you know which family you prefer.

Here are the five main perfume families and what they represent:

1. Floral Perfumes

• Notes: Rose, jasmine, lily, tuberose, violet, lavender, peony.
• Best for: Everyday wear, weddings, romantic dates, and types of perfume scents for ladies who love elegance.
• Personality Match: Romantic, graceful, feminine, and expressive.
• Details: Floral perfumes capture the beauty of fresh flowers. They can be single-note (highlighting one flower) or bouquet-style (a blend of multiple flowers). 

2. Fresh (Citrus & Aquatic) Perfumes

• Notes: Lemon, bergamot, mandarin, sea breeze, cucumber, green tea, herbs.
• Best for: Summer days, gym sessions, or types of perfume for males who prefer clean and light scents.
• Personality Match: Energetic, youthful, refreshing, and adventurous.
• Details: Fresh perfumes are vibrant and uplifting, perfect for hot climates like the UAE. Many men’s perfumes fall into this family because of their sporty appeal.

3. Oriental Perfumes

• Notes: Vanilla, amber, musk, tonka bean, cinnamon, cardamom, resins.
• Best for: Night events, weddings, luxury gatherings, or anyone seeking a statement fragrance.
• Personality Match: Bold, mysterious, sensual, and confident.
• Details: Oriental perfumes are rich, warm, and exotic. Popular in Middle Eastern perfumery, they reflect luxury and depth. 

4. Gourmand Perfumes

• Notes: Chocolate, caramel, coffee, honey, vanilla, almond.
• Best for: Cozy winter nights, romantic dinners, intimate settings.
• Personality Match: Sweet, indulgent, playful, and comforting.
• Details: Known as “edible perfumes,” gourmand fragrances mimic the scents of desserts and sweet treats. These perfumes are popular among women but also have niche unisex versions.

5. Woody Perfumes

• Notes: Sandalwood, cedarwood, vetiver, oakmoss, patchouli.
• Best for: Business meetings, formal wear, evenings.
• Personality Match: Strong, confident, grounded, and timeless.
• Details: Woody perfumes are elegant and earthy, often blended with aromatic herbs or spices. They project warmth, making them a staple in men’s fragrance collections.

The Art of Perfume Layers: Top, Heart & Base Notes

Perfume is a living composition that evolves over time. 

From the very first spray to the final scent, it moves through three stages, top, middle, and base notes. Each stage has its own personality and role in creating a complete experience.

1. Top Notes

The journey begins with the top notes, the very first impression of any perfume. They are bright, fresh, and often sharp. These notes are designed to capture attention immediately, but they are also the most delicate. They last only a few minutes before gently fading into the next layer.

2. Middle Notes

The middle, or heart, notes become apparent as the top layer's freshness wanes. These form the true character of the fragrance, lasting for hours and defining its personality. The middle notes bring harmony, bridging the freshness of the top with the base.

3. Base Notes

The final stage is where the perfume settles into its longest-lasting form.  Long after the first spray, base notes continue to cling to skin and clothing, forming the fragrance's foundation. 

This layer not only anchors the perfume but also leaves behind the memory of your scent. Together, these three layers weave a fragrance that shifts and evolves with time. 

How to Pick Your Own Ideal Fragrance

Choosing a perfume is an art, not just a purchase.  A fragrance should reflect your personality, suit your lifestyle, and leave a lasting impression.

1. Start with Occasion and Lifestyle

Thinking about where and when you will wear your perfume is the first step in choosing one.  Lighter fragrances, like citrusy or floral Eau de Toilette (EDT), are ideal for everyday use. They are subtle, refreshing, and energizing without being overpowering.

For evenings or formal events, richer and deeper scents like oriental, woody, or gourmand Eau de Parfum (EDP). They create a lasting, sophisticated impression.  Think of perfume as part of your personal wardrobe, different scents for different moments.

2. Match the Fragrance to Your Personality

Your personality is key when choosing a perfume. Fragrance can amplify who you are and how you feel:

• Floral fragrances are frequently preferred by romantic and elegant people.
• Energetic and adventurous personalities gravitate toward fresh or aquatic notes, offering youthful impressions.
• Confident and assertive individuals may prefer woody or oriental scents, providing warmth and depth.
• Lovers of indulgence and comfort enjoy gourmand fragrances, with sweet notes perfect for cozy evenings.

Choosing a fragrance aligned with your natural style ensures that it feels authentic and enhances your presence.

