US20040000317A1

US20040000317A1 - Artificial nail

Info

Publication number: US20040000317A1
Application number: US10/260,869
Authority: US
Inventors: Yumi Takahashi; James Vouvakis
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-06-28
Filing date: 2002-09-27
Publication date: 2004-01-01
Also published as: WO2004002264A1; US20050087204A1; AU2002315745A1

Abstract

An artificial fingernail comprises a body having a base portion extending from a rear edge to a tip portion which extends to a front edge. The base portion is configured to cover only the tip portion of a natural nail and has a crescent shape such that the body at the first and second sides extends distal of a portion of the body at the base edge between the first and second sides. In one embodiment, an artificial nail has a substantially transparent base portion through which the tip of a natural nail may be viewed. The artificial fingernail has a substantially opaque tip portion which includes one or more decorative elements. In one embodiment, the artificial nail has a tapered rear edge. A tapered area or extension defines a terminus of the base portion for use in aligning the artificial nail over a natural nail.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to PCT Application PCT/JP02/06612, filed Jun. 28, 2002.[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to artificial nails, and more particularly to such nails having a “french tip” appearance and including nail art.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A common beauty or cosmetic enhancement is the painting of fingernails. Another common enhancement is the use of artificial nails to enhance the look of fingernails. It is now a common desire to not only obtain artificial fingernails, but to paint or apply other decoration to those nails. Unfortunately, current methods of providing artificial nails with artwork have significant drawbacks.

In one method, the artificial nail and the associated artwork may be applied by hand. This process necessitates that a professional nail technician first apply a set of plain artificial nail tips and then apply graphic designs or other artwork. The steps in the process are as follows. First, the artificial nail tips are glued or adhered to the clients' natural nails, the artificial nail generally covering all or most of the natural nail. Next, the artificial nail tip ends are trimmed to the desired length and shape.

Next, the area where the artificial nail tips contact the natural nails are filed to achieve a consistent contour. In particular, because the artificial nail has a substantial thickness, when the artificial nail is overlaid on the natural nail, a discontinuity or ledge is created where the artificial nail stops. The filing is performed to remove this step or bump.

Next, the technician applies a layer of gel or acrylic over the surface of the natural nails and nail tips and allows this to layer dry. The natural and artificial nails are then painted and allowed to dry. The artificial nails may then be further enhanced by applying a desired design. Commonly, the design or other artwork is applied by airbrushing paint onto the artificial nail. Lastly, after the desired design has been applied and it is dry, a top coat is applied and allowed to dry.

The technique has a number of drawbacks. First, the process is extremely time consuming for both nail technicians and their customers. The cost of the nails is thus very high.

In addition, in this method where the nail and artificial nail are painted prior to application of the design, the natural nail is not visible. If steps are taken so that a portion of the natural nail remains visible, the process is even more complex. For example, a few high skilled technicians can apply a clear artificial nail over the natural nail and then carefully paint only the tip portion of the artificial nail, leaving a portion of the natural nail visible. Again, this method is difficult and can not be performed by many technicians, and if performed, substantially increase the time, and thus cost of the process.

In another method, artificial nail tips are applied which already have applied designs or artwork. The steps in this process are as follows. First, the nail tips are applied to the natural nails and the ends are trimmed as desired. Next, a clear gel or clear acrylic coating is applied over the artificial nail and any exposed portion of the natural nail and the coating is allowed to dry.

This technique, again, has several drawbacks. First, the artificial nail as applied to the natural nail has a non-natural contour and placement. Because of the substantial thickness of the artificial nail, the artificial nail extends far above the natural nail. At the end of the artificial nail, a step, bump or rise exists due to the thickness of the artificial nail relative to the natural nail. Unfortunately, this bump or rise can not be removed, since filing damages the artificial nail, including by removing the applied artwork or design.

Additionally, these products require application of nail glue to a substantial portion of the natural nail to effectively bond the disparate surfaces. Another problem is that these existing pre-designed artificial nail tip products utilize a structural design that covers a substantial portion of the natural nail bed. This design thus also prevents the natural nail from being completely viewable once the artificial nail is adhered.

An improved artificial nail and method of enhancing a natural nail are desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a decorative element for a nail, such as a fingernail. In one embodiment, the decorative element is an artificial fingernail.

