by Bourjois
Kobako is a vintage-inspired white floral with aldehydic, spicy, and animalic nuances, evoking a richly layered olfactory journey. It opens with a bold, sweet explosion of aldehydes, citruses, and cinnamon, giving it a distinct retro 80s character. The heart features a soft blend of jasmine, gardenia, lily, and magnolia, combined with a powdery, slightly soapy texture. As it settles, the fragrance evolves into a more complex, balsamic-sensual drydown dominated by musk, ambergris, and synthetic civet, with subtle hints of leather and green clover. On skin, its intensity is initially strong—projecting moderately to strongly—but it transitions into a clear, clean, slightly bitter white floral that lingers for hours. It is particularly admired for its surprising longevity, with some noting it lasts nearly 48 hours on clothing, and its affordability, making it a standout value in the budget fragrance category. Despite its vintage persona, it's described as undeniably sensual, with some perceiving it as vintage, elegant, and deeply evocative, while others find it heavy, skanky, or animalic, depending on skin chemistry. It’s not for everyone—those sensitive to aldehydes, musks, or synthetic animalics may find it overwhelming—but fans appreciate its nostalgic depth, complexity, and historical resonance.