I have to laugh because every time HGTV airs an episode of Candice Olson’s new show Candice Tells All, people start searching my blog by asking, “Did Candice Olson have plastic surgery?”Apparently a lot of viewers think the most dramatic makeover she’s done recently is on herself.
Google has been directing people to this post that I wrote about her last year, even though I never mentioned that she may have had work done. Some of my readers speculated in the comments that she’d had a nose job, Botox, and/or some Restylane, among other things, which must be what the search engines are picking up.
I have to say that when I first saw Candice Tells All, I, too, was stunned to see how gorgeous she looks. So I can understand why people are searching for answers.
I’m afraid I don’t have any–that’s really beyond the scope of my blog and personal expertise–but you can see for yourself how good she looks now. Here’s a photo of Candice from 2005:
And one from her new show today:
All I can say is, whatever she’s doing, it’s working for her! She looks fabulous. Makes me think of that line from When Harry Met Sally: “I’ll have what she’s having.”
P.S. Another thing people search for is “How tall is Candice Olson?” That’s a question I can answer: she’s 6’2″.
You can see my original post here: All About Candice Olson and Her Divine Designs.


She does have a true natural beauty…I dunno…I think it is the power of the lens…or photoshop…frankly. 6’2…and she would often wear heels! Confident!
Hello,
I saw this photo and asked the same question… the truth is, she’s looking fabulous and I have nothing against it.
Good for her she’s taking care of herself. 🙂
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
Today’s post: Gorgeous Interiors Photos. http://www.HomeBunch.com
Hello! Well…just want to thank you again! I am totally snowed in here in northern Illinois, had an actual blizzard yesterday. Second snow day for the boys (and me) so we are home and not doing a whole lot other than shoveling! So I am so happy to sit down with a hot cup of coffee and have something entertaining and interesting (like YOUR blog) to read!
Candice sure does look good! I suspect it is a combo of a little bit of work, new make-up, lighting, hair etc. It works what ever it is….more power to her!
Stay cozy where ever you are….
Hi!
I have met Candice a few times. She is as beautiful in person as she is on TV. I think she looks amazing on her new show!
Oh, and she is 6’2″….plus she loves wearing her pumps, bringing her up to 6’5″-6’6″.
I have a niece that is 6’3″ and LOVES to wear 4″ heels!
I say YOU GO CANDICE!!!! She is BEAUTIFUL!!!!
I think it’s Photoshop and really good lighting in the “today” shot. She is so effervescent, which makes her more appealing no matter how old she is. Not that I could pull it off as well as she does, but I sure do like that blue tank she’s wearing. And … I think her show has the highest-quality room makeovers around. So many shows use cheap materials (granted, they have smaller budgets) and her rooms always look professional, functional and gorgeous.
Definitely botox, her forehead doesn’t move any more.
Is it possible the new show (which I have not seen) is shot through a “Martha Stewartesque” filter which softens A LOT?
Of course she did! She’s been looking better and better the last few years. I know the second picture is photoshopped but on tv, the bags are gone from under her eyes. She definitely has had something done. But who could blame her….she’s on tv.
I thought the same thing myself, but I think it’s more than botox. Her whole look is much softer -whatever it is – it’s working -she looks more beautiful than ever!
We got used to seeing her pregnant on her old show, and her look has changed a LOT anywat since the beginning. This is probably just a beautiful woman, an athlete BTW, settling into herself. She is definitely Ready For Her Close-up!
I’ve never heard of this woman. She sure looks beautiful though. As an amateur photographer I can add that the right lighting and some good make up can do a lot for someone. For example, in the picture from 2005 she doesn’t appear to have that much make up on, and the lighting is not really flattering either. The second picture the lighting and the make up seem to be perfect. Also, the second picture looks really professional, which might mean it has been retouched one way or the other. So I really don’t think it’s possible to tell from these pictures what’s going on.
Well, if she did do something she looks fantastic! More natural than most that have something done. Can’t believe she’s 6’2″! Sheesh, I feel short….
