YSL Kouros Review – Everything You Need To Know
Kouros.
YSL Kouros was released in 1981. It is based on musk, aromatics, and animalic accents. It lasts 12+ hours on the skin with excellent projection. In this review, I will describe its smell and performance and if it’s worth it.
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Table of Contents
What Does YSL Kouros Smell Like?
Beware of the first few minutes. The first spray is a tidal wave of civet, leather, and musk. It is intense with raw, greasy, and dirty faucets. Wait, why would you want a dirty cologne? It makes the scent ultra-manly.
Once this trio settles, in comes sweet aldehydes and honey. The aldehydes emphasize the greasy nature, never coming off as fresh. While the honey combines with the musk note. This pair has a sweet dirtiness. It’s as if the bees used pollen coated in dirt.
I smell the weakened top notes with the new additions for hours. The next change doesn’t come to the dry down. The leather becomes more intense with animalic, musky honey, and subtle aldehydes atop. This is what you’ll smell for the rest of the wear.
YSL Kouros notes:
TOP NOTES
- Aldehydes
- Coriander
- Clary Sage
- Artemisia
- Bergamot
MID NOTES
- Patchouli
- Carnation
- Vetiver
- Geranium
- Cinnamon
- Jasmine
- Orris Root
BASE NOTES
- Civet
- Honey
- Leather
- Musk
- Oakmoss
- Amber
- Tonka Bean
- Vanilla
Performance
Kouros lasts 12+ hours on the skin with explosive projection. It pushes out six feet or more in the first few hours and will fill a room. After this period, it slowly recedes closer to the skin. By the time you’re in the meat of the base, it is a skin scent.
The scent trail is also amazing during the same timeframe, mainly because of the depth of the notes. This performance is with three sprays.
This is best worn in the fall and winter when cooler temperatures can temper its strength. I’ve tried this in the milder spring temperatures, but it is considerably harder to pull off; the scent is exceptionally overwhelming as it warms up during the day. You’ll get five months of wear in a four-season climate.
As for occasions, it is casual and maybe formal. This is a cologne for running errands as it needs space to air out. It will turn heads in formal situations, but maybe not in the way you want. The office and dates are a no-go. This is too decisive.
Lastly, mass appeal and likability are average. If you’re looking for a fragrance everyone loves, look for a different men’s cologne. This is the type of fragrance you wear for yourself only. Some will love your ultra-masculine aroma, while others will want you to wash it off.
Has Kouros Been Discontinued?
Kouros has not been discontinued. It may be confusing as it is no longer available on the official YSL website. However, on Amazon and discounters, it is still readily available.
At the time of writing, it is still in the $50-60 range. This affordable price is a good sign that there is still a large stockpile and/or still being produced.
Final Words
With all this said, is YSL Kouros worth it? Maybe. The quality of the scent, performance, and uniqueness all point toward it being worth it. However, the scent is so decisive and loud that it becomes hard to wear.
I enjoy having it just because it is ultra-masculine, but it doesn’t bring anything to my collection. Just an expensive shelf ornament that I pick up and enjoy a few times a year.
With Kouros especially, I recommend a sample or decant first.
Kouros is an excellent cologne and a great first one. Yet, don’t just limit yourself to Kouros. Check out the best YSL colognes for men. All have the same or better quality; you might just find your signature scent.