10 Best Perfumes for Women in the Philippines 2025 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist

Parfum, or Extrait de Parfum, has a higher fragrance oil concentration and is the longest-lasting form of fragrance. It contains 20-30% fragrance oils, offering a deep and complex scent profile with just a tiny amount and lasting up to 24 hours. This fragrance is ideal for formal occasions such as evening events and is also suited to colder weather, as it can stand out beneath layers of clothing.

Meanwhile, Eau de Parfum (EDP) is slightly less concentrated, with 15-20% fragrance oils. It provides a powerful, lasting scent for 6-8 hours. Since EDP strikes a balance between intensity and wearability, it is a popular choice for those who want a noticeable fragrance that isn’t overpowering.

Eau de Toilette (EDT) is a lighter and more refreshing fragrance. It contains 5-15% fragrance oils and a higher content of alcohol and water. This causes the fragrance to evaporate more quickly and usually lasts 3-4 hours, requiring frequent reapplication throughout the day.

Its lighter formulation makes it ideal for everyday use and warmer weather, providing fresh and uplifting scent profiles and creating a relaxed aura for the wearer.

Eau de Cologne (EDC) is known for its energizing and citrusy scent profile, containing only 2-4% fragrance oils. Because of its low concentration, it generally lasts for only 2-3 hours, necessitating frequent reapplication. EDC is perfect for a quick refresh or a light scent during hot weather.

Its bright and airy aroma makes it an excellent choice for casual, daytime use and for those who prefer a subtle, fleeting fragrance. EDC is also typically more affordable compared to EDT and EDP, making it an economical option for daily use.

Top notes, or head notes, are the initial scents you smell when you use a perfume for the first time. These scents come from lighter ingredients that evaporate quickly, so they only last 15-30 minutes.

Top notes play a crucial role in defining the initial character of the perfume and enticing the wearer with an inviting, refreshing burst of scent. Common top notes include citrus fruits like lemon, grapefruit, and bergamot and light florals and herbs such as lavender, mint, and basil.

Middle notes, also known as heart notes, emerge after the top notes begin to dissipate and typically last longer than the top notes, lingering for several hours. The usual middle notes include jasmine, rose, lavender, ylang-ylang, and various spices.

They balance and enhance the overall scent profile, transitioning from the initial impression to the deeper, more enduring base notes. Moreover, these notes are crucial in defining the perfume's personality and can evoke different emotions as they unfold on the skin over time.

Base notes are the final phase of a perfume’s fragrance journey, appearing after the top and middle notes have evaporated. They contribute to a perfume’s longevity and create the final, memorable essence that remains on the skin.

They are often derived from woods, resins, and musks, imparting a sensuous and lasting impression. Frequently used base notes include sandalwood, patchouli, vanilla, amber, and musk.

Fresh scents are light and refreshing and have appealing citrus notes. They are not overpowering and evoke a sense of energy, making them ideal for daily activities. Floral scents offer a wide range of aromas, from light and airy to rich and abundant, making them suitable for various moods and settings. The diversity of floral notes allows for personalization in every professional and social occasion.

Woody scents, known for their warm, earthy characteristics, balance well with other scents and provide a dependable aroma that resonates with casual and formal settings.

Oriental and spicy perfume scents often contain exotic ingredients like vanilla, amber, incense, and cinnamon, which create a deep and luxurious scent profile. The sophistication of these notes evokes a sense of mystery and allure, making them perfect for evening wear and special occasions.

Moreover, their long-lasting and intense nature ensures a memorable impression, enhancing their elegance further.

Aromatic scents, with fresh and herbal notes like lavender, rosemary, and basil, promote a sense of well-being and relaxation, aligning with self-care and holistic living trends. Fruity scents featuring citrus notes appeal to youthfulness and playfulness, resonating with younger audiences.

Smokey scents, including tobacco, leather, and incense, offer bold and distinctive aromas, attracting those seeking unique and daring fragrances.