In one embodiment of the invention, an artificial fingernail comprises a body having a front edge, an opposing rear edge, a first side and an opposing second side, a base portion extending from the rear edge to a tip portion which extends to the front edge, the base portion configured to cover only the tip portion of a natural nail and the tip portion configured to extend beyond the tip portion of the natural nail. The base edge has a crescent shape such that the body at the first and second sides extends distal of a portion of the body at the base edge between the first and second sides.

In this configuration, the base portion of the artificial nail has a shape complementary to the natural nail to which it is applied. This shape also permits the artificial nail to be adhered to the natural nail with a minimal amount of adhesive along only the edges of the artificial nail. Further, when applied, the artificial nail covers only the tip of the natural nail, leaving almost all of the natural nail exposed.

In one embodiment, an artificial fingernail is provided which has a substantially transparent base portion through which the tip of a natural nail may be viewed. The artificial fingernail has a substantially opaque tip portion. The tip portion may be painted white, giving the artificial nail a “french tip” appearance.

In one embodiment, an artificial fingernail is provided which includes one or more decorative elements. The decorative elements may comprise airbrushed artwork. In one embodiment, the decorative elements are applied to a bottom side of the artificial fingernail.

In one embodiment, an artificial fingernail is provided having a base portion which increases in thickness moving from a rear edge towards a front edge. This taper permits the artificial nail to blend with the natural nail, eliminating any undesirable bump or ledge.

In another embodiment, an artificial fingernail is provided which includes a tapered base portion causing a bottom surface to have a taper or slope at least in the area comprising the intersection or interface between the tip portion and base portion. Alternatively, a member extends downwardly from the bottom surface, the member defining a terminus of the base portion. The taper or member defines a surface which is used to properly align the artificial nail over the natural nail so that only the base portion of the artificial nail extends over the natural nail tip.

One or more embodiments of the invention comprise a method of enhancing a natural nail. In one embodiment, this method comprises applying an artificial nail of the invention to a fingernail. A base portion of the artificial nail is aligned with the tip of a natural fingernail. Adhesive is used to connect the base portion of the artificial nail to the natural fingernail. The tip portion of the artificial fingernail is trimmed, and a clear coating of material is applied to the exposed portion of the natural nail and the entire top surface of the artificial fingernail.

Because the base portion has a reduced thickness at the rear edge, the artificial nail can be quickly connected to a natural nail without the need to file the end of the artificial nail. Further, when the artificial nail is provided with artwork, the method avoids the need to hand-apply paint or artwork, saving time and money.

Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention over the prior art will become apparent from the detailed description of the drawings which follows, when considered with the attached figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of an artificial nail in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; [0023]
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the artificial nail illustrated in FIG. 1 taken along line A-A therein; [0024]
FIG. 3 is a rear view of the artificial nail illustrated in FIG. 1; [0025]
FIG. 4 is a front view of the artificial nail illustrated in FIG. 1; [0026]
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the artificial nail illustrated in FIG. 1 taken along line B-B therein; [0027]
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of an artificial nail in accordance with the present invention; [0028]
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of an artificial nail in accordance with the present invention; [0029]
FIG. 8([0030] a) is a cross-sectional side view of yet another embodiment of an artificial nail in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 8([0031] b) is a cross-sectional side view of yet another embodiment of an artificial nail in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 9([0032] a) is a top view illustrating the condition of a natural nail before an artificial nail of the present invention is applied to the natural nail;
FIG. 9([0033] b) is a top view of a natural nail after an artificial nail has been applied thereto in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of an artificial nail of the invention as applied to a natural nail; and [0034]
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a person's hand with an artificial nail in accordance with the invention applied to each fingernail of the hand. [0035]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is an artificial nail and method of enhancing a natural nail. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention. [0036]
In general, the invention is an ornamental element for a fingernail and a method of enhancing a natural nail. In one embodiment, the ornamental element is an artificial nail and the method comprises utilizing such a nail to enhance a natural nail. [0037]
In general, in one embodiment of the invention, the artificial nail has a base which is contoured to match the shape of a natural nail and which permits the natural nail to be viewed there through. The artificial nail has a tip which is decorated with artwork, such as one or more designs. The artificial nail includes an area of reducing thickness between the base and tip portions which interfaces with the natural nail. [0038]
As used herein, the term “natural nail” is meant to include fingernails (including the nail of the thumb) and may include toenails. [0039]
One embodiment of an [0040] artificial nail 20 in accordance with the present invention will first be described with reference to FIG. 1. As illustrated, the artificial nail 20 consists of a body 22. The body 22 has a first or tip portion 24 and a second base or well portion 26. The body 22 has a rear or distal end or edge 35 and a front or proximal end or edge 37. The base portion 26 extends from the rear or distal end 35 to the tip portion 24, and the tip portion 24 extends from the base portion 26 to the front or proximal end or edge 37.
The [0041] artificial nail 20 has a top surface 28 and, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a bottom surface 30. The artificial nail 20 has a pair of generally opposing sides or side edges 32,34.
The [0042] body 22 of the artificial nail 20 may be manufactured of a variety of materials. In one embodiment, the artificial nail 20 is constructed from a synthetic resin such as acrylic, ABS or plastic. As detailed below, in one embodiment, at least a portion of the artificial nail 20 is constructed of a transparent or translucent material.
The [0043] tip portion 24 is formed to have the same shape and characteristics as the tip of a natural nail to which the artificial nail 20 is to be connected, if the natural nail were of the same length. As is known, the tip of a natural nail has the tendency to curve downwardly from the finger, has an arched shape from side-to-side, and is generally white in color due to keratin.
So configured, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the [0044] artificial nail 20 has an arched shape from side to side which causes the top surface 28 of the artificial nail 20 to be at a higher elevation at a point between the sides 32,34 of the nail than at the sides 32,34 themselves.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the [0045] tip portion 24 preferably curves downwardly with respect to a horizontal plane extending generally parallel to the top surface 28 of the artificial nail 20 at the base portion 26.
The [0046] base portion 26 is preferably adapted to be connected to a natural nail. Preferably, the artificial nail 20 is specially configured so that the base portion 26 mates with a natural nail when the base portion 26 is placed over the tip of the natural nail.
Referring to FIG. 4, the [0047] base portion 26 of the artificial nail 20 preferably has an arched shape from side-to-side. Once again, this has the effect that the top surface 28 of the nail 20 has a higher elevation at a point between the sides 32,34 of the nail 20 than at the sides 32,34 of the nail.
In one embodiment, the [0048] rear edge 36 of the artificial nail 20 has a particular shape for mating the artificial nail 20 with a natural nail. When viewed with respect to a horizontal plane, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the rear edge 36 has a “c” shape, or arc or crescent shape. As illustrated in FIG. 2, when viewed with respect to a vertical plane, the rear edge 36 slopes downwardly from a point between the sides 32,34. As illustrated, this causes the rear edge 36 at the sides 32,34 to be distal (i.e. in a direction opposite the first edge 37) of a portion of the rear edge 36 between the sides 32,34. As described below, this arc-shaped rear edge 36 has numerous advantages when the artificial nail 20 is being mated to a natural nail.
The [0049] body 22 of the artificial nail 20 has a thickness. This thickness is the distance between the top surface 28 and bottom surface 30 of the body 22. Generally, the body 22 is relatively thin. The thickness may be dependent upon a variety of factors. First, it is desirable that the artificial nail 20 be durable and strong. The thickness of the nail 20 is chosen, when considering the material from which it is constructed, so that this is the case. Second, it is desirable for the artificial nail 20, or at least the base portion 26 thereof, to be as thin as possible so that it does not protrude upwardly a great distance from a natural nail to which is it adhered.
