Bourjois 1936 EDP

F £ Acquired

Kobako

by Ernest Beaux

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Bourjois Kobako is an Eau de Parfum launched in 1936, created by Ernest Beaux. Kobako opens with Citrus, Cinnamon, and Aldehydes, settles into a heart of Rose, Jasmine, Iris, and Magnolia, and dries down to a base of Musk, Civet, and Ambergris. Bourjois's Kobako carries an Acquired verdict, a musk-led wear.

This cult classic is a divisive beast: some hail it as a stunning, sensual masterpiece with vintage allure, while others recoil from its intense, 'old-school' animalic and aldehydic punch. Not for the faint of heart, but utterly captivating for those who dare.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Bold
  • Classic
  • Mysterious
  • Romantic
  • Sensual
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Kobako Eau de Parfum bottle

Scent Profile

Composition

Timeline

Showing: Overall Blend

Top, heart and base are the brand's own listing, not a timing claim - the industry classifies a note by its character as much as by how fast it fades. Each curve here is modelled from that material's own volatility, so groups can overlap when a house lists long-lasting materials in its heart.

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Performance & Mood

Performance

Longevity
Long (6-10h)
Projection
Strong
Intensity
Strong

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Fall Winter

A cold-weather scent - best worn in autumn and winter.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Date Formal

Its potent projection and intense, animalic depth make it entirely unsuitable for office wear or casual outings. However, its bold and sensual character, combined with excellent longevity, makes it perfect for formal events or intimate dates where you want to make a lasting impression.

Ingredients and allergens

We don't have this fragrance's ingredient list yet.

About

Kobako opens with a sharp, almost shocking burst of aldehydes and bright citrus, swiftly followed by a warm, spicy cloak of cinnamon. The heart unfurls into a rich, powdery bouquet of white florals - rose, iris, jasmine, magnolia, and lily - before settling into a deep, animalic embrace of civet, musk, and ambergris. It's a complex dance between clean and carnal, bright and brooding.

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Compare & Pair

Layer

Wear two at once: the blends worth trying, how each one scores and where to spray See what layers well

Complement

Two people, two scents: what sits well beside it when you each wear your own See what pairs well

Where to buy

Prices for the United States ·

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Drawn from community reviews and editor-reviewed before publishing on . See our methodology and disclosure policy.