Carmen Electra 's faking out fans ... revealing she didn't get her nipples pierced despite appearances -- 'cause she's just wearing a gift from Kim Kardashian .

The actress and model was hanging out in West Hollywood this weekend ... and, she stopped to tell a photographer she didn't really stick any metal into her chest -- the bra's doing all the work. Gallery Launch Gallery Backgrid

Carmen says she got the Skims Pierced Nipple Push-Up Bra ... a gift courtesy of her pal Kim -- and, she grinning big, clearly loving the present. Backgrid

Carmen had her picture taken a ton in the ensemble, BTW ... and, we gotta say, the bra does look pretty realistic, click into our gallery to see for yourself.

It usually costs about $74 ... but, we'd guess Carmen got the friends and fa

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