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Beloved fashion icon, signer and innovator, Solange Knowles, attended the BET Awards last night as a four-time nominee, including BET Centric Award for Cranes in the Sky, Video of the Year for Cranes in the Sky, Best Female R&B/Pop Artist and Album of the Year for A Seat at The Table. The actress stunned with a radiant complexion and a sculpted, modern look that was expertly created by celebrity makeup artist, Dana Delaney, using exclusively Black Opal cosmetics.

Dana Delaney shares how she achieved Solange’s beauty look

FACE:

· To start, I used Black Opal Invisible Oil Blocking Gel Primer on Solange’s T-Zone to prep her skin

· Using a foundation brush, I applied Black Opal Even True Flawless Liquid Foundation in Rich Caramel, that I buffed into her skin for a flawless, velvety sleek finish

· Next, I brightened under Solange’s eyes and center of her face using Black Opal Even True Brightening Under Eye Concealer. For blemish coverage, Black Opal True Color Flawless Perfecting Concealer in Truly Topaz seamlessly covered imperfections

· I then used Black Opal True Color Stick Foundation in Suede Mocha to contour her cheeks and accentuate her bone structure. Then I dabbed Black Opal Perfecting Primer in Medium onto her cheekbones for a dewy finish

· Finally, I used Black Opal Invisible Oil Blocking Powder sparingly on her T-Zone for shine control to last through the night

EYES:

· Keeping to Solange’s fresh, modern look, I used Black Opal Color Splurge Eye Satin Matte in Crème Brulee—I used the lighter shade as a base to buff the eyelid and blended the darker shade into the crease for a sculpted finish

· I applied Black Opal Color Splurge Precision Eye Definer in Black to the base of her lashes and smudged out

· To finish the look, her brows were shaped and groomed with Black Opal Color Splurge Brow Shaper Kit

LIPS:

· I used Black Opal Waterproof Gel Lip Liner in Naked all over the lip and blended with lip balm for a gorgeous glossy finish

AVAILABILITY: Black Opal products are available online at BlackOpalBeauty.com and select retailers nationwide, including Walmart, CVS, Rite Aid, Duane Reade and Kmart.

Image Credit: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

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There has been a significant rise within the thrifting community. What was once taboo, is now a commonplace for the stylish. For some it could be the character that lingers, holding on by a thread. For others it's the price point that is most reasonable a price point that delivers an air of originality. For me, it is and always will be about style. If it's awesome, I will own it and since I have had the pleasure of being called "stylish" by the fashion savvy, you all know how we do, we smirk and send two snaps in their direction but, I have the secret. I've never shared it with anyone until now:

I have always held the fact that many of my designer duds are discovered by scouring racks and racks of archived fashions. And by archived, I refer to Valentino from the 1960's, Louis Vuitton of the 1970's, Gucci of the 1980's and last but not least, Yves Saint Laurent & Celine outerwear of the 90's that are resold or consigned for the previous owner. Power was being implied in the clothing back then. The stitching, the silhouettes, every thing seemed to scream "POWER" from the racks. And that is why I enjoy carrying on the sophisticated legacy of the resale shopper.

Now.... all though I've named high end brands, Don't misunderstand me, I am not by any means one of those "label queens" purporting the message that higher end brand makes a thing more or less stylish. I would like to believe In order to be, "high style" you must be fearless and master the art of the high some of my clients in pieces from Target but you would never guess because the formula is to look well put together, not try to be something you are not.

The message I am screaming from the mountain tops is this one though:

"I will NOT go broke, in order to look rich."

I will advise all readers to choose that mantra as well.

Below I have noted a list of important tips, and I would also like to share some of the greatest shops that have reshaped how I feel about the shopping experience and the fashion industry in it's entirety. I think the saying goes: "Nothing is new amongst men", I can't really recall the phrase verbatim but I think I'm pretty darn close since we are constantly being reintroduced to the same recycled fashions, new designers perpetrating new shapes that being innovated with a new pattern, texture, available in various sizes - ultimately trickling into mass production in order to target a new demographic.

Take the trench coat, for example. In all of it's classic sophistication someone decided they should recreate the design, in order to shake off the "old" adage that this jacket is for the father, grandfather, mobster, etc etc... Now, the trench coat that was once introduced in khaki/camel, black and navy has a higher demand one that lead the designer to introduce various colors, brighter colors that will make it more fun, and less sterile attracting a younger consumer with disposable income or at least the idea that they will appear more wealthy if they incorporated these "new" statement pieces into their wardrobe of today.

Here are the 5 tips on how to thrift like a pro!

Always shop with a purpose. Make a list of the trends that catch your eye. Example: sheer gloves and socks, Chantilly lacy tank tops, high waisted palazzo pants. Go into the shops and focus SOLELY on the list.

FOCUS! If your goal is to create a vintage collection based off of sophistication, you MUST focus on the details: hardware such as buttons, appliques, intricate details, beading anything that elevates a piece of clothing for you.

Scour the racks like a PRO! I can't speak for anyone else, but I LIVE for the shopping experience. You cannot walk into a resale shop and expect the best pieces to stand out! All of these pieces are standing out, waiting for their next opportunity to help someone get their shine on! So scour the racks with patience and maintain your composure. The goodies are always hidden!

Remember one hour or more is needed to sift through the racks successfully. I'm sort of a weirdo in that way, I wear gloves and make it a point to touch every single piece of fashion I come across. Fashion is about feeling, and the pieces truly have to speak to you.

It's important to INSPECT before you ACCEPT! Check pockets, under arms, stretch seams, you must inspect the piece from top to bottom! You're looking for holes, you're looking for the way fabric is manipulated when real life pressure is applied. Always ask for the addition 10% discount when purchasing anything with holes or imperfections – doesn't matter that it's resale.