In one embodiment, the thickness of the [0050] body 22 varies. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the configuration of the artificial nail 20 is such that the base portion 26 blends and mates with a natural nail with minimal discontinuity.
In one embodiment, the thickness of the [0051] body 20 at the rear edge 36 is less than the thickness of the body 22 along the remainder of the base portion 26. In other words, the thickness of the body 22 of the artificial nail 20 is reduced in the area of the rear edge 36.
As illustrated in FIG. 6, in one embodiment, the [0052] rear edge 36 is wedge-shaped, thus forming a sloping rear surface 38. In this configuration, the thickness of the body 22 reduces in the area of the wedge moving towards the rear edge 36.
In another embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the [0053] base portion 28 is formed as a tapering member. The total thickness of the body 22 reduces over the base portion 28 moving in the direction of the rear edge 36, such that the thickness of the body 22 at the rear edge 36 is minimal.
In one embodiment, the thickness of the [0054] base portion 26 at the rear edge 36 is preferably less than half the thickness of the base portion 26 where it intersects the tip portion 24. Preferably, this thickness is also less than half the thickness of normal artificial nails. Of course, the thickness may be much less, it being appreciated that the thinner the body 22 at the rear edge 36, the smaller any discontinuity when the artificial nail 20 is applied to a natural nail.
In one embodiment, means may be provided for aiding in the alignment and mating of the [0055] artificial nail 20 with the natural nail. As described in greater detail below, when the artificial nail of the invention is applied to a natural nail, the base portion 26 preferably overlaps the tip of the natural nail, while the tip portion 24 of the artificial nail extends beyond the natural nail.
In one embodiment, the thickness of the [0056] body 22 changes at a point between the tip portion 24 and base portion 26 of the artificial nail 20.
In a preferred embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 8([0057] a), the body 22 increases in thickness moving in the direction of the tip portion 24 from the base portion 26. As illustrated, this forms a tapered or sloped area 41 of the bottom surface 28.
In a preferred embodiment, this feature is created as change in thickness of the [0058] base portion 26 of the artificial nail 20 as illustrated in FIG. 7 (i.e. the increasing thickness of the base portion 26 moving in a direction from the rear edge 36 to the intersection with the tip portion 24 creates the sloped area 41). In one embodiment, the taper or increasing thickness along the base portion 26 may be relatively constant. In another embodiment, the taper or slope may increase at the intersection of the base portion 26 and tip portion 24, as best illustrated in FIG. 8(a).
In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 8([0059] b), the thickness of the body 22 may be increased only at the intersection of the tip and base portions 24,26 of the nail 20. For example, a wall 44 or other member may be formed which extends outwardly from the bottom surface 30 of the artificial nail 20.
In one embodiment of the invention, the taper or slope features, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8([0060] a), may advantageously be formed when the artificial nail 20 is molded as a single or unitary element. In another embodiment, the feature(s) may be formed by machining. For example, a body 22 may be formed having a uniform thickness, and then portions of the body 22 at the base portion 26 may be removed to reduced the thickness of the body 22 at the base portion 26 and/or to form the slope/taper.
In yet another embodiment, the [0061] body 22 may be formed from a plurality of layers of material, such as a top layer and base or inner layer. The layers may be connected to one another to form a unitary body 22 having the configuration described and illustrated.
As one aspect of the invention, the appearance of the tip and [0062] base portions 24,26 of the artificial nail 20 varies. Preferably, in one embodiment of the invention, the base portion 26 of the artificial nail 20 is generally transparent or translucent, so that when it is placed over a natural nail, the natural nail is visible there through.
In one embodiment, the [0063] tip portion 24 of the artificial nail 20 is generally opaque. As illustrated in FIG. 1, this causes the artificial nail 20 to have a visible interface 48 where the tip and base portions 24,26 merge or mate.
As described above, in one embodiment, the [0064] artificial nail 20 may be molded. In such a configuration, a translucent or transparent material may comprise the base portion 26 and an opaque material may comprise the tip portion 24. For example, the tip portion 24 may comprise a colored plastic or resin.
In another embodiment, the [0065] tip portion 24 is painted or another opaque coating is applied to the top and/or bottom surface 28,30.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, artwork or [0066] other decoration 50 is associated with the artificial nail 20. The artwork 50 may comprise pictures, graphics, patterns, and/or letters.
The [0067] artwork 50 may be associated with any portion of the artificial nail 20. In one embodiment, the artwork 50 may be associated with both the tip and base portions 24,26 of the artificial nail 20. In a preferred embodiment, however, it is desired that the base portion 26 remain unobscured so that the natural nail may be viewed there through, and the artwork 50 is only associated with the tip portion 24 of the artificial nail 20.
The [0068] artwork 50 may be associated with the artificial nail 20 in a variety of manners and may be created in a variety of fashions. The artwork 50 may comprise material which is applied to the top or bottom surface 28,30 of the body 22 of the artificial nail 20. The decorative material may also be located in the material which forms the artificial nail 20 (such as by being molded into the nail). Where the body 22 of the artificial nail 20 comprises multiple layers, the decorative material may be located between one or more of the layers. For example, in the case of the nail 20 illustrated in FIG. 8(a), the decorative material may be located beneath layers forming the nail 20.
The material which is used to form the [0069] artwork 50 or decorations may vary. In one embodiment, paint or a similar material is applied to the artificial nail 20. The material may also comprise metallic powder, glossy material, colored paper, natural or artificial gemstones and/or other materials.
