The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word POWDERED
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
P
O
W
D
E
R
E
D
Buddy explains!

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 POWDERED mean?
POWDERED verb- To reduce to fine particles; to pound, grind, or rub into a powder.
- To sprinkle with powder, or as if with powder.
- To use powder on the hair or skin.
- To turn into powder; to become powdery.
- To sprinkle with salt; to corn, as meat.
- Which has been made into a powder
- Which has been covered with powder (typically referring to makeup)
- Sprinkled with salt; salted; corned.