Holy cow she does look better. Hmmmm I wish she would fess up. I need to put that on my someday list:) Even my husband thought she looked great. A tan helps too:)
that’s no tan… was a tan 🙂
I don’t think it’s any work….it looks like better makeup, hair, and lighting.
she’s a clone. there are 8 more copies of her in a warehouse somewhere so she’ll never appear to age from now on. 😛
She’s one of those people that if she did have something done…you wouldn’t hold it against her, but instead be happy for her. I think that’s speaks so well of how she comes across.
It looks to me like she’s had more then good lighting and make-up, and I’d sure like to experience some of the same for myself, LOL! Also..I wouldn’t mind adding a few inches to my 5’3″!
Her talent? I think she’s one of the best .
Great to know she has a new show, and yes, she does look Fab!
I don’t know…those eyes look pretty fresh and “toit” compared to 2005. I’m guessing some eye work, some injections, and some skin peels. All of which, I might add, I will have scheduled for my 40th bday, so there is no hating here:)! I have many a daydream about Ms. Olsen knocking on my door and attacking my home- she’s sooo talented-or at least smart enough to surround herself with uber-talented people).
I’m thinking that’s A LOT of Photoshop being done in the most recent image. Even if she has had a little medical touching up done, good for her. She looks gorgeous!
I don’t think she’s had any work done. I’d guess it’s a good new hair cut and color and some great makeup. I just love Candace! Her work and her personality. She seems to be the sort of person who is very comfortable in her own skin, I’d be surprised if she’d been under the knife (or the needle)
I’m saying the video and photos have been touched. A good make-up artist and hair stylist can do wonders too.
I think she looks great, I also think soft-focus or photo shop are being used here. It dosent matter!!! Go on with your bad self, Candace..you look awesome
Could be Photoshop b/c you can soften sooooo much via the tricks!
But easily could also be Botox and an eye job….but hey, whatever it is, she looks fabulous and I ADORE her Divine Design!! And if that’s what made her look fab, then why not? At the end of the day, if you feel better about yourself, you project that glow too.
Oh, also I think her fun haircut & new incredible wardrobe makes her look alot younger too………
I love her recent video about monochromatic design here….ck it out b/c she looks BEAUTIFUL in all the shots:
http://www.hgtv.com/video/restful-monochromatic-design-video/index.html
Whatever she’s done, she looks fantastic! Sign me up!
She looks great! And much more feminine. It’s either fillers or a first class lighting team. Her jaw looks a bit different too.
I think its the longer hair that makes the biggest difference , she looks great , if I could afford Restylane I would have some done like now , I had it done for FREE once and I LOVED it so much { my lips }….wish I had $500 to burn ….
She looks great and I’m happy for her!
That’s hilarious, I’d also been thinking she looks fabulous! When Harry Met Sally is one of my favorite movies, love that you managed to work in a quote. 🙂
I love Candace but the new photos did make me wonder if she and Sandra Lee were the same people! “-)
I love Candice and wouldn’t think less of her if she did have a little work done, but I think, at least based on those two photos, that I’m in the “better lighting and make-up” camp.
If she really didn’t then I need to know her secret!
Holy Jesus, Batman… I never even thought about her having plastic surgery, but that before picture is giving me nightmares fo sho. Glad she did do something whether it’s hiring an awesome make-up artist or getting a little surgical help. Ain’t no shame.
I think everyone on tv has had work and good for them. The truth is they are their own product. Of course a photo can be retouched but the film won’t lie. Good for her if she has had work. At least she still looks like herself, but better.
I want to know what is going on with her bun…I have a hunch that it’s fake hair. ; )
She looks gorgeous. I have always loved her designs and her really sweet, funny personality. Yeah, Candace!!
~Pam
I never watch Candice Olson, not that I don’t like her, she is one of the better designers, but I was amazed the first time I saw her standing next to a guy, I could not believe how TALL she was! It does look like she had something done but I assume most of it has to do with lighting and make-up. It’s easy to make yourself look better than you do on TV or in print.
I don’t know what she’s doing, but either way she looks great! I agree with those who mentioned it might just be great lighting and Photoshop. 🙂
It’s got to be the lighting and great touchups! Even notice how great Oprah looks on her own show…but not so great everywhere else. Great lighting does a lot. And soft focus!
