Beauty School: Difference Between Eau de Parfum and Eau de Toilette

Ralph Lauren Romance in Eau de Parum

You might notice that your favorite Eau de Toilette fragrance doesn't last as long as you would like or that your favorite high end designer doesn't even make a eau de toilette version of their fragrances.
The main difference between Eau de Toilette and Eau de Parfum is the fragrant oils to alcohol ratio.  Most perfumes are just a blend of scented oils mixed with some type of solvent, usually ethanol or a solution of water and ethanol.

Flowerbomb by Vickor & Rolf only comes in eau de parfum

Eau de Parfum contains more fragrant oils than Eau de toilette.  This makes eau de parfum fragrants last longer and have less than an alcohol smell.  Some designers, like Vicktor and Rolf don't even make an eau de toilette version of their fragrances.

Bottle of Pure Jasmine Oil

There are also perfumes sold that are solely made of scented oils.  These are popular in the middle east and are actually cheaper than their american counterparts.  They are also more pungent and a small drop is about the equivalent of one spray.