3. Understand How Perfume Evolves on Your Skin

A perfume does not remain static; it unfolds in layers. Base notes offer depth and durability, top notes establish the initial impression, and heart notes highlight the main character.

Because the chemistry of each person's body reacts differently to each perfume. The way a scent smells on your skin may differ slightly from how it smells in the bottle.  Always test perfumes on your wrist, let them develop for several hours, and observe how the layers evolve. This ensures that you choose a fragrance that truly complements you.

4. Consider Longevity and Concentration

Perfume concentration directly impacts how long your scent lasts.

• Parfum (Extrait de Parfum) lasts the longest, 8–12 hours, and is ideal for long evenings or special occasions.
• Eau de Parfum (EDP) offers 6–8 hours of wear and is versatile for daily use.
• Eau de Toilette (EDT) lasts 3–5 hours, perfect for casual, refreshing daytime wear.

Selecting the right concentration ensures your perfume suits both the setting and your preference.

Choose the Best Perfume for You at Scentories 

At Scentories, we understand that every individual has unique tastes, lifestyles, and occasions that demand different fragrances.  We have a large selection of perfumes because of this. From Parfum and Eau de Parfum (EDP) to Eau de Toilette (EDT), as well as traditional perfume oils.

Whatever you are searching, Scentories has options for every preference and budget.  Our collection features top international and Middle Eastern perfumes, combining affordability with high quality. We make sure you can enjoy premium scents without compromise.

Why Shop at Scentories?

• All Kinds of Perfumes: From floral and fresh to oriental, gourmand, and woody, we have a fragrance for every personality.
• Affordable Luxury: Premium-quality perfumes at prices that won’t break the bank.
• Expert Guidance: Our team helps you choose fragrances based on concentration, notes, and personal style.
• Convenience: Shop online with easy delivery across the UAE.

Explore the Full Perfume Collection Now!

Types of Perfumes: FAQs 

Q1: What are the four types of perfume?

The four main types of perfume are

1. Parfum (Extrait de Parfum): The strongest and longest-lasting, ideal for special events.
2. Eau de Parfum (EDP): Versatile and elegant, lasting 6–8 hours.
3. Eau de Toilette (EDT): Lighter and refreshing, ideal for casual or daytime wear.
4. Eau de Cologne (EDC): Very light and crisp, lasting 2–3 hours, perfect for quick refreshment.

Q2: What are different types of perfumes?

Perfumes can also be categorized by olfactory families, which describe their scent profiles:

• Floral: Rose, jasmine, and lily – elegant and feminine.
• Fresh (Citrus & Aquatic): Lemon, bergamot, and sea breeze – lively and uplifting.
• Oriental: Vanilla, amber, spices – rich, warm, and sensual.
• Gourmand: Chocolate, caramel, coffee – sweet, indulgent, and comforting.
• Woody: Sandalwood, cedarwood, and vetiver – strong, grounded, and timeless.

These scent families help you pick perfumes that match your personality and occasion.

Q3: What are the 4 levels of perfume?

Perfume is often classified into four levels based on concentration and longevity:

1. Parfum (Extrait de Parfum): 20–40% oil, 8–12+ hours.
2. Eau de Parfum (EDP): 15–20% oil, 6–8 hours.
3. Eau de Toilette (EDT): 5–15% oil, 3–5 hours.
4. Eau de Cologne (EDC): 2–5% oil, 2–3 hours.

Stronger scents and longer-lasting effects are produced by higher concentrations.

Q4: Which is better EDP or EDT?

It depends on your preference and occasion:

• Eau de Parfum (EDP) is stronger, lasts longer (6–8 hours), and is ideal for evenings, events, or when you want a noticeable, lasting scent.
• Eau de Toilette (EDT) is lighter, fresher, and perfect for daytime, hot climates, or casual wear.

For versatility, many people own both, using EDT for daytime and EDP for evening or special occasions.

Find Your Signature Scent Today

Choosing the right scent from all the types of perfumes for men and women is an art, and at Scentories, we make it simple and enjoyable. 

From understanding perfume families to exploring top, heart, and base notes, our collection of perfumes for women ensures you can find a fragrance that truly reflects your personality and lifestyle. 

Regardless of whether you're looking for a long-lasting perfume, a delicate scent for everyday wear, or an opulent scent for special events. Scentories has the perfect match for you. 

Your signature scent is just a click away.

Don’t wait, discover your perfect fragrance today!