Loulou

Loulou by Cacharel (1987)

Released in 1987 and crafted by master perfumer Jean Guichard (the same nose behind Cacharel Eden), Loulou is one of the most beloved and distinctive feminine fragrances of the 1980s. Built around plum, violet, anise, mimosa, tiare flower, mahonia, heliotrope, ylang-ylang, jasmine, iris, sandalwood, cedar, vanilla, benzoin, incense, and amber, this Oriental Floral composition captured the mysterious bold femininity of the 1980s through Guichard’s masterful technique. Loulou remains in active production at Cacharel and is widely available throughout the UK and continental Europe.

Our interpretation captures the same iconic bold feminine signature as a long-lasting Eau de Parfum, made in the EU.

Bottle size: 50ml · Concentration: Eau de Parfum (up to 40% perfume oil) · Made in EU

The Loulou Legacy

Loulou was inspired by Louise Brooks, the iconic silent film actress whose bold black bob became a symbol of 1920s femininity. Jean Guichard designed the composition to capture this mysterious bold spirit: plum sweetness paired with powdery violet, intoxicating tiare and ylang-ylang, and resinous incense-amber base. The result is one of the most distinctive 1980s feminine fragrances ever made, with a devoted global following.

How It Smells

The opening is immediately distinctive with juicy plum, powdery violet, and aromatic anise creating an unusual introduction. There is no shy citrus burst. Loulou announces its bold character from the first spray.

The heart introduces the soul of the fragrance: warm mimosa, tropical tiare flower, mahonia, sweet heliotrope, creamy ylang-ylang, refined jasmine, and powdery iris create a dense floral bouquet that distinguishes Loulou from anything else in modern perfumery. The dry-down settles on smooth sandalwood, refined cedar, warm vanilla, balsamic benzoin, smoky incense, and rich amber. A base that lingers on skin for many hours with sophisticated, slightly powdery, deeply mysterious feminine depth.

Notes

Top: Plum, Violet, Anise
Heart: Mimosa, Tiare Flower, Mahonia, Heliotrope, Ylang-Ylang, Jasmine, Iris
Base: Sandalwood, Cedar, Vanilla, Benzoin, Incense, Amber

How Our Version Compares

Our interpretation captures the plum-violet-anise opening, tiare-ylang-jasmine heart, and warm sandalwood-vanilla-incense base that defines Cacharel Loulou. Built as a long-lasting Eau de Parfum at up to 40% concentration, typically 8 to 10 hours on skin, longer on fabric.

Common Questions

Is Cacharel Loulou still made?

Yes. Loulou remains in active production at Cacharel and is widely available through UK Boots, German drugstores, and other European retailers. One of the most enduring 1980s designer feminines in modern perfumery.

Why is Loulou so distinctive?

The unusual combination of plum, violet, anise, and tropical white florals over a warm incense-vanilla base creates a fragrance unlike anything else in modern perfumery. Fans describe it as bold, mysterious, and unforgettable.

When is the best time to wear Loulou?

Autumn and winter especially. Evening occasions year round.

How long does this fragrance last on the skin?

Typically 8 to 10 hours on skin, longer on clothing.

Comparative Advertising Disclaimer: This product is inspired by and compared to Cacharel’s Loulou, but is not identical and is not affiliated with Cacharel or L’Oréal. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. Product names are used for reference only.