EDT, EDP, Parfum, attar: the labels can be confusing. They mostly describe one thing: how much fragrance oil is in the bottle. That affects how strong a scent smells, how far it travels and how long it lasts. Here is a simple explanation.
The Quick Answer
| Type | Typical fragrance oil | Strength | Typical longevity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eau de Toilette (EDT) | About 5–15% | Light | A few hours |
| Eau de Parfum (EDP) | About 15–20% | Medium to strong | Several hours |
| Parfum / Extrait | About 20–30% | Rich and dense | Long-lasting |
| Attar | Concentrated oil, no alcohol | Close to the skin | Often very long-lasting |
These are industry rules of thumb. Every brand and every scent is different, and longevity always depends on your skin and the weather.
Eau de Toilette (EDT)
EDT is the lightest common type. It feels fresh and bright, which makes it pleasant for daytime and hot weather, but you may need to reapply during the day.
Eau de Parfum (EDP)
EDP has more fragrance oil, so it lasts longer and has a fuller character. It is the most popular choice for everyday perfume because it balances strength and comfort.
Parfum
Parfum is the most concentrated spray type. It tends to sit closer to the skin than you might expect but lasts a long time, with a deep, rich feel. FAHA offers selected scents as a high-concentration Parfum, such as ANGELS WHISPER and BEAUTIFUL BIRD.
Attar
Attar is different from all three. Instead of being blended into alcohol, the fragrance is a pure, concentrated oil applied directly to the skin. Every FAHA attar is completely alcohol-free. Because there is no alcohol to evaporate, attar does not "burst" into the air like a spray; it stays close to you and develops slowly, which is why many people find it lasts for hours. Read more in our attar vs perfume guide.
Strength vs Projection: Not the Same Thing
Longevity is how long you can smell a fragrance on your skin. Projection (or sillage) is how far it travels from you. A fresh EDP might project strongly for the first hour then fade, while a Parfum or attar may stay close but last all day. Heavier notes like oud, amber, vanilla and leather last longer than citrus in every format.
Which Should You Choose in Pakistan?
- Summer, office, daytime: a fresh EDP like ROGUE or a light attar like WHITE MUSK.
- Weddings and evenings: a rich EDP like DARK MOMENT, or a Parfum.
- Namaz and Ramadan: an alcohol-free attar.
- Want maximum longevity? Layer the attar version on your skin and spray the perfume version of the same scent on your clothes. Most FAHA scents come in both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EDP stronger than EDT?
Generally yes. EDP has a higher concentration of fragrance oil, so it usually lasts longer.
Does attar last longer than perfume?
Many people find attar very long-lasting because it is a concentrated oil, though it stays closer to the skin than a spray.
Why can't I smell my perfume after an hour?
Often it is nose blindness: your nose gets used to the scent while others can still smell it. See our tips on making perfume last longer.