Starting at the start, let's clear up the difference between aftershave, eau de toilette (EDT) and cologne. You wouldn’t be the first to think they’re one and the same, but each of these terms is actually it’s own specific identifier. It’s all to do with the potency of the potpourri.
Aftershaves are the weakest, with anywhere from 1%-3% perfume oil. They exist to soothe your skin after a shave (wild, we know). Here you’ll find soothing and cooling ingredients, such as aloe vera and alum. You’ll only get around two hours of odour from an aftershave.
A cologne contains between 2%-5% perfume oil, and is a happy medium between aftershave and EDT. You’ll receive plenty of fragrance without having to fear you’ll overpower those around you. This is where the majority of products for men sit. Expect around 4-6 hours from application until dissipation.
An eau de toilette is the next step up, consisting of around 4%-8% perfume oil. This is too much oil to apply to the delicate skin of the face. To get the best outcome you’ll be applying an EDT on the 'pulse points' (neck, wrist, or chest). It should last around six to eight hours after application.
Finally, if you're looking for something really powerful, a parfum – or perfume – contains around 15%-30% aromatic oil. That huge leap up in potency means you only need a tiny amount on the pulse points to bask in a gorgeous scent cloud for hours. The trade off is that true perfumes are rare and expensive.