Ever wondered what the words on perfume labels mean? According to French standards, perfumes are classified into four different types:

• Eau de Cologne (EDC) popularized by Napoleon Bonaparte, is made with a three percent compound solution of oil and water. It is considered to be the lightest of scents and the least expensive.
• Eau de Toilet (EDT) or ‘toilet or bath water’ as it was historically known, is made with three to eight percent compound solution of oil and water. Its concentration is higher than as Eau de Cologne, making it pricier.
• Eau de Parfum (EDP) has a 10 to 15 percent compound solution of oil and water, which make it more potent than EDC and EDT. When applied on pulse points, it lingers for hours.
• Parfum has the highest concentration of oils, with a 20 to 50% compound solution – closest to that of a pure botanical essence. Parfum last longer than the other mixture and is also considered to be the priciest perfume.