The decorative material may be applied in a variety of manners. As indicated above, the material may be molded into the [0070] nail 20. The material may also be applied with a paintbrush, by airbrushing or by using other techniques.
In one embodiment, the [0071] artwork 50 may be applied over a background to enhance the visibility of the artwork 50. For example, the tip portion 24 may be molded or painted an opaque color, such as white or black. In one embodiment, the bottom surface of the tip portion 24 is painted white and decoration is applied to the top surface.
One aspect of the invention comprises a method of enhancing a natural nail. One embodiment of the invention comprises a method of adhering an artificial nail to a natural nail. [0072]
One embodiment of the invention is a method of applying an artificial nail such as that illustrated in FIG. 1 and described above. Referring to FIG. 9([0073] a), an artificial nail 120 is aligned with a finger F. As illustrated, the base 126 is aligned with the natural nail N of the finger F.
As illustrated in FIG. 9([0074] b), the base 126 of the artificial nail 120 is placed over the tip of the natural nail N. As illustrated in this Figure and FIG. 10, the artificial nail 120 is oriented so that the tip of the natural nail N terminates at the intersection 148 of the tip and base portions 124,126 of the artificial nail 120.
In the configuration of [0075] artificial nail 20 illustrated in FIGS. 8(a) and (b), the artificial nail is preferably oriented so that the tip of the natural nail N abuts the taper 41 (FIG. 8(a)), or wall 44 (FIG. 8(b)).
Referring again to FIGS. [0076] 9(a) and (b) and 10, preferably, the artificial nail 120 is connected to the natural nail N. In one embodiment, the artificial nail 120 is connected with adhesive, such as a glue gel. Other materials may be used, as is known to those of skill in the art.
In one embodiment, after the [0077] artificial nail 120 is connected to the natural nail N, the artificial nail 120 is trimmed to the desired length. A clear acrylic or other clear gel or similar material is then preferably applied over the natural nail N and artificial nail 120.
The artificial nail and the method of enhancing a natural nail in accordance with the present invention have numerous advantages. [0078]
A significant advantage of the invention is that the artificial nail promotes a healthy natural nail. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, in one embodiment, the artificial nail has a rear edge which is curved, and a base portion which is relatively short. Thus, when the artificial nail is applied to the natural nail, the artificial nail extends over only a small portion of the natural nail. The only portion of the natural nail that is covered is the nail tip. [0079]
In this configuration, the artificial nail is affixed to the natural nail only at the edges. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the curved portion of the base of the artificial nail permits the artificial nail to be glued to the natural nail along the sloping sides, again contributing to the health of the natural nail. [0080]
Another aspect of the invention is an artificial nail that follows the contour of the natural nail. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the artificial nail curves from the base to the tip portions, like the natural nail. In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, the artificial nail is arch shaped from side-to-side, again matching the contour of the natural nail. [0081]
One aspect of the invention is an artificial nail having a base portion which is transparent or translucent. This allows the natural nail to be seen through the artificial nail. Among other things, this makes the artificial nail appear natural to the point where it may not be possible to determine if the wearer has only natural nails or nails enhanced with artificial nails. [0082]
A significant advantage of a nail in accordance with one embodiment of the invention is that it includes an enhanced tip. As described above, in one embodiment, the tip portion of the nail is painted or is otherwise configured to be opaque. When the tip is white, the artificial nail has a “french tip” appearance, just like a normal fingernail. The coloration, however, also provides decoration. [0083]
In one embodiment, an artificial nail includes artwork. This artwork further provides pleasing and fashionable decoration to the nail. [0084]
In accordance with the invention, the pre-configured artificial nail can be applied to a natural nail in much less time and with much less effort than can a prior art nail. In accordance with the invention, an artificial nail is configured to include a decoration, and thus the artificial nail need only be applied to the natural nail to complete the application of the nail. As indicated in the Background section, this eliminates a plurality of time consuming steps which are necessary to attach and decorate typical artificial nails. [0085]
In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an artificial nail is provided which has a unique mounting feature. In particular, a taper or slope, or an outwardly extending member is provided on a bottom surface of the nail which serves to aid the user in aligning the base portion of the artificial nail over the tip of the natural nail. In one embodiment, the artificial nail is aligned by abutting the end of a tip of a natural nail with the tapered or sloped portion of the nail. In another embodiment, the artificial nail is aligned by abutting the end of a tip of a natural nail with the outwardly extending member. [0086]
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, an artificial nail is provided which has a tapered base portion or rear edge. This allows the artificial nail to blend with the natural nail so that there is no bump or other discontinuity at the termination of the artificial nail, making the artificial nail as applied to the natural nail more natural in appearance. [0087]
This configuration also eliminates the need to file the base of the nail, thus preserving any applied decoration. In addition, in the embodiment where the base is transparent or translucent, the base may be filed without harming the decoration on the tip portion of the nail. [0088]
In one embodiment, decoration applied to the artificial nail is on the backside of, or underneath, the nail. Thus, filing does not affect the decoration. Further, the decoration lasts longer on the nail when worn, since the decoration will not scratch off when the top of the nail hits other surfaces. [0089]
It will be understood that the above described arrangements of apparatus and the method therefrom are merely illustrative of applications of the principles of this invention and that many other embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims. [0090]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A decorative element for a natural nail comprising:

