Experience — the best preparation for features (4,5)
I believe the answer is:
face cream
'experience' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.
'best preparation for features' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'best' could be 'cream' (as in 'the cream of the crop') and 'cream' is located in the answer.
'features' could be 'face' (facial features) and 'face' is found in the answer.
No letters remain.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
'the' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for face cream that I've seen before include "Skin cosmetic" , "Mug gets this application" , "Cosmetic designed to improve complexion" , "Mecca fare (anag.)" .)