Cryptic crossword clue
Lady’s applying much make-up with greater severity 7

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word ROUGHER

I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
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The straight part
We know that "with greater severity" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case with greater severity = rougher.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does ROUGHER mean?

ROUGHER adjective
  1. Not smooth; uneven.
  2. Approximate; hasty or careless; not finished.
  3. Turbulent.
  4. Difficult; trying.
  5. Crude; unrefined
  6. Violent; not careful or subtle
  7. Loud and hoarse; offensive to the ear; harsh; grating.
  8. Not polished; uncut; said of a gem.
  9. Harsh-tasting.
  10. Somewhat ill; sick
  11. Unwell due to alcohol; hungover
ROUGHER noun
  1. A worker who shapes something to prepare it for a finishing operation.
  2. A piece of woollen cloth prepared for fulling.

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