Fingernail accessory and method of forming an artificial fingernail

A fingernail accessory and method of forming an artificial fingernail is provided in which a layer of settable polymeric material is received on the accessory for forming the artificial fingernail on the wearer's natural fingernail. In one aspect, the accessory includes a polymeric body having an upper surface, a lower surface, a proximal end and a distal end. A base is secured to at least a portion of the lower surface. The base extends beyond the proximal end of the polymeric body and is adapted to receive a layer of settable polymeric material when the base is applied to a natural fingernail to form an artificial fingernail.