What does the cryptic crossword clue "Christmas card nearly missing kiss on one 18 across (7)" mean?

The definition is "18 across". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). MAS (synonym="missing X – kiss") + CAR (synonym="CAR") + A (synonym="one") = MASCARA; definition: "18 across" The answer is MASCARA.

Christmas card nearly missing kiss on one 18 across (7)

Guardian Cryptic #29062 | 3 Down | 2023-05-05 flower

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