Yves Saint Laurent Kouros Eau de Toilette 50ml Spray

Yves Saint Laurent Kouros Eau de Toilette 50ml is one of the most distinctive masculine fragrances of the 20th century — a legendary aromatic-fougère composition created in 1981 by Pierre Bourdon. Bold, animalic, classically "Mediterranean masculine" and entirely uncompromising, Kouros has been worn for more than four decades by men who like their fragrance with character and confidence.

About Yves Saint Laurent

Yves Saint Laurent is the celebrated French fashion house founded in 1961 by Yves Henri Donat Mathieu-Saint-Laurent. YSL Beauty has produced some of the most iconic fragrances in modern perfumery — Opium (1977), Paris (1983), and Kouros (1981) among them. Kouros remains the brand's longest-running masculine pillar, named after the Greek statues of young athletes that inspired its packaging and identity.

Fragrance notes

• Top: Aldehydes, Coriander, Clary Sage, Artemisia, Bergamot
• Heart: Patchouli, Carnation, Jasmine, Vetiver, Geranium, Orris Root, Cinnamon, Lavender
• Base: Civet, Musk, Honey, Leather, Oakmoss, Amber, Tonka Bean, Vanilla

Olfactory family: Aromatic Fougère  |  Launched: 1981  |  Perfumer: Pierre Bourdon

The story behind Kouros

Pierre Bourdon's vision for Kouros was inspired by the marble statues of ancient Greek athletes — young, unapologetic, masculine. The composition pairs a fresh aldehydic-aromatic opening with a deeply animalic heart and a leather-honey-amber base that has earned the fragrance a near-mythical reputation. Kouros is not subtle, and that is precisely the point — it makes a statement and lingers. The clean-cut white-and-blue bottle, designed by Pierre Dinand, mirrors the temple-like architecture of classical antiquity.

Who it's for

Kouros is for men who like fragrances with serious presence — those who appreciate vintage-style masculines (Aramis, Paco Rabanne Pour Homme, Azzaro Pour Homme) and aren't afraid of a confident, animalic drydown. It performs best in autumn and winter, on evenings and in formal contexts where its character has room to bloom. A polarising fragrance in the best sense.

How to wear it

1. Apply sparingly — Kouros is highly projecting; one or two sprays is usually enough.
2. Mist onto pulse points: wrists, neck, behind the ears, and a touch on the chest.
3. Apply to clean, moisturised skin for the best longevity.
4. Allow the fragrance some time before judging — the animalic base develops over the first 30–60 minutes.

Specifications

• Size: 50ml
• Concentration: Eau de Toilette
• Gender: Men
• Brand: Yves Saint Laurent
• Year: 1981
• Perfumer: Pierre Bourdon

A confident, statement-making classical masculine — Kouros isn't for everyone, but the men who love it tend to love it for life.