a body having a front edge, an opposing rear edge, a first side and an opposing second side, base portion extending from said rear edge to a tip portion which extends to said front edge, said base portion configured to cover only the tip portion of a natural nail and said tip portion configured to extend beyond said tip portion of said natural nail, said base edge a crescent shape such that said body at said first and second sides extends distal of a portion of said body at said base edge between said first and second sides, said base portion increasing in thickness moving from said rear edge towards said front edge.

2. The decorative element in accordance with claim 1 wherein said body is molded as a single element.

3. The decorative element in accordance with claim 1 wherein said base portion is substantially transparent and said tip portion is substantially opaque.

4. The decorative element in accordance with claim 3 wherein artwork is applied to said tip portion.

5. The decorative element in accordance with claim 1 wherein said body curves downwardly moving from said rear edge to said front edge.

6. The decorative element in accordance with claim 1 wherein said body has a top surface and a bottom surface and a thickness between said surfaces, said thickness of said body in the area of said tip portion exceeding the thickness of said body in at least a portion of said base portion.

7. The decorative element in accordance with claim 6 wherein an increase in thickness between said base and tip portions defines a tapered area at said bottom surface of said body.

8. A decorative element for a natural nail comprising:

a body having a front edge, an opposing rear edge, a first side and an opposing second side, a top surface and a bottom surface, a base portion and a tip portion, said base portion extending from said rear edge to said tip portion and said tip portion extending from said base portion to said front edge, said base portion being substantially transparent and including decorative artwork applied to said bottom surface of said body viewable through said tip portion.

9. The decorative element in accordance with claim 8 wherein a layer of material extends over at least a portion of said bottom surface of said body, said decorative artwork located between said body and said layer of material.

10. The decorative element in accordance with claim 8 wherein a layer of white paint is applied to said tip portion of said body.

11. A method of enhancing the appearance of a fingernail comprising:

providing an artificial fingernail having a front edge, an opposing rear edge, a first side and an opposing second side, base portion extending from said rear edge to a tip portion which extends to said front edge, said base edge a crescent shape such that said body at said first and second sides extends distal of a portion of said artificial fingernail at said base edge between said first and second sides and said base portion increasing in thickness from said rear edge moving towards said front edge, said artificial nail including pre-applied artwork associated with said tip portion;

locating said base portion over the tip of a fingernail;

connecting said base portion to said tip of said fingernail;

trimming said tip portion of said body; and

applying a clear coating over the exposed portion of said fingernail and said body, whereby said natural nail is enhanced to include a decorated tip without having to hand-paint or apply decoration, and in a manner that said natural nail remains visible.

12. The method in accordance with claim 11 wherein said connecting step comprises applying an adhesive between said base portion of said artificial fingernail and said fingernail tip.

13. The method in accordance with claim 11 wherein said increasing thickness of said base portion defines a tapered area at a bottom surface of said body and said location step comprises aligning an end of said tip of said fingernail with said tapered area.