Cacharel
LouLou
“Plum and cinnamon over benzoin smoke — 1987 oriental, found on grandmothers and the brave.”

One of the late-1980s oriental-feminine launches with a polarizing reputation — Jean Guichard's 1987 launch for Cacharel, the plum-violet-incense composition that gave LouLou its distinctive personality. Plum and violet at the top, ylang-ylang at the heart, incense through the base. A winter evening fragrance.
The take
What works
- ●Plum-iris oriental powerhouse for cold nights
- ●Outstanding longevity at a budget price
Trade-offs
- ●Polarizing on first sniff — heavy and dense
- ●Reads dated to younger noses
Notes
Top
Mid
Base
Performance
When to wear
Gender
Smells like
Similar scent DNA — if you own one, you may not need the other
You might also like
Different scent, similar vibe
Frequently Asked Questions
What does LouLou smell similar to?
Closest matches in our database: Cacharel Le Jardin LouLou (73%), Penhaligon's Cornubia (57%). Close siblings — adjacent compositions in the same family.
How long does LouLou last?
6–8 hours on most skin (good longevity at 75/100) with solid projection.
When should you wear LouLou?
Strongest in winter and fall, evening-leaning.
Is LouLou worth it?
At this price, fine — with caveats. Plum-iris oriental powerhouse for cold nights. Outstanding longevity at a budget price.
Details
- Perfumer
- Jean Guichard


















