Crossword Genius

Mum garages a small vehicle — will it run? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mascara

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

'small vehicle will it run?' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'mum garages a' is the wordplay.
'mum' becomes 'ma' (synonyms).
'garages' becomes 'scar' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'ma'+'scar'+'a'='MASCARA'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for mascara that I've seen before include "Eyelash darkener" , "could be found in handbag, perhaps" , "Cosmetic for darkening the eyelashes" , "Maracas (anag.)" , "Eyelash make-up" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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