Six Pack Abs Trick

Male Model Sprays Water On Other Male Model's Abs

Ty (left) sprays water on Brett aboard the Fury in the Gulf of Mexico.

Muscle-oriented poses that make you look as muscular as possible are important, but photographers sometimes add body make-up to crevices of abdominal and pectoral muscles to make them appear as defined as possible for the camera.

Suggesting the use of body makeup does not mean muscles are too small. Makeup and oil accents muscles already present.

If you have followed our six pack abs workout, makeup is a cheat technique to give you that extra muscularity in abs.

Make-up Adds Definition to Your Muscles

Applying makeup to a models abs, chest and other body areas can dramatically add the appearance of muscularity. Makeup that is darker than skin is blended into crevices to increase shadows and fool the camera into seeing more pronounced muscles. A photograph is two dimensional. Makeup adds depth by darkening the shadows in the crevices of muscles.

Baby Oil Goes on Top

Applying a small amount of non-absorbent baby oil with a cotton swab atop makeup is the final step for enhancing muscles. The shine from the oil reflects light and adds definition to the muscle, while making muscles appear larger.

Makeup Stains Clothing

It is important to avoid getting makeup on clothing because it may permanently stain. Makeup used on bodies is waterproof and it is difficult to get out of fabrics.

Bodybuilders who compete in the Arnold Classic use a technique involving a high-end Body painting procedure.

You can read more of our advice on how to prepare for a photo shoot or review our preparation checklist.