The difference is concentration. An extrait de parfum contains more fragrance oil than an eau de parfum, so it's richer, sits closer to the skin and lasts longer.

Fragrance strengths at a glance

Perfume is fragrance oil dissolved in alcohol. The more oil, the stronger and longer-lasting the scent. Ranges vary between perfume houses, but these are typical:

My EDPs are blended at 20–25%, at the top of the usual range, and my extraits at 30%.

The science of how perfume evaporates

A perfume is designed to unfold over time. Small, light molecules evaporate first: these are the top notes, usually citrus, herbs and spice. Medium molecules form the heart, often florals. The heaviest molecules, like woods, resins, musks and vanilla, are the base notes that linger for hours.

The alcohol carries everything onto your skin and then evaporates within about 15 seconds. In an extrait, there's less alcohol and more oil, so the base notes hold on longer and the whole scent wears closer and deeper.

Which should you choose?

• Choose an EDP if you want a scent that projects and suits day-to-day wear, the office or warm weather.
• Choose an extrait if you want depth, intimacy and all-day wear, or for evenings and cooler months.

How to make any perfume last longer

1. Apply to moisturised skin. Fragrance clings to hydrated skin far better than dry skin.
2. Spray pulse points. Wrists, neck and behind the ears are warm, which helps the scent develop.
3. Don't rub your wrists together. Friction speeds up evaporation of the top notes.
4. Store bottles somewhere cool and dark. Heat and sunlight break fragrance molecules down over time.

Find out what you love

Try an EDP like White Amber, or an extrait like Amulet or Saffron Noir. Or start with the Explorer Sample Pack: five 10 mL sprays to wear for a few days each.

Every note has a reason. Every scent has a soul.