FAQ's

Get the answers to your most frequently asked questions.

I walked into the salon where Chelsea operates and immediately felt at ease. Chelsea explained everything we were going to be doing and I never at any point felt rushed. She took her time and I learned that day that she is an absolute perfectionist. She spent so much time drawing and redrawing my brows to give me exactly what I wanted and also with her knowledge what looked best on me. The process was painless, meticulous and the end result is beautiful.

Your appointment will begin with a full consultation where you will fill out paperwork, we will review your medical history, discuss your goals and expectations of permanent makeup, answer any questions, and take before photos.

For Effortless Brows: We will then begin my Meant For You Shaping Technique. This custom technique is a collaboration of my expertise in finding the perfect shape to fit your features and existing brow hair (if any) with YOUR preference in style. We will be drawing your shape with brow pencil, so you will see exactly what your new brows will look like before we start tattooing!

Once you are completely satisfied with your new shape, I custom-blend the perfect color pigment – always using the top of the line products to ensure your brows stay true to color (no pink or blue brows here!) throughout the life of your tattoo. 

(Click HERE to view the ingredient list of my most used pigment line)

Then I will use my Gentle Touch Enhancement Technique to apply the pigment, keeping you numb throughout. Topical anesthetics used may contain lidocaine, prilocaine, benzocaine, tetracaine, epinephrine or a combination.

When you are completely satisfied with the results, we will take after photos, discuss aftercare, make an appointment for your Perfecting Session, and you will receive a complimentary after care kit to help ensure proper healing.

Although everyone’s pain tolerance is unique, most clients report very mild to no pain at all. After the service you may have some slight redness and/or minimal swelling, but at worst will look like you just had your brows waxed and will not require any downtime.

It is normal for Perfect Touch Lip Blush and Eye Define Lash Enhancement to have some mild to moderate swelling and/or bruising after. However you will be provided an ice pack to help and any swelling/bruising should subside within a few hours.

Because I ensure your complete satisfaction, I ask that you plan on the initial appointment for Effortless Brows and Perfect Touch Lip Blush to take up to 4 hours and Eye Define Lash Enhancement to take up to 3 hours; about half that time will be spent performing my Gentle Touch Enhancement Technique.

Perfecting Sessions typically run about 2 hours.

Because my Gentle Touch Enhancement Technique does not implant pigment into the skin as deep as a traditional body tattoo (to achieve a soft, powdery look and minimal trauma to the skin) the area will fade gradually over time.

Effortless Brows typically lasts 1-3 years and Perfect Touch Lip Blush and Eye Define Lash Enhancement 1-5 years.

Each clients’ results will vary depending on skin type (normal, oily, dry), age (youthful, mature), and skincare routine. Clients who tan or use products with AHA or Glycolic Acid tend to fade faster.

To keep your permanent makeup looking fresh, a Yearly Refresher is recommended for all services. You may choose to let your tattoo fade out without any additional services, however there is no guarantee it will ever fade completely.

Everyone will heal at different rates, but typically Effortless Brows and Eye Define Lash Enhancement will be done peeling in 7-10 days and Perfect Touch Lip Blush in 5-7 days. You may resume wearing makeup on the service area once peeling is complete.

All services are not considered fully healed for 6-12 weeks, at which point your final results will be seen. Some clients will experience a “Phantom Phase” during the 1.5 – 2 week mark where their permanent makeup will appear very light and then darken again as it continues to heal. Please be patient during this time and until the full 6-12 weeks has passed. LIGHTLY exfoliating your brows or lips a few times a week in advance of your appointment can help – do not exfoliate 7 days prior.

This custom technique is a collaboration of my expertise in finding the perfect brow shape to fit your features and existing brow hair (if any) with YOUR preference in style.

I may be the expert in the “rules” but YOU are the expert in your face! Your end result will never be a surprise and your new brows will make you look like YOU!

Unlike other techniques out there that can cause significant pain, bleeding, and scarring, this specialized technique doesn’t result in traumatized skin!

This technique along with topical numbing agents ensures your comfort throughout the service! Clients actually fall asleep!

In order to achieve the best results, a Perfecting Session after 6-8 weeks is strongly suggested for all services. As everyone heals differently, your outcome with just one session will vary.

Most clients will require two sessions: an Initial Appointment and a Perfecting Session to achieve optimal results. However, some will only need one session while others will need a three (typically oily skin types, those with trouble healing, scarring from previous permanent makeup/microblading, or if you are wanting a very bold, saturated look).

The first session is to build the shape and create symmetry. The second session is to perfect your shape and symmetry and add density (if needed). DO NOT expect perfect results after one session. This is a process and can require multiple sessions to reach your desired results.

Some clients’ skin may have a harder time retaining pigment, especially oily skin and those with previous permanent makeup/microblading or scarring of the service area. 

Perfecting Session prices are for appointments made 6-12 weeks after service and are subject to Annual Refresher rates after 12 weeks.

CDL Tattoos does not “touch-up” other artists’ work. A new-to-us client is considered a new client and will be priced as such. Please call or message to schedule a required consultation in order to determine if you are a candidate for new work. 

CDL Tattoos does not tattoo anyone under 18 years old, pregnant or nursing, allergies to makeup or hair dye/tattoo pigment/food coloring/certain metals, if you have any diseases/disorders or are on any medications that affect healing (call to discuss), taking oral acne medications or steroids, those with shingles, cancer, hemophilia, active Herpes/coldsore outbreaks, sunburn, psoriasis or eczema on the area of service, or those prone to Keloid scarring or hypo/hyper pigmentation.

