Logo

Perfumind

Navigation

ExploreDatabase

Personal Space

Perfume WardrobeWishlistPerfume DiaryScent Planner

Tools

Perfumind AssistantLayering LabAlternative FinderAuthenticity Scanner
Logo
Perfumind
© 2026 Perfumind
PlansHomeAboutPrivacyTermsRefundsCookiesFAQPartnershipsFeedback
ExploreDatabasePlanner
⌘K
  1. Database
  2. Yves Saint Laurent
  3. Kouros (EDT)
Yves Saint Laurent

Kouros (EDT)

1981

AI Generated

Versions Timeline

1981

Kouros EDT (Original Release)

1986

Kouros EDT (1986)

1999

Kouros EDT (1999)

Price Range
$55 – $95

Estimated price range, including all bottle sizes

Find alternatives

Discover fragrances that smell similar

Perfumers

Pierre Bourdon

"Kouros EDT is a classic masculine Yves Saint Laurent fragrance first launched in 1981 and widely associated with the powerhouse style of the 1980s. Created by Pierre Bourdon, it is known for an assertive aromatic-animalic structure that blends herbs, florals, leather, honey, moss, incense, and musk. The scent opens sharply with aldehydic, herbal freshness before moving into a spicy floral heart and a famously bold, civet-tinged base. Its overall DNA is dry, commanding, warm, and highly distinctive rather than conventionally easygoing. Kouros has remained one of the brand’s most recognizable men’s fragrances and is frequently discussed in the context of vintage masculinity and reformulation debates. It is regarded as an iconic reference point for lovers of classic animalic fougère and aromatic musk styles."

Ideal Environment

Best Seasons

Fall
Winter
Spring

Ideal Weather

Cold
Dry
Mild

Moods

Confident
Powerful
Mysterious
Sensual
Sophisticated

Occasions

Formal
Night Out
Dinner
Date
Work

Fun Facts

Kouros was inspired by the image of the ancient Greek kouros statue, reinforcing its muscular and mythic masculine branding.

The fragrance is famous in perfume communities for its strong contrast between revered vintage bottles and more debated modern reformulations.

AI Generated

Aromatic Profile

0m/16h
Top Notes
1x
FreshGreenSpicySyntheticFloralEarthyWoodyAnimalicLeatheryPowderyResinousSweet

What Changed

Original 1981 launch version of Kouros EDT; later reformulations are widely documented by reviewers and collectors, with vintage-style batches generally perceived as richer and more animalic than modern production.

Fragrance Pyramid

Top Notes

0–2h

aldehydes
bergamot
tarragon
clary sage
coriander
Middle Notes

2h–7h 12m

carnation
vetiver
patchouli
cinnamon
jasmine
orris root
geranium
Base Notes

7h 12m–16h

oakmoss
amber
incense
honey
leather
civet
musk
tonka bean
vanilla

Performance

Longevity
100%

Eternal (8h+)

Sillage
70%

Strong

Reviews Summary

“User and reviewer feedback consistently describes Kouros as a bold, old-school powerhouse with a very recognizable animalic-musky profile. Vintage-style presentations are especially praised for coherence, depth, and strong performance, while newer bottles are more divisive due to perceived reformulation and a rougher balance. Many wearers consider it iconic, masculine, and unforgettable, though it is often recommended for experienced fragrance users rather than beginners. Overall sentiment is highly respectful of its legacy, even when opinions split on modern batches.”

Discovered by

P@Perfumind

Updated At:

Loading reviews...