AldehydesOpens with
PatchouliHeart
CivetDries down to
Pierre BourdonThe nose · 36 fragrances · also made Feminite du Bois (1992)Portrait →Will you like it? Mark a few fragrances you own or love and we'll tell you.
Yves Saint Laurent · Sold as masculine
Kouros
The subtle tension between crisp modernity and traditional luxury — where the sharp brightness of aldehydes meets the rich warmth of leathery notes, creating a sophisticated balance.
Smells likepetrichor (rain on dry earth)
Full bottle: Premium tier, typically $100–250. Links open each seller's own page. We may earn a commission; it never changes the order.
KourosPremium · $100–250
53%Similar accords, often for lessChaps · Ralph LaurenMid-range tier, $40–100 · shares 6 of its 21 notes8 matches →How it wears
From community votes · bars are each option's shareComposition & Character
The story behind the bottle.
Launched in 1981 by Yves Saint Laurent and crafted by Pierre Bourdon, Kouros is a defining scent of the aromatic fougère genre. It opens with aldehydes and coriander, creating an immediate sense of crispness and brightness that contrasts sharply with the warm spiciness of cinnamon and the earthy depth of patchouli and vetiver in its heart. The base notes of civet, musk, and leather add a distinct animalic richness, making it a scent that feels both modern and lasting.
Kouros is renowned for its bold character and has become a benchmark within men's perfumery. Its blend of aromatic herbs, warm spices, and rich leathery notes makes it a fragrance that resonates with those who appreciate complexity and depth.
Kouros projects well and lasts for hours, so one or two sprays are sufficient. The base notes take about an hour to fully bloom, so give it time to develop on your skin before reapplying.
Fig. 01 — Kouros, Yves Saint Laurent
Where to buy.
Wear it for a week first
A decant costs a fraction of a bottle and tells you how it lasts on your skin.
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Pierre Bourdon
As Edmond Roudnitska’s only student, Pierre Bourdon was informed early on by the philosophy that perfumes should be created as works of art.
The Kouros line
13 fragrances, compared side by side
Designer Yves Saint Laurent
More from the house · founded 1961 · France
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Chosen from what wearers say it smells like, what its fans also love, and its notes
Love it, not the $100–250 price?
Matched by accords and notes. Sample first, then decide.
The originalKourosYves Saint Laurent · Premium · $100–250Ralph Lauren · 1979ChapsShares 6 of its 21 notes$40–100★ 4.02 (261)50%Match
Lanvin · 1964Monsieur LanvinShares 6 of its 20 notes$40–100★ 4.54 (113)
With Yves Saint Laurent Opium Extrait de Parfum 40th Anniversary Edition
Adds amber, floral and white floral; shares carnation and jasmine and 2 more notes.
Suggested from accords and notes · not yet tried by wearers
What people
are saying.
Respected, if divisive: loved by 40%, disliked or hated by 33%.