Crossword Genius

Insolence and criticism for cosmetic (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lipstick

'for cosmetic' is the definition.
(lipstick is a kind of cosmetic)

'insolence and criticism' is the wordplay.
'insolence' becomes 'lip' (I've seen this before).
'and' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'criticism' becomes 'stick' (giving someone stick is criticising them).
'lip'+'stick'='LIPSTICK'

(Other definitions for lipstick that I've seen before include "Colour applied to the mouth" , "Item of make-up equipment" , "Facial cosmetic" , "Item of face makeup" , "Type of cosmetic" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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