Boadicea the Victorious 2008 EDP

U ££ Acquired

Complex

by John Stephen

Share
Card A shareable image of this fragrance - its verdict, notes and profile. Save or copy it to post anywhere.

Boadicea the Victorious Complex is an Eau de Parfum launched in 2008, created by John Stephen. Complex opens with Sage, settles into a heart of Resins, Incense, and Frankincense, and dries down to a base of Leather. Boadicea the Victorious's Complex carries an Acquired verdict, a musk-led wear.

This one's not for the faint of heart - it's a beast mode leather bomb that divides opinion like no other. Definitely not a blind buy, but if you're brave enough, it promises a scent journey well outside the ordinary. Love it or hate it, 'Complex' lives up to its name.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Bold
  • Masculine
  • Edgy
  • Confident
  • Mysterious
Check price on → Check prices ↓
Complex Eau de Parfum bottle

Scent Profile

Composition

Timeline

Showing: Overall Blend
Topas listed
Sage100%
Heartas listed
Frankincense33%
Incense33%
Resins33%
Baseas listed
Leather100%

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.

ScentArt

ScentArt Gallery What is ScentArt?

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:
Winter
Also Works:
Fall

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

Best Occasions

Best For:
Formal
Also Works:
Date

Given its 'beast mode' projection and longevity, this is absolutely not an office scent; it would be far too overwhelming. It suits formal occasions, black-tie events, and special nights out due to its luxurious and unique character, but should be applied sparingly. Its challenging nature makes it less suitable for casual wear, where subtlety is often preferred.

Ingredients and allergens

ALCOHOL DENAT. (SD ALCOHOL 40-B), PARFUM (FRAGRANCE), AQUA (WATER), ALPHA-ISOMETHYL IONONE, LIMONENE, GERANIOL, BHT.

From a shop in the United Kingdom. Boxes sold in other countries can differ.

Named in this list, in standard patch-test panels

Other allergens named in this list

Lists change between batches and markets, so check the box of the bottle you have. "Parfum" covers substances the label does not name, and we highlight only the allergens we could match. If you have a diagnosed allergy, look for the name your clinic gave you on your own packaging.

About

Complex opens with an unapologetically bold blend of aromatic sage and frankincense, immediately asserting its presence. This intense herbal smokiness soon gives way to a dominant, rugged leather accord, infused with sticky, earthy resins. As it settles, a deep, balsamic warmth emerges, underscored by a lingering animalic edge, creating a truly unique and potent aroma.

Similar

Alternatives

2 alternatives to explore

Perfumes that capture a similar essence to Complex Eau de Parfum

→

More from Boadicea the Victorious

See all 183 Boadicea the Victorious perfumes

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 ·

Import charges may apply

These shops are outside the United States. How import charges work

3.4 fl oz (100 ml) 1 offer
Nicchia Luxury UK Delivers to the United States from Italy $91.68/fl oz Free delivery $310.00 Buy → Delivers to the United States from Italy

ScentVerdict earns a commission from purchases - this doesn't affect our verdicts.

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