Eau de Toilette and a Fresh Start to the Day
When a perfume is too much of a scent, but lotion not enough, eau de toilette is often the middle ground you want for that fresh start to your day. Eau de toilette differs from perfume and cologne primarily in alcohol content. Eau de toilette has a very high alcohol content and is best applied right after you step out of the shower or bath. Scents are usually light and unobtrusive, like geranium, lavender, lilac, and violet. Men’s eau de cologne, similar to aftershave, is scented with things like aloewood, musk, orange flower, rose water, and spices, though originally, eau de cologne implied a citrus mixture from fruits such as lemons, oranges, tangerines, limes, and grapefruits combined with lavender or orange flower oil.
The difference between perfumes, cologne, and eau de toilette
Perfumes generally have a low alcohol content – about 10-20% perfume oils mixed with alcohol, which diffuses the odour, and a bit of water. Colognes, are about 3-5% perfume oil and 80-90% alcohol, with 5-15% water. Eau de toilette only has about 2-8% perfume oil and 60-80% alcohol, and the rest water. Eau de toilette is heavy in top notes – the first scents released by a perfume – which means that the scent is strongest when first applied, but fades relatively quickly, leaving behind only the faintest hint which blends with the natural scent of your skin. This also makes it a great warm weather scent, since it isn’t too overpowering.
Eau de toilette is the perfect, light alternative to perfume
When to use eau de toilette
Because eau de toilette is such an uninvasive scent, it’s perfect for warm weather, outdoor occasions or any other events in which you’ll be in close quarters with other people. No one wants to be the one person whose perfume smells too strong. It should never be applied directly to clothing, as it might stain, but rather onto the skin. Eau de toilette is refreshing, and is especially lovely right after a bath or coming out of the shower. Applying a lavender eau de toilette right after a relaxing bubble bath is perfect for those who are stressed and have trouble falling asleep at night.
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