Beauty Tips

9 Tips to Faking a Toned Body

Fool everyone into thinking you have a great body (until your workouts pay off) with these expert health and beauty tips

by Anna Jimenez

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Contour your body with makeup While the self-tanning method to getting a faux toned body works wonderfully, if you aren't a self-tanning enthusiast you can still use makeup to create or enhance the same body contouring effects. Just know that these tips won't stand the test of time or work for a day at the beach, but they will work to make your body appear more toned and leaner.

Makeup artist Dean points out that you can use gel bronzer much like a self-tanner to create lines and muscle definition on your body. Start by making sure you are able to see the areas of your body you will be exposing that day (so obviously if you're wearing a long sleeve mini dress, you'll only use a bronzing gel on your legs). Next stand under an overhead light, as this will allow you to see where the natural shadows exist on your body.

On your arms: hold one arm out and flex your muscles. Use a gel bronzer like Laura Mercier Bronzing Gel, $38 and paint in the sideline between your bicep and triceps using a foundation brush to blend. Repeat on the other arm.
On your chest: Using the foundation brush and gel bronzer, paint into the shadows around your clavicle bone.
On your legs: Put on high heels, as this will naturally flex your calf muscles, and paint the shadows created under your muscles again with the gel bronzer and foundation brush to accentuate them.

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Older comments

Cool

by EricaC123 Monday, March 25, 2013 at 04:45PM Report as inappropriate

Cute tips/tricks!

by robyne00 Friday, October 19, 2012 at 02:55PM Report as inappropriate

This is stupid, you\'re only giving people a reason to be lazy, why fake a toned body when you can actually have a toned body...

by rachaellh13 Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at 03:33PM Report as inappropriate

I can't wait to try toning my body with self-tanner. Love the article!

by patricia89 Thursday, June 21, 2012 at 05:59AM Report as inappropriate

OMG, I tried contouring my abs with a bronzer and it totally works! Love this article!

by florawynn Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 10:22AM Report as inappropriate

I am totally defining my muscles with instant tanner from now on!

by Makeup.addict07 Friday, June 1, 2012 at 08:33PM Report as inappropriate

Of course working out and eating right is the true answer, but if you are just starting & need or want a confidence booster until your workouts start paying off - THIS IS AN AWESOME ARTICLE!!! I LOVE the "how to" tips to debloat your body! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!

by jojohnson21 Thursday, April 19, 2012 at 08:42AM Report as inappropriate

a good workout is the best beauty product!

by LittleBunny Thursday, April 19, 2012 at 06:25AM Report as inappropriate

good tips..i agree with skiping heavy wights

by olkrav319 Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at 12:41AM Report as inappropriate

Great tips. I already dont drink soda or eat red meats. :D

by yestfl Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 02:33PM Report as inappropriate