James Heeley Sel Marin Eau de Parfum

James Heeley Sel Marin Eau de Parfum is a unisex fragrance that encapsulates the essence of a sunlit seaside experience, blending fresh citrus with marine and woody notes to evoke the ambiance of the ocean breeze.

• Fragrance Type: Eau de Parfum
• Gender: Unisex
• Fragrance Family: Aromatic Aquatic
• Longevity: Approximately 6–8 hours
• Sillage: Moderate
• Projection: Moderate

James Heeley Sel Marin Eau de Parfum Notes

• Top Notes: Lemon, Bergamot, Green Notes
• Middle Notes: Sea Water, Sea Salt, Seaweed, Moss
• Base Notes: Cedar, Musk, Leather

Scent Description

Sel Marin opens with a vibrant blend of lemon, bergamot, and green notes, delivering a fresh and invigorating citrus introduction. The heart reveals marine accords of sea water, sea salt, seaweed, and moss, capturing the authentic essence of the ocean. As the fragrance matures, it settles into a warm base of cedar, musk, and a subtle hint of leather, providing depth and a lasting impression reminiscent of sun-warmed driftwood. This composition offers a realistic portrayal of a day by the sea, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a marine-inspired scent.

Performance Details

• Longevity: 7/10 – Offers moderate wear, typically lasting around 6–8 hours.
• Sillage: 6/10 – Leaves a noticeable yet subtle trail, suitable for both personal and professional settings.
• Projection: 6/10 – Radiates moderately, making it appropriate for close encounters without being overpowering.

The Story Behind It

Sel Marin, which means “Sea Salt” in French, is James Heeley’s olfactory love letter to sun-drenched shores, sea breezes, and Mediterranean summer days. This Eau de Parfum doesn’t just smell like the sea—it evokes the feeling of it. Imagine walking barefoot along a pebbled coast, your skin warm from the sun, the wind carrying notes of salt, citrus, and driftwood.

Created in 2008, Sel Marin is part of Heeley’s vision to transform the essence of nature into refined, modern compositions. It blends the natural freshness of sea salt and citrus with woody undertones that hint at dry beaches and sun-warmed decks. The fragrance is elegant yet casual, refined yet effortless, making it a must-have for lovers of minimalist, nature-inspired perfumery.

This is not your typical aquatic fragrance—it’s a stylized portrait of the ocean as seen through the lens of a Parisian aesthete. Salty and breezy, yes, but also subtle, elegant, and contemplative.

The Brand: James Heeley Parfums

James Heeley is a British-born, Paris-based independent perfumer and designer, renowned for his clean, refined, and modern aesthetic. What began as a fascination with the art of fragrance evolved into a full-fledged niche perfume house celebrated for high-quality, eco-conscious craftsmanship.

Heeley Parfums is one of the few independent brands where the founder is also the perfumer, ensuring a singular creative vision from concept to final formulation. Every scent is composed with meticulous attention to detail, and Heeley’s background in philosophy and design comes through in his minimalist approach and poetic inspirations.

With Sel Marin, Heeley showcases his ability to distill nature into perfume. Rather than relying on synthetic marine notes often found in aquatic fragrances, he interprets the seaside through elegant accords of citrus, vetiver, moss, and woods, delivering a fragrance that feels both classic and contemporary.

The Perfumer

James Heeley is the nose behind Sel Marin—a rarity in the perfume industry where many brands rely on anonymous perfumers. His involvement in every stage of the process—from the initial inspiration to the final blend—gives his perfumes a distinctive character.

As a self-taught perfumer, Heeley brings a fresh perspective, often rejecting the overly sweet, mass-market trends in favor of clean compositions and natural elegance. Sel Marin is a prime example of this philosophy—naturalistic yet stylized, emotional yet discreet.

Heeley’s work often celebrates raw materials, and Sel Marin is a masterclass in balancing salty, citrusy freshness with aromatic and earthy notes. It showcases his gift for creating light, wearable fragrances that still carry artistic depth and long-lasting charm.

The Bottle

James Heeley Parfums is known for its understated packaging, and Sel Marin’s bottle reflects the brand’s clean, modern aesthetic. The sleek cylindrical glass flacon is adorned with minimal branding and a crisp white label featuring the name in serif font—evoking clarity, refinement, and timelessness.

The wooden cap adds a touch of natural warmth, reinforcing the fragrance’s theme of sun and sea. The transparent bottle allows the pale juice to shine through, much like sunlight reflecting on water. In your hand or on your vanity, Sel Marin looks like a design object—elegant, functional, and sophisticated.

When & Where to Wear It

Sel Marin is a year-round signature scent for those who crave freshness with depth. It’s particularly well-suited for:

Best Seasons:

• Spring and Summer – Sel Marin comes alive in warmer weather, its citrus-salt freshness sparkling in the sun.

• Ideal for hot, humid days when heavier scents are too overwhelming.

Occasions:

• Casual daytime wear, beachside escapes, garden parties, or weekend brunches.

• Perfect for vacations or when you want to mentally escape to the coast.

• Works well as an office scent due to its subtle, elegant projection.

Time of Day:

• Daytime is where this fragrance shines best. However, it can be a clean, effortless evening scent for warm summer nights.

Personality Fit:

Sel Marin suits minimalists, nature lovers, and aesthetes who prefer fragrances that are clean, refined, and quietly luxurious. It’s for those who appreciate beauty in simplicity and want to wear something that feels both authentic and elevated.

Coastal Chic in a Bottle

James Heeley Sel Marin Eau de Parfum is more than just a summer scent—it’s an ode to the sea, capturing the quiet magic of ocean spray, sunshine, and polished driftwood. Unlike mainstream aquatics, Sel Marin offers a mature, artistic interpretation of the marine theme, perfect for anyone seeking a sophisticated escape from the ordinary.

Experience the refreshing allure of James Heeley Sel Marin—a fragrance that artfully blends citrus and marine elements to evoke the serene ambiance of a sunlit seaside retreat.

Note: All products are 100% authentic.