If you are currently using skin products containing Retinols, anti-aging/acne creams, or serums containing acids please discontinue for at least 60 days prior to service. No chemical peels 60 days before or after service.

Microblading services are based on skin type and not every client will be suitable. Ombre brow, powder brow, or micro shading will work for any and all skin types.

For Eye Define Lash Enhancement: any lash growth products must be discontinued for at least 3 months and the use of oil based eye makeup remover for at least 30 days. Any eyelash extensions must be removed prior to service.

Neurotoxin treatments or fillers in the service area should be done 3 weeks prior or 4 weeks after service. Please contact to discuss whether to have your service before or after.

Your service will include the best pigments, single use needles, the utmost attention to detail, numbing when needed so you will be as comfortable as possible, and is always within accordance to OSHA and Red Cross’ Blood Born Pathogen Standard. However, in rare cases, an allergic reaction to pigments or topical anesthetics may occur. Please be advised of this risk and inform me of any allergies to:

  • Makeup or hair dye

  • Tattoo pigment

  • Food coloring

  • Certain metals

  • Anesthetics

  • Aloe Vera (removal clients only)

  • Lash Enhancement can cause temporary swelling and bruising which will subside in a few days. Icing the area with an ice pack in 15 minute intervals and sleeping with your head elevated can help.

  • Perfect Touch Lip Blush can cause temporary swelling and bruising which will subside in a few days. Icing the area with an ice pack in 15 minute intervals and sleeping with your head elevated can help.

While nobody is born with a perfectly symmetrical face, our goal is to get as close as possible to create the illusion of perfect symmetry. Your Perfecting Session can address any symmetry issues or color adjustments needed.

THERE ARE NO GUARANTEES OF RESULTS due to differing skin types, lifestyle, and aftercare adherence.

While Effortless Brows and microblading are both considered “permanent makeup” there are several important differences between the two techniques:

  • My “Gentle Touch Enhancement Technique” results in very minimal trauma to the skin and does not produce deep, unsightly scarring and blurring that is commonly seen in microblading. 
  • Effortless Brows is a great service for almost any skin type and condition whereas microblading is only suitable for very healthy, non-oily skin. 
  • Effortless Brows is a gentle, nearly pain free service, while microblading requires cutting the skin repeatedly which can cause great discomfort.
  • Effortless Brows lasts up to 3 years, significantly longer than microblading.
  • Effortless Brows is fully customizable for your lifestyle – whether you are looking for a light dusting of color or a more dramatic, full brow look. While microblading often leaves clients needing to still wear makeup everyday to get the look they desire. 

Pre and Post Care

I was so nervous before my appointment because I heard that microblading really hurt. But Chelsea's technique was so gentle, I actually fell asleep a few times while having my brows done! It was so easy!

Prior to your appointment the following is advised:

  • Avoid alcohol, aspirin/ibuprofen, and any vitamins that may thin your blood for 48 hours.

  • Avoid tanning or fake tanners.

  • Effortless Brows: no face scrubs one week prior or chemical peels 30 days prior.

  • Eye Define Lash Enhancement: any lash growth products must be discontinued for at least 3 months and the use of oil based eye makeup remover for at least 30 days. Any eyelash extensions must be removed prior to service. Contact lens wearers must remove contacts prior to service and wear eyeglasses (if needed) for 24-48 hours after service (or until any swelling subsides).

  • Perfect Touch Lip Blush: clients with ANY history of Herpes/coldsores it is highly recommended to obtain an anti-viral medication prior to service in the event of an outbreak – consult with your doctor. Your lips cannot be dry/chapped for your appointment. 3 days prior to your appointment you may use a gently lip scrub (honey mixed with sugar is great) to remove dead skin. For at least 7 days prior to your appointment you must moisturize your lips as much as possible.

  • Please come to your appointment wearing your “everyday” makeup to help assess your personal style.

  • Reference photos of brow/liner/lip shape, design, and colors are always welcome.

 

After your service, clients must follow these instructions for proper healing: 

  • First Hour (or as needed): Gently use a clean (wet if needed) cotton round to remove any lymph fluid.

  • Days 1 – 7: Using your fingertips, gently wash the area with mild soap and water morning and night.

  • Day 3 – 7: Apply a THIN layer of ointment (provided) with a cotton swab when needed.

  • Do not over apply ointment.

  • Do not use a washcloth or anything abrasive on your tattoo.

  • Do not pick or scratch your tattoo.

  • Avoid direct sunlight and tanning for 2 weeks.

  • Avoid hot tubs, pools, steam rooms, the ocean, submerging your tattoo, or hot yoga/spin class for 10 days – moderate exercise is ok.

  • Lash Enhancement: sleep slightly elevated for the first few days after service to reduce swelling. It is normal to have some scabbing of the area, do not pick at them but allow to fall off naturally. It is also normal for fading and patchiness until the area is completely healed in 8-12 weeks. Remember, this service is a soft, natural enhancement to your lash line to create the illusion of fuller lashes. This is NOT meant to replace eyeliner.

  • Perfect Touch Lip Blush: lips will feel swollen and very dry after service. Apply ointment on them several times a day, do not allow lips to become dry. You may tap on, no rubbing in, a liberal amount of ointment if they become dry. Avoid salty, oily, acidic foods, and alcohol while healing. Avoid friction to the lip area when healing. Lips will heal in stage: Too dark – Too light – Just right.

  • Wearing makeup on the area of service before it is done peeling/flaking puts you at risk of infection and you do so entirely at your own risk.

  • REMEMBER, the healing process for all services takes a full 6-12 weeks to see final results.

 

There are no implied or written guarantees if you do not take care of your Permanent Makeup.

While rare, should infection occur, please seek medical attention.