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What’s the difference between an eau de toilette and an eau de parfum for men?

Eau de toilette and eau de parfum may sound similar, but they’re entirely different. Thankfully, it’s easy to remember what makes each unique. Essentially, an eau de toilette is lighter and wispier than an eau de parfum, which tends to be more concentrated, and is thus stronger in aroma. The two vary in intensity, with eau de parfum containing a higher strength and concentration of fragrance. Because the fragrance profile of an eau de toilette is lighter, this is what most people turn to for daily use.

That said, for some people, an eau de toilette doesn’t have as strong a staying power on the skin as an eau de parfum, but of course, this all depends on the structure of the fragrance itself as well as the wearer. In contrast, an eau de parfum may be overpowering and only fit for a special occasion. Some companies offer the same scent in both an eau de toilette and an eau de parfum version—in this case, it’s likely that the fragrance is exactly the same, but the concentrations in each differ.

What’s the best way to wear cologne so it lasts?

Looking to make the most of your cologne? There are several do’s and don’ts to be mindful of.

• Hydrate your skin: Ensuring your skin is well-hydrated pre-spritzing can make all the difference in the longevity of your cologne application. Moisturizing your skin prior to applying your cologne gives the fragrance something to stick on and absorb into—unlike applying it to dry skin, which can cause it to be prone to evaporate quicker.

• Apply after a shower: It’s best to apply your cologne immediately following a shower for the same reason you apply it to moisturized skin. After coming out of the shower, your pores are open and your skin is damp, making it better able to absorb the cologne and deliver a long-lasting scent.

• Apply to pulse points: The old advice of spritzing your cologne onto your wrists to make it last longer is dead-on. This is because your wrist is a pulse point and is where your veins are closest to the skin’s surface. This creates a warmer environment for the scent to stick to, which ultimately helps it last longer.

• Avoid rubbing wrists together: Rubbing your wrists together after application can break down the fragrance, making it escape from your skin sooner and ultimately counteracting what you’re trying to accomplish.

• Don’t over-apply: Whatever you do, resist the urge to over-apply your cologne. While you may think spritzing on half the bottle will make the scent last longer, colognes are meant to be sprayed one to two times (especially if you’re not using the eau de toilette variety). Also, many formulas are designed to distribute different notes as they sit on your skin throughout the day,