Use plate dumb bells or solid cast dumb bells. If you're using plates, purchase 4, 8oz. Plates, so when you increase your weight you can go up one pound on each bell. If you get solid cast, get two sets: you should only be able to curl the lighter dumb bells in correct form 10 or fewer repetitions. Get a set that's slightly heavier as well.
This is my strength & shape routine for the upper body: 4-6 sets of 6-10 reps, or until failure on the last set, three times a week.
1) military press
2) curl
3) standing row
4) tricep fly (use slightly lighter weights for these)
i go through the 4 exercises, and repeat until the sets have been completed. That way the exercises can be done continuously, and you don't have to rest between sets. It doesn't take long. Watch your form & do the exercises smoothly & slowly.
Also, try ordinary pushups & bench pressing. You should see results right away.