St. Maarten makeup artist Antoinette Philips launches Soualigan Divine Palette in celebration of island's heritage

THE NETHERLANDS--St. Maarten-born makeup artist and entrepreneur Antoinette Philips (pictured) is celebrating her island's heritage through the launch of Soualigan Divine, a 22-shade eyeshadow palette inspired by the colors, communities and cultural landmarks of St. Maarten and St. Martin. The collection will officially launch on November 11, coinciding with the annual celebration of St. Maarten/St. Martin Day.

The new palette is the second eyeshadow collection released under Philips' beauty brand, VMOUR Beauty, which she established in 2024. Its design and selection of colors pay tribute to the island's identity, with shades named after familiar locations and cultural symbols, including Grand Case, Dutch Quarter, the Salt Pond, guavaberry and the flamboyant tree.

Among the shades is St. Peters, named after the community where Philips grew up, giving the collection a personal connection to her childhood and upbringing.

Currently residing in the Netherlands, Philips works as a social worker supporting persons with disabilities while continuing to develop her career as a makeup artist and beauty entrepreneur.

Her journey into the beauty industry began through informal makeup sessions with friends, often accompanied by conversations over a glass of wine. Encouraged by a mentor to share those experiences with a wider audience, she began livestreaming her makeup sessions and eventually developed an online following.

Today, Philips regularly connects with followers through TikTok, where she demonstrates makeup techniques, creates different beauty looks and engages with viewers.

Her brand, VMOUR Beauty, combines her interests in makeup and wine, an influence reflected in the company's first eyeshadow palette, VMOUR Merlot, which featured a distinctive wine-glass-inspired design.

With Soualigan Divine, Philips has shifted her creative focus toward the Caribbean, using makeup to celebrate the places, traditions and natural surroundings that shaped her identity.

The collection features 22 shades, combining matte finishes and shimmering colors intended to accommodate a range of makeup styles, from everyday looks to more elaborate creations.

The palette's packaging also reflects the island's identity as a destination shared by two countries, reinforcing the cultural inspiration behind the product.

"Beauty, to me, is more than just makeup. It's a form of self-expression," Philips said. "My goal is to offer women tools that can help them create looks that inspire confidence, celebrate individuality and make every person feel empowered in their own skin."

According to Philips, all VMOUR Beauty products are vegan and cruelty-free, reflecting the brand's approach to product development.

The launch of Soualigan Divine also highlights how St. Maarten entrepreneurs living abroad continue to draw inspiration from their homeland while developing businesses and creative products for wider markets.

By incorporating recognizable locations and cultural references into the collection, Philips has created a product that connects her personal journey with the island's identity.

To mark the launch, VMOUR Beauty is hosting a giveaway featuring the new palette. Details are available through the brand's social media accounts on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok under @vmourbeauty.

Soualigan Divine will be available for purchase beginning November 11, 2026, through the VMOUR Beauty website. Customers on St. Maarten are encouraged to follow the brand's social media channels for information about local availability and collection arrangements.

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