BOADICEA THE VICTORIOUS
Harmonious

2022

Rum
Ambrette
Cognac
Cardamom
Saffron
Bergamot
Cinnamon

orris
Cashmeran
rose de mai
Coriander

Musk
Vanilla
Sandalwood
Leather
Vetiver
Amber

This was a nice surprise. After an opening that wasn’t really to my taste, I found myself enjoying Harmonious a lot more than I initially imagined. Also, this gets instantly compared by everyone to Dior Homme Parfum, and while they clearly follow a similar direction, I disagree with anyone that says they’re (nearly) identical.

The opening has a more spicy vibe, but a cool, fresh one. Mixed with a cold leather. Kind of reminding me of Spicebomb Dark Leather that I’d tried the day before Harmonious. Just the leathery side; as Harmonious instantly gets way sweeter. And therein lies the Dior Homme Parfum difference to me as well.

Whereas Dior Homme Parfum gets sweet, but remains sharp, leathery and loud, this Boadicea gets softer, sweeter with a creamier iris and stronger vanilla. Don’t get me wrong, I love Dior Homme Parfum for what it is, harshness and abrasiveness included, but Harmonious is smoother, sweeter and more playful, to the point where not only do I think they are not identical, I wouldn’t mind owning both side by side at all.

Almost candy like vanilla starts to come through after the opening. Sugary, bright. The sweetness and a hint of booze as well, starts to take over the leather and the spices. The leather almost completely fades away on my skin.

What completely makes Harmonious for me, is its iris. The iris heart here is lovely, smooth and you’re left with this vanillic iris that reminds me a bit of a lighter take of some of Francesca Bianchi’s works.

Overall, a great take that perhaps may appeal to Dior Homme Parfum lovers, but shouldn’t be written off as a copy of it. For me, it’s probably one of the best, if not the best, Boadicea that I’ve smelled under €300.