5 tricks to fake toned arms

Push-ups? No thank you. Lifting weights? Pfffft… yeah right!

If this is your attitude when it comes to arm exercises, yet you moan and whinge when your arms don’t look good in that dress you love, listen up.

While diet and exercise are the obvious answers for toning your arms long-term, if you’re in need of instant results, there are a few tricks you can try to make them appear slimmer.

Tricks to fake toned arms #1

Wearing thin bracelets or bangles that are loose on your wrist and arms can help them appear thinner. The gap between the bracelet and skin will make the arm seem smaller, whereas tight-fitting accessories can have the opposite effect.

Tricks to fake toned arms #2

Now that we’re well into winter, opt for shirts that are three-quarter length. This will cover up the larger part of the arm, while showing off the slender part. A tailored black blazer also has a slimming effect on the arms, especially when paired with brightly coloured bottoms.

Tricks to fake toned arms #3

When taking a photo, stand with your arm bent at the elbow and your hand resting on your hip. Angle the arm back so that your elbow is pointing behind you. I fondly refer to this pose as ‘the skinny arm’ because that’s exactly what it does - it makes your arm appear thinner. A big no-no is standing with your arm pressed against your body, as this will make the arm look larger than it actually is.

Tricks to fake toned arms #4

The same as you contour your face to change its shape, you can contour your arms to make them appear more toned. Simply hold your arm out straight and flex your muscles. Using your other hand, sweep a line of bronzer, like Australis Jumbo Mineral Bronzer, between the tricep and bicep muscles with a contour or foundation brush and then blend in the colour. Voilà! Your muscles are more defined and your arms look more toned.

Tricks to fake toned arms #5

You can also define and tone your arms using tan. Just apply your favourite self-tan, such as Reef Beach Glow Foaming Mousse, between the muscles as mentioned above. Then once it’s dry, go over the rest of the arm with a gradual tanning moisturiser, like Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Natural Bronze Body Lotion. This will ensure your arm has an all-round healthy glow, but the muscles are particularly highlighted with a slightly darker tan. 

Have you tried any of the above tricks? Do you have any tips on how to make arms look more toned?

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE...