By Jelani Addams
So, you’ve heard of Eau de Toilette—but what actually is it?
The variety of fragrance types can get confusing sometimes, but don’t worry—MUGLER’s guide covers everything you need to know about Eau de Toilette (EDT)—from how to pronounce it correctly to how to apply it so it lasts longer.
WHAT IS EDT AND WHAT DOES IT STAND FOR?
EDT, or Eau de Toilette, is a versatile fragrance that contains between 5% and 15% of the aromatic essence. It's softer and more subtly fragranced than Eau de Parfum, making it perfect for everyday wear. This versatility empowers you to leave a mark with your signature scent, without it being too overpowering.
Perfume connoisseurs often reserve this light, refreshing fragrance for the summer months. EDT's convenience makes it one of the most popular fragrance types, perfect for slipping into your handbag for a quick perfume touch-up on the go.
WHERE DOES EAU DE TOILETTE ORIGINATE FROM?
The origins of perfume have a long history that spans centuries and continents. Some of the earliest fragrance creations are believed to have originated in ancient Mesopotamia and India.
The concept of Eau de Toilette evolved in the 14th century as part of the broader tradition of using scented waters and perfumes, which were developed and popularized in France. The fragrance became associated with a lighter concentration of aromatic oils, making it distinct from more robust, concentrated perfumes like Eau de Parfum.
WHAT DOES EAU DE TOILETTE MEAN?
“Eau de Toilette” refers to the scented water you spritz on your body as you prepare for your day. The phrase is inspired by the French expression “faire sa toilette,” which refers to getting yourself ready for the day—from combing your hair and getting dressed to applying your makeup and favorite scent.
Not sure how to pronounce Eau de Toilette? The French phrase is pronounced, “oh de twa let.”
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EAU DE TOILETTE, EAU DE PARFUM, AND EAU DE COLOGNE?
The difference between Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum, and Eau de Cologne is the concentration of aromatic essence in each type of fragrance. Of the three, Eau de Cologne has the lowest concentration of aromatic essence, at just 2% to 4%. This low percentage makes for a very light scent that lasts about one to two hours. Eau de Parfum has the highest percentage of aromatic essence of the three, at 15% to 20%. This highly concentrated scent will last much longer, up to six hours. Eau de Toilette is right in the middle, containing between 5% and 15% of the aromatic essence.
HOW TO USE EAU DE TOILETTE
Envelop yourself in an indulgent yet discreet scent with your favorite Eau de Toilette. Apply your fragrance in the morning for an immediate, sensual mood lift. Its subtle, softly fragranced nature means you can top up liberally throughout the day, making it ideal for scent touch-ups on the go. Light and refreshing with a captivating scent, a couple of spritzes of EDT will provide the perfect finishing touch to any outfit.
Wondering how to apply Eau de Toilette for the best results? Holding the bottle around 5 inches away from your skin, apply one to two sprays around your neck area, then follow up with another few spritzes on your wrists for a stronger, more captivating scent. These ‘pulse points’ on your body are where blood vessels are closer to the skin’s surface, making your skin warmer and intensifying your understated scent.
HOW LONG DOES EAU DE TOILETTE LAST?
Eau de Toilette typically lasts three to four hours on the skin. Luckily, its light scent makes it suitable for liberal application, so you can spritz whenever you need a boost of your deliciously fragrant scent.
WHICH PERFUME LASTS LONGER, EAU DE TOILETTE OR PARFUM?
If you’re after a long-lasting scent, parfum is the longest-lasting type of fragrance. Parfum contains 20% to 30% of the aromatic essence used to create the fragrance, which allows your scent to last up to eight hours. Because Eau de Toilette contains a much smaller percentage of the aromatic essence, it will need to be reapplied every three to four hours for a long-lasting scent.
WHAT EAU DE TOILETTE DOES MUGLER RECOMMEND?
Our Angel EDT is an excellent option for a fresh twist on a classic fragrance. Angel Eau de Toilette is a gourmand fruity floral perfume for women that expresses femininity and adventure.
The Angel Nova Eau De Toilette is a floral, citrus feminine perfume. It opens with a burst of juicy raspberry and elevated rose essence.
Alien Eau de Toilette delivers a citrus and woody fragrance, with floral notes of Moroccan Jasmine dominating the heart of the perfume. This EDT is a more vibrant interpretation of Alien Eau de Parfum.
Let's wrap things up with a touch of sophistication. Alien Man EDT is a men’s cologne that exudes a refined leather scent, upgraded with Osmanthus Flower and apricot notes. These notes sit on a woody base of smoked beech bark, creating an elegant and masculine scent that will make you feel sophisticated.