Kouros

Kouros by Yves Saint Laurent is a powerful, polarizing fragrance that lingers with assertive masculinity and complex animalic notes. Its opening features sharp aldehydes, herbal artemisia, and citrus bergamot, delivered with a punch that feels both clean and aggressively masculine. The core animalic accord—a blend of musk, civet, and leather—gives it a primal, almost sweaty character reminiscent of a barber’s shop or a well-used leather jacket. Over time, it mellows into a rich, powdery drydown dominated by honey, tonka bean, and oakmoss, evoking a sense of worn wood and old parchment. While the modern reformulation is generally toned down compared to vintage versions, it remains a formidable presence with strong projection and extraordinary longevity. It is not a scent for the faint of heart—it demands confidence and is best worn in colder months or as a statement piece rather than an everyday fragrance. Despite its controversial reputation, many describe it as a quintessential work of perfumery, an unforgettable hallmark of masculine scent history.