Two brands. One obsession: sandalwood. But when it comes to Maison Louis Marie vs Le Labo, which one actually deserves a place on your skin (and in your wallet)? If you’ve ever stood in Mecca, Sephora, or scrolled online debating between cult classics like Santal 33 and No.04 Bois de Balincourt, this guide is for you.
Let’s break it down.
🌟 The Origins of Each Brand
Le Labo:
Founded in 2006 in New York City, Le Labo is known for its apothecary-chic aesthetic and iconic scent Santal 33. Their fragrances are designed to feel artisanal, hand-blended, and urban. But they come with a luxury price tag.
Maison Louis Marie:
This brand traces its roots to the 18th century but was revived by Marie du Petit Thouars, a botanist and scent creator. Her line is built on sustainability, minimalism, and non-toxic formulas. Everything is cruelty-free, vegan, and botanically inspired. 👉 Discover Maison Louis Marie
🧴 Scent Profile Comparison
Le Labo Santal 33:
- Bold, smoky, musky
- Strong leather and cardamom top notes
- Long-lasting with high sillage (scent trail)
- Unisex but leans masculine
Maison Louis Marie No.04:
- Creamy sandalwood, vetiver, cedarwood
- Softer, earthier, more wearable
- Subtle, skin-close wear
- Unisex with slightly feminine warmth
TL;DR: If Le Labo is a roaring fire in the city, Maison Louis Marie is a cozy, quiet cabin in the woods.
💸 Price Breakdown
| Brand | Price (50mL+) | Refill/Smaller Sizes Available? |
| Le Labo Santal 33 | $450 AUD+ | Yes, still $$$ |
| Maison Louis Marie | ~$115 AUD (15mL) | Yes — budget friendly |
Maison Louis Marie offers a more affordable entry point into luxury fragrance, without sacrificing quality.
👉 Shop No.04 Bois de Balincourt
🧪 Ingredients & Clean Credentials
Le Labo has a cult following — but it’s not marketed as clean. Its perfumes may contain:
- Alcohol
- Synthetic stabilisers
- Potential allergens (check the fine print)
Maison Louis Marie, by contrast, is:
- Alcohol-free
- Phthalate-free
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
It uses natural oils and responsibly sourced ingredients in recyclable, minimalist packaging. 👉 See the full collection
🌬️ Sillage & Longevity
Sillage = how far your scent trails. Longevity = how long it lasts.
- Le Labo: High sillage. Strong projection. Smells rich from across the room. Lasts 8+ hours.
- Maison Louis Marie: More intimate. Skin-level scent. Lasts 6+ hours, especially when applied to moisturised skin.
Pro tip: Maison Louis Marie is oil-based, which allows the scent to evolve naturally with your skin.
🎁 Gifting & Experience
Le Labo is big on experience — lab labels, in-store customisation, luxe packaging.
Maison Louis Marie shines in:
- Gift-friendly price points
- Sustainable packaging
- Elegant roller bottles
- Subtle luxury
You can pair a Maison oil with Dope Skin body care or Loco Love chocolates for a boutique-style self-care gift.
🗣️ Real User Reviews
“Santal 33 is everywhere now. I wanted something softer and more personal. No.04 is perfect.”
“Maison Louis Marie gives me the same vibes at 1/4 the price — and it doesn’t irritate my skin.”
“No.09 is my weekend scent. Feels fresh and grounded. I use No.04 for date nights.”
🧠 Which Should You Choose?
| Category | Winner | Why? |
| Price | Maison Louis Marie | Affordable, flexible sizing |
| Clean Ingredients | Maison Louis Marie | Non-toxic, vegan, cruelty-free |
| Bold Projection | Le Labo | Stronger and more dramatic |
| Subtle Sophistication | Maison Louis Marie | Elegant, skin-like wear |
| Unique Appeal | Maison Louis Marie | Less mainstream, more personal |
💭 Final Thoughts
Maison Louis Marie proves you don’t need to spend $450 to wear something rich, refined, and deeply personal. While Le Labo is undoubtedly a luxury icon, it’s not the only option.
If you want:
- Clean ingredients
- An affordable luxury scent
- A fragrance that feels like you, not just like everyone else…
👉 Try No.04 Bois de Balincourt — and explore the full Maison Louis Marie collection at Loyal Crush.
Luxury should smell amazing — but it should also feel good for your skin, your values, and your wallet.
