Crossword Genius

Cosmetic treatment of soilpipe so 'off' (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lippie

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'cosmetic treatment' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'of soilpipe so off' is the wordplay.
'of' is an anagram indicator (the answer comes from or 'of' the letters).
'off' is a deletion indicator (some letters taken off).
'soilpipe' with 'so' taken out is 'ilpipe'.
'ilpipe' is an anagram of 'LIPPIE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for lippie that I've seen is " make-up".)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app