A mascara so good you could cry

V ery few things have earned my loyalty for more than a decade. "Days of Our Lives" came close. Honda isn't quite there yet. And, I don't feel comfortable counting University of Utah football since only the rivalry game gets me glued to the set.

There is a beauty product, however, that has occupied space in my cosmetic bag since the early '90s: Maybelline Great Lash very black mascara. It's super black, super thick and lasts super long. P.S. It's under $5.

I've lauded it to friends and readers alike. I've purchased it in bulk. I've sworn, not only by it but, on it for 16 years. I would've continued for 16 more if it wasn't for Giorgio Armani.

The beauty line's mascara has forced me to stand at attention and salute a new captain: Maestro Obsidian Black.

Here's why. While Great Lash does the job well, Maestro does it unlike you've ever seen it done before. Every lash is magnified, pulled and lengthened by the true genius of the mascara -- its nonexistent brush. A four-sided comb with a slight bend does all the work. Furthering the innovation, a blend of lightweight waxes lets the mascara glide on and shape your lashes into a bat-begging curl.

After the first coat I wanted to cry. Not only did this mean saying goodbye to an oldie but goodie, it also meant saying hello to a $26 mascara sold in high-end department stores.

With the economy doing enough crying on its own, perhaps I'll hold onto Great Lash and save those tears. It might ruin my makeup and I'm not willing to do that. Not until the Dow bounces back, anyway.

XAZMIN GARZA/LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL