'I’m a beauty writer and I’m planning on doing my own wedding makeup – here’s how I’m prepping.'

After nearly a decade of good times with my partner, he finally popped the question last year. 

We’re planning on getting married next year, in a small ceremony in Italy (a dream come true TBH). It’s all very exciting. (I’m really holding myself back from typing this in all caps with six exclamation marks).

Given the big day is happening overseas, my planning hat is well and truly on. We’ve got over a year up our sleeves, but I’m already thinking about #AllTheThings. Wedding dresses have been tried on, inspo boards have been made, and playlists have been curated.

For the most part, we’re relying on the insights of the experts abroad because a) they know what they’re doing and b) they’re actually situated in the country where it’s all going to happen.

Watch: How much should a wedding dress cost? Post continues below.

But something I haven’t been able to come to terms with is the idea of having my wedding makeup happen for the first time ever on the big day, without having time to trial the look and give it two big thumbs up. As a result, I’ve been toying with the idea of doing my own wedding makeup.

I’m not a makeup artist, but having been involved in the beauty biz for quite some time, I’m no stranger to planning and executing a makeup lewk for an important event. However, the big ‘I do’ day seems a little more high stakes than most. So, I’ve put in place a plan to get my wedding makeup-ready, should I decide to lock in my decision to DIY.

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Before we dive in, a quick reminder that everyone’s skin is unique, so be sure to patch-test goodies that are new to you and seek advice if you’re unsure if a certain product is right for you.

1. Research, research, research.

You know in movies how you see the main character obsessed over a giant pinboard of people’s pictures, with red string all over them? That is me, researching the best and glowiest makeup fit for the big day.

Luckily for me (and for any wed-to-be), there is no lack of inspiration out there.

Obviously, Sofia Richie’s pared-back nuptial beauty look has made the inspo list, as have quite a few of Katie Jane Hughes’ flawless applications and some of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's.

I’m also trawling back through some of my own previous looks to pinpoint what made me feel confident and could therefore be a contender for the big day. 

I’ve found a white-liner look I had done for myself a few years back I adored and a peachy look from a previous birthday that also feels appropriate.

2. Skin treatments in the lead-up.

I’ve always been a big believer that the best makeup looks start with *chef's kiss* skin prep. So, it will come as no surprise that a key part of my wedding makeup plan is to get my skin as happy as it can be for the celebrations.

Especially considering the fact that there will be a long-haul international flight between me and my wedding face, professional support feels like the right move. I figure if I ace the base, I’m halfway there!

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I’m opting for a variety of tailored treatments, including peels, hydrating treatments and LED (which includes the added bonus of a little R&R). 

I’m booking these in regularly over the next months and into next year. A reminder that everyone’s skin treatment plan will be their own — consult the professionals before booking anything.

3. Trials with a makeup artist.

Once again, I’ll be calling in the experts to equip me with knowledge. I’m lucky enough to know a few makeup artists whose brains I can pick in moments just like these.

Even though I’ll be applying my makeup myself on the big day, I’ll still be having a trial or two beforehand to experiment with the looks I’ve found through research and fiddle with products.

While doing this, I’ll be pestering the artist with questions like, ‘Which lip product can I choose that’s shiny, but not so sticky that my hair gets stuck in it?’ and ‘Which foundation will take the best photos both with and without flash?’. 

Y’know, the important stuff.

4. Getting to know the products I’ll use on the day.

There’s no way I’ll be picking up a fresh, I’ve-never-seen-this-before-highlighter on the big day. No way. The prods and I? We’ll be BFFs. Ride or dies. We’ll know each other’s deepest darkest secrets. And I’ll be well-equipped to ace their application.

Nothing is final yet, but some of the products on the radar so far include some ol’ faves:

• Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick in Minette, $77, for peachy cheeks.
• Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base, $99 for 50ml, because it’s my MVP of primers.
• Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter, $65, to mix into a glowy base.
• Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette, $111, for filter flawless finish vibes.
• Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray, $49, to lock the look down.
• Might this also be the chance for me to bite the bullet and splurge on the Tom Ford Traceless Soft Matte Foundation, $150? I’ve heard good things.

5. Practise the final look.

This one seems like a no-brainer. There’ll be no winging it (except for a well-practised liner). Once I’ve settled on a look, I’ll be recreating it a handful of times before the big day to make sure I’ve got it down.

The makeup look planning is well underway, so here’s hoping I feel prepared to bring the magic to life on the day. 

Now for the hair prep... but that’s a story for another day!

To see more from Hannah Rabbitt, follow her on Instagram.

Are you getting married? What are your makeup plans? Share with us in the comment section below.

Feature image: Instagram/@hannahrabbitt.