Perfume

Frequently Asked Questions About Women's Perfume

What is the difference between parfum, eau de parfum, and eau de toilette for women?

Parfum (extrait de parfum) has the highest fragrance oil concentration, usually 20 to 30 percent, and is the most long-lasting option, often staying on skin for eight or more hours. Eau de parfum (EDP) runs 15 to 20 percent and is the most commonly purchased concentration because it balances longevity and wearability. Eau de toilette (EDT) sits at 5 to 15 percent and is lighter, making it a better choice for warm-weather wear or if you prefer something that fades more gradually throughout the day. Discover our Fragrance Concentration Guide for more information.

What are the most popular women's perfume scents right now?

Floral perfumes are the most widely purchased category, with rose, jasmine, and peony particularly popular. Gourmand and sweet fragrances featuring vanilla and amber have grown in popularity in recent years. Warm musky scents and clean white florals are also trending, partly driven by interest in layerable and gender-neutral fragrance options. Ulta's Women's Perfume collection covers all of these, with options from designer houses, niche brands, and exclusive-to-Ulta labels.

How do I find a signature perfume?

Finding a signature scent usually takes some experimentation. A practical approach is to start with a scent family you are already drawn to in candles or lotions, then try minis or sampler sets in that family before committing to a full bottle. Wear a fragrance for a full day before deciding, because how a scent smells in the first few minutes differs from how it develops over hours on your skin. Ulta carries travel-size options from many of the same brands available in full size, which makes sampling easier.

Discover our How to Find Your Signature Scent guide for more tips.

What is the longest-lasting women's perfume?

Parfum and extrait formulations last the longest because they have the highest concentration of fragrance oil. Within the EDP category, fragrances built around musk, amber, oud, sandalwood, and vanilla tend to have the best staying power because these base notes are heavier and anchor the scent to your skin. Applying to moisturized skin also helps longevity, which is why pairing a matching scented body lotion with your perfume can extend how long you smell it throughout the day.

Discover our How to Make Perfume Last Longer and Long Lasting Fragrances guides for more tips and recommendations.

What women's perfume works for both day and night?

Versatile perfumes typically sit in the floral, fresh, or clean musk families because they are not so heavy that they feel out of place during the day but still have enough depth for evenings. A light-to-moderate EDP in a rose, peony, or sandalwood blend tends to transition well. If you want more flexibility, a layering approach works well: a lighter body mist or EDT during the day, then a richer EDP or parfum for evenings.

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