The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word COSMETIC
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
C
O
S
M
E
T
I
C
More clues leading to the result COSMETIC
- Firms paid in charge for appearances only
- Company's paid in charge for appearances only
- It comes off with cleanser primarily
- Shutting up gutless egotist is immense, as lippy perhaps?
- Superficial film screened by Universal
- Superficial, enormous boxing alien!
- Alien found in immense surface
- Company restructured Times — changes primarily superficial
- Company brought up articles about improving superficial appearance
- Make-up of Universal screening ‘ET’?
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Make-up" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case make-up = cosmetic.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 COSMETIC mean?
COSMETIC noun- Any substances applied to enhance the external color or texture of the skin, e.g. lipstick, eyeshadow, eyeliner; makeup.
- A feature existing only on the surface.
- Imparting or improving beauty, particularly the beauty of the complexion.
- External or superficial; pertaining only to the surface or appearance of something.