It was a lively Saturday afternoon, and the kitchen was buzzing with the sound of sizzling oil, clinking plates, and cheerful banter. Mum was frying her legendary spicy, crispy chicken—a dish that had no rival—and the irresistible aroma had drawn me in like a magnet.
My plan was simple: sneak in, swipe a piece or two of chicken, and vanish before anyone noticed. But as I stepped into the kitchen, I got caught in the middle of a heated debate between my older sister Boma and her friend Uyai.
“Abeg, Uyai, don’t tell me the Extrait de Parfum version is better than the EDP for Baccarat Rouge 540,” Boma argued, her voice rising in disbelief. “The EDP is versatile; it works for day and night. And frankly, I just prefer it!”
Uyai, never one to back down, scoffed. “Boma, you’re just being stingy. The Extrait is richer, more luxurious, and lasts all day. It’s for people with taste!”
I froze mid-swipe, my hand hovering over the tray of fried chicken. What on earth were they talking about? EDP? Extrait? It all sounded like some kind of secret code.
Uyai chuckled knowingly. “You don’t get it, do you? The Extrait has a smoother, more complex dry down. It’s premium.”
Boma rolled her eyes. “Premium or not, what about people who don’t want to smell like a perfume shop exploded on them?”
This was why I loved Saturdays. The house was full of energy, with everyone doing something. Since Uyai got married, she’d been around less often, so her lively back-and-forth with Boma brought a familiar sense of warmth and nostalgia.
Leaning against the counter, I finally spoke up. “What’s all this Extrait and EDP talk? Sounds like a code for some elite club.”
Boma turned to me, smirking. “Preye, it’s perfume talk. You wouldn’t get it.”
“Try me,” I said, grabbing a piece of chicken.
Uyai leaned closer, clearly amused. “Alright, Mr Curious. EDP stands for Eau de Parfum. It’s strong, but not as intense as Extrait de Parfum, which is the purest and most concentrated form of fragrance.”
“So, EDP is like... the junior league, and Extrait is the pro level?” I quipped, earning a round of laughter.
Before they could respond, Mum walked in with her usual calm authority, drying her hands on a towel. “While you two are busy arguing over Baccarat Rouge, let me just say that I prefer the EDT version of Versace Crystal Noir over the EDP.”
All three of us turned to stare at her, wide-eyed.
“EDT?” I asked, baffled.
Mum smiled knowingly. “Eau de Toilette. It’s lighter and fresher. It doesn’t overwhelm the senses, and for me, the Crystal Noir EDT actually lasts longer. Sometimes, less is more.”
What had started as a simple chicken heist turned into a full-blown perfume masterclass. Intrigued and slightly overwhelmed, I knew I needed to figure out this whole EDT, EDP, and Extrait mystery.
The Perfume Hierarchy: What Do Those Labels Mean?
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Eau de cologne (EDC) / Body Mists - I rarely see cologne type fragrances in the market lately, that's why I have classified this in the body mist category with body mists having fragrance oil concentration of 5-8% generally, although some go as high as 10%
- Concentration: 2–5% fragrance oils
- Best For: A quick refresh
- Longevity: 1–2 hours
- Colognes are light, short-lived, and ideal for a fleeting burst of freshness, hence these are typically more affordable and come in larger bottles, ideal for casual use or layering on a perfume.
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Eau de Toilette (EDT) - This is where things start to get interesting, EDTs are like the entry level of actual fragrance oil concentration, some body mists can fall here.
- Concentration: 5–15% fragrance oils
- Best For: Everyday wear, light and breezy occasions
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Longevity: Lasts 2–6 hours
EDTs are usually lighter and fresher, perfect for daytime or hot weather. They’re the casual jeans-and-t-shirt version of perfumes.
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Eau de Parfum (EDP) - The most common perfume type and for most people this is okay, it is the perfect balance of price and performance
- Concentration: 15–20% fragrance oils
- Best For: Versatility, day-to-night use
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Longevity: Lasts 6–24 hours
EDPs are richer and more intense, offering a balanced performance for both day and evening wear.
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Extrait de Parfum (Parfum/Perfume) - Different fragrance houses refer to this range differently eg Le Parfum, Parfum intense, EDP Intense etc
- Concentration: 20–40% fragrance oils
- Best For: Special occasions, when you want maximum impact
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Longevity:
Lasts 8+ hours
Extraits are the crème de la crème of perfumes. They’re luxurious, intense, and require just a small amount to envelop you in a sophisticated scent cloud.
Mum’s comment about preferring the EDT of Versace Crystal Noir was a reminder that in perfumery, more oil doesn’t always mean better performance. Perfumes are an art, a blend of notes that evolve over time.
If you’ve ever been confused by those labels on perfume bottles, I hope this clears things up.
At Tega Milton, we specialise in Eau de Parfum fragrances with exceptional performance. If you’re ready to explore your next signature scent, check out our collection here.
What’s your go-to fragrance type—EDT, EDP, or Extrait? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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