Permanent makeup (PMU) brows are a cosmetic tattoo that gives the look of fuller, shaped brows without daily makeup. At M-Power Salon & Spa in Lee's Summit, two artists offer them: senior artist Reanna Stella and her apprentice, Olesya Kalita, whose $300 package includes a consultation, first session, and touch-up.
Reviewed by Reanna Stella, senior artist at M-Power Salon & Spa.
What PMU brows are (and what they aren't)
PMU brows are a real tattoo. The FDA treats permanent makeup as a type of tattoo, and Missouri law defines a cosmetic mark made on the face with needles and pigment as tattooing. That means only licensed practitioners, or supervised apprentices, can do them in Missouri, in a licensed establishment.
They look softer than a body tattoo and fade gradually over time, so most clients come back for a color refresh. The main styles are:
- Microblading: fine, hair-like strokes made with a hand tool.
- Powder or ombré brows: soft, shaded color that looks like brow powder.
- Combination brows: hair strokes at the front, shading through the tail.
At M-Power, Reanna and Olesya both offer microblading and powder brows. Your artist helps you choose the right style at your consultation.
Are PMU brows right for you?
They're popular with people who have sparse or over-plucked brows, want to save time each morning, or find it hard to apply makeup. Your artist reviews your health history at the consultation. Bring it up early if any of these apply to you:
- You're pregnant or nursing.
- You take blood thinners or have a skin condition near the brows.
- You're planning facial cosmetic surgery (the FDA notes it can distort permanent makeup).
- You've recently had, or plan to have, a chemical peel or other skin treatment near the brows.
When M-Power asks you to wait: we don't do PMU brows during pregnancy or while nursing, and you'll typically wait 6 to 8 weeks after. Plan on at least 2 weeks after filler, Botox, or a chemical peel. If you have a medical question, check with your doctor before booking.
How to choose a PMU artist in Missouri
The Missouri Office of Tattooing, Body Piercing and Branding encourages clients to ask brow artists about their training before booking. A good checklist:
- Check the license. Look up the artist and the establishment on Missouri's licensee search.
- Ask for healed photos, not just fresh ones. Brows look darker on day one than they will once healed.
- Expect a real consultation: brow mapping, color matching, and a health review before any needle touches skin.
- Ask what's included: the touch-up, its timing, and aftercare instructions.
- Understand apprentice pricing. An apprentice like Olesya works under a licensed mentor while completing Missouri's required 300 hours and 50 procedures, which is why her package costs less. Meet Olesya and Reanna.
What happens at M-Power, step by step
- Consultation: about an hour. Your goals, a health review, and whether PMU suits your skin.
- Mapping and color: your artist measures and draws the shape and matches pigment to your hair and skin tone. You approve it before starting.
- The session: about 3 to 4 hours, with numbing included.
- Healing: see the timeline below.
- Touch-up: at least 4 weeks later, sometimes 6 depending on your skin, to fill any light spots and fine-tune shape and color. It's also about 3 hours, with numbing included.
Healing: what to expect
Most clients go through the same pattern. Your artist's instructions always come first.
| Time after your session | What's typical |
|---|---|
| First week | Brows look darker and bolder than the final result. |
| Week 2 | Light flaking; color can look patchy or faded for a bit. |
| Weeks 3 to 6 | Color settles in, softer than day one. |
| Touch-up visit (4 to 6 weeks) | Your artist refines shape and fills any gaps. |
Every M-Power client gets aftercare, including soap for the brows and a healing ointment. How long you follow it depends on your skin, and your artist will tell you.
How long do PMU brows last?
They fade gradually rather than disappearing all at once. Sun, oily skin, and exfoliating skincare can speed fading. Many clients book a color refresh every year or two, and Reanna offers an annual touch-up for brows she originally did.
What PMU brows cost at M-Power
| Artist | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Olesya Kalita (apprentice, supervised by Reanna) | $300 | Consultation, first brow appointment, touch-up |
| Reanna Stella (senior artist) | $650 | Consultation, first brow appointment, touch-up |
Frequently asked questions
Does it hurt? Numbing is included in both your first session and your touch-up.
Can I have an MRI with PMU brows? Yes. The FDA advises not skipping an MRI your doctor recommends; just tell the radiology staff you have permanent makeup.
Can PMU brows be removed? Removing tattoos and permanent makeup can be difficult, so choose your artist and shape carefully. That's what the consultation is for. M-Power offers saline removal, starting with a removal consultation. Removal takes a separate certification, so apprentices like Olesya don't do it.
Is microblading regulated in Missouri? Yes. It's regulated as tattooing, so artists and studios need Missouri licenses.
Do you offer brow services without PMU? Yes, M-Power also offers brow waxing and other brow services if you're not ready for PMU.
Book your consultation
M-Power Salon & Spa is at 621 NE Woods Chapel Rd, Lee's Summit, MO 64064, convenient to Blue Springs, Independence, Raymore, and Kansas City. Book a PMU brow consultation or call 816-800-1857.
Sources: FDA: Tattoos and Permanent Makeup Fact Sheet · Missouri 20 CSR 2267-2.010 · Missouri Office of Tattooing, Body Piercing and Branding