Taylor Swift Ditches Her Signature Glam and Red Lip for Surprising Makeunder in ‘Patient Zero’ Music Video
Taylor Swift Ditches Her Signature Glam and Red Lip for Surprising Makeunder in ‘Patient Zero’ Music Video

Skyler CarusoThu, September 24, 2026 at 4:46 PM UTC
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Taylor Swift Patient Zero Music VideoCredit: CBS -
Taylor Swift appears with minimal makeup and darker bangs in the teaser for her “Patient Zero” music video
The cinematic video, featuring Dakota Johnson and Colin Farrell, was shot by Oscar-winning cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki
The full video premieres at the 2026 MTV VMAs, where Swift will receive the first-ever Artist Director Honors
Taylor Swift is changing up her signature look.
The pop superstar, 36, debuted what appears to be a makeunder in a recently-dropped teaser clip for the unreleased music video of “Patient Zero” off her extended album, The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore.
The cinematic video features a flash of 13 scenes (of course), including one close-up shot that shows Swift looking emotional with very little makeup except maybe a coat of mascara.
In the scene, the 14-time Grammy winner appears to have a teardrop falling down her cheek and her lips are bare, rare for the pop icon who loves a bold hue. Her bangs look a darker brown and what appears to be her old mine cut diamond engagement ring is on full display.

Taylor Swift wears minimal makeup in the “Patient Zero” music video.Credit: CBS
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The teaser dropped days after the songstress hinted at various Easter eggs on the Emmys, Spotify and social media before revealing a new single and an expanded edition of the album. Swift debuted the sneak peek clip for her single “Patient Zero” on Thursday, Sept. 24 on CBS Mornings.

Taylor Swift announces her new single, “Patient Zero.”Credit: TAS Rights Management
The cinematic video stars Swift alongside actors Dakota Johnson and Colin Farrell, featuring the work of Oscar-winning cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki, who worked on The Revenant, Birdman and Gravity.
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The clip was 13 seconds long and looked dark and romantic. Images of the “Fate of Ophelia” singer washing her hands, two bodies plunging into water, a black rose, two women standing at a gravesite and a tear-streaked Swift gave Swifties plenty to speculate about.
After her Emmys tease, fans quickly pointed out that Dakota’s involvement was likely tied to the “North or South” hint she dropped.

Taylor Swift attends the Songwriters Hall of Fame 55th Annual Induction and Awards Gala.Credit: Jamie McCarthy/Getty
The full music video will air Sunday, Sept. 27 at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, with the single dropping on Friday.
Swift announced The Life of a Showgirl: Encore on Sept. 23 with a social media post that included an album photo featuring the singer wearing a short, glitzy dress against a stage-like background. The title is written in glittering gold letters over the striking shot of Swift.
The “Fate of Ophelia” singer said that the new songs were written with her fans in mind. “I hope you love them, because they were born out of pure gratitude for your exuberance for and celebration of the album we made.”
The Grammy winner revealed the news ahead of receiving the first-ever Artist Director Honors at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards this coming Sunday.
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”