Griff has always been an artist unafraid of exposing her most vulnerable sides, but with the release of Last Night’s Mascara, she takes heartbreak and spins it into something strikingly beautiful. Initially left out of her debut album Vertigo, which dropped this past July, “Last Night’s Mascara” has finally found its way to streaming, much to the relief of fans who’ve been clamoring for the track ever since its initial tease. And it’s clear why they were so eager—this track is Griff at her most raw, weaving elements of indie pop and melancholic charm that feel both confessional and cinematic.
The release arrives as Griff tours Europe, sharing her soulful yet edgy pop anthems with fans in an intimate setting. With Vertigo, Griff cemented her place in contemporary pop, with bangers like “Astronaut” (featuring Coldplay’s Chris Martin) and “Tears for Fun” capturing a unique mix of upbeat energy and emotional depth. “Last Night’s Mascara,” though, feels like it was created in a much darker corner of her mind, drawing listeners into a story of reflection and self-preservation in the aftermath of lost love. Griff’s lyrics embody the very things we cling to when heartbreak hits, as she sings, “Last night’s mascara’s such a pretty thing / It covers my eyes, I’m a beauty queen.” There’s something devastating yet empowering about the image of mascara running down her cheeks, as if the beauty of resilience lies within those dark, smeared traces of pain.
What makes this track remarkable is its relatability. Griff has an uncanny way of creating visual lyrics that bring listeners right into her emotional space. Describing heartbreak as something as haunting yet shimmering as mascara streaked after a night out isn’t just evocative—it’s universal. Anyone who’s endured a breakup can identify with the image of catching a glimpse of themselves in a mirror, eyes red but head held high, still standing after the night’s tears. She even references Enya’s iconic “Orinoco Flow,” giving the song an almost nostalgic touch that connects past heartache to present healing, making it clear that this is a track for the wounded, for those who find solace in the quiet drama of their own reflections.
Fans have embraced this single with unexpected fervor. Griff, too, was surprised by the song’s popularity, admitting in an Instagram post that “The love on this song has been so unexpected.” She explains how the track almost didn’t see the light of day, calling it a “forgotten beat” that was dusted off after sitting on her laptop. But if anything, this journey from hidden gem to fan-favorite single only makes the release of “Last Night’s Mascara” feel more authentic—a reminder that sometimes, the things we tuck away in shadowy corners end up being the most impactful.
Her European tour couldn’t have come at a better time. Live shows have a way of breathing new life into songs, and one can only imagine the catharsis of hearing “Last Night’s Mascara” performed on stage. Griff has proven herself a powerhouse in the live music circuit, and watching her pour her soul into this anthem about heartache and survival is bound to be a transformative experience for audiences.
As she continues on this European tour, Griff is showcasing her versatility as an artist, from her upbeat tracks that celebrate independence to those haunting ballads that linger long after the music fades. “Last Night’s Mascara” feels like an anthem for everyone out there carrying the weight of heartbreak but still finding beauty in the struggle. And as the final mascara-streaked note fades, we’re left with the sense that, for Griff, this is just the beginning of what she’s ready to reveal.