Look closely at any perfume bottle and you will see words like Extrait de Parfum, Eau de Parfum or Eau de Toilette. They are not just French names. They tell you how much perfume oil is in the bottle, which changes how long the scent lasts, how far it projects and how it feels on your skin.
What the labels mean
Every fragrance is a blend of perfume oils (the scent itself) diluted in alcohol. The higher the share of perfume oil, the richer and longer-lasting the fragrance. Exact percentages vary from house to house, but the typical ranges are:
- Extrait de Parfum (also called Parfum or Extrait): around 20–40% perfume oil. The most concentrated form.
- Eau de Parfum (EDP): around 15–20%. Strong and long-lasting, the most popular choice today.
- Eau de Toilette (EDT): around 5–15%. Lighter and fresher, made for daytime.
- Eau de Cologne (EDC): around 2–5%. A short, refreshing splash.
Extrait de Parfum: rich, intimate and long-lasting
Because it contains the most perfume oil and the least alcohol, an extrait wears differently. It tends to sit closer to the skin at first, then unfolds slowly over many hours. The heavier base notes, such as oud, amber, musk and woods, have more room to shine, so the dry-down feels deeper and smoother.
You also need less of it. Two or three sprays on pulse points are usually enough for the whole day.
Eau de Parfum: the everyday all-rounder
An EDP gives a good balance of strength and price. It projects well in the first hours and is a safe choice for work and evenings out. Most designer fragrances are sold as EDP.
Eau de Toilette: light and fresh
EDTs are brighter and more airy, with more emphasis on the top notes such as citrus and herbs. They are pleasant in the morning but usually need reapplying during the day.
Which concentration suits the UAE?
Heat and humidity make alcohol evaporate faster, so lighter fragrances can disappear quickly in the UAE summer. This is one reason the region has always loved rich, oil-heavy perfumes and oud. An extrait de parfum holds up far better through a long day, an air-conditioned office and an evening outdoors.
- Choose an extrait if you want a signature scent that lasts from morning to night, or you love oud, amber and woody notes.
- Choose an EDP if you want strong projection at a lower price.
- Choose an EDT for a light, fresh scent at the gym or the beach.
Is extrait de parfum worth the price?
Extraits usually cost more per millilitre, but you use fewer sprays and reapply less often, so a bottle often lasts longer than you expect. For many people it ends up being the better value.
Try an extrait made in the UAE
Awwal is Blends Avenue's signature extrait de parfum. It opens with smoked pineapple and fresh mint, warms into passion fruit, and settles into a deep, resinous oud. It comes in 50 ml for AED 65, with free 1–2 day delivery across the UAE and cash on delivery.
Explore the full Blends Avenue collection, read our FAQ, or message us on WhatsApp and we will help you find your signature.