She looks awesome, and even though I am normally very observant, it never occurred to me that she had work done. Also, her kids are a bit older, so maybe she is getting a bit more sleep. I hope my face looks that good in my forties. And I haven’t ruled out a few touch ups. But botox scares the crap out of me!
It doesn’t make a bit of difference to me if she did or not as long as she didn’t charge it to me. I like her decorating style either way!
While she was pregnant she definitely looked frazzled, and after that a new baby of course – so maybe she is just getting some sleep now!
Yep, the photos you posted prove it, work done, work done, work done. I hate it when they don’t admit it. Even her skin color is lighter and it really suits her to not have the facial ‘tanned look’. I avoid sunning my face for the same reasons! She looks great now, so much better and she should be proud of who she is and admit whatever she did. Isn’t that why they get work done, to be noticed?
It’s unbelievable how vehemently some people insist that it’s their right to know whether or not someone who has a TV show had plastic surgery or some other appearance-improving procedure done. When someone says, “Work done, work done, work done. I hate it when they don’t admit it”, it implies that they have a right to know this very personal information. The fact of the matter is that no one, including a TV show host, is under any obligation to provide details of any medical or cosmetic procedures they may have had (or anything else about their private life, for that matter.) Candice Olson’s job is to offer design information; she’s under no obligation to “admit” anything else just because some people are nosy. Also, people have this “work” done for a variety of reasons; while wanting to look more youthful because you’re in the public eye may be one of them, it’s not necessarily “to be noticed” which assumes a vanity on the part of the public figure that may or may not be present. Again, the REASONS for having these procedures done are as private and personal as the question of whether or not it WAS done. MYOB!
my husband works in hollywood (i used to as well)- so i know firsthand how far good lighting will take a person. so it’s possible that she’s using more expensive lights for her show now. also, it looks like she went from a warm/brassy haircolor to a cool haircolor- which will instantly make her skin look better because of skin tone. i do think she probably had some work done, but that’s only a small part of it. overall, i think she looks fantastic with the changes she made (even though she was already gorgeous before).
She looks like a younger sister or something …. and I had the EXACT same thought that you did as I was scrolling through, “I’ll have what she is having.” If only …
she looks great and is my very favorite TV designer EVER!!!! LOVE everything she does!
I love Candice Olson. She’s the best designer on HGTV and she really knows what’s she’s doing. I would love to have Candice come to my house because she would do a great job and I can actually trust her.
I watched a clip of Candice’s new show and she was looking at all of these Crystal Chandeliers. They were so gorgeous, it made me want to buy one, but they are way too expensive. I found a website online with all sorts of different styles and colors of crystal chandeliers and I was in dreamland.
Hmmm, her nose looks WAY different to me, but it’s true that Photoshop and lighting can really work wonders! Also, her dark tan on the “before” picture isn’t doing much but making her look older. Her skin looks brighter and fresher in the new one!
At 5’2″, I am just the opposite….I “enhance” my stature by wearing flats. My back thanks me.
She looks great! I’d love to have a nose job as mine has started VEERING to one side as I age. Yikes!
Hi – great post, Julia. I love Candice. Her designs truly ARE divine. They are out of this world. I especially loves when she does a ‘princess’ room for a little girl. She is the master. I always said, if I had a lot of money — wait, how about WHEN I have a lot of money 🙂 — I am going to hire her to do my rooms. Her use of, and choice of, fabrics is beyond compare. Now, for her looks? She might have had work done, BUT the first photo looks like any of us do without makeup. The second photo one can see is even ‘blurred’ to make her look ‘smooth.’ So who knows if she had work? If she did, they did a great job because they didn’t change her or puff her up, they just enhanced her beauty by smoothing her out. Cheers to Candice.
Best,
Gloria
I think she’s ridiculously talented, likeable, and a very pretty woman. Her different looks could be from Photoshop or maybe she’s gone through The Hollywood Machine. Injectables and chemical peels can have a tremendous effect on one’s appearance. If that’s the route she went down good for her because she looks great! Perhaps she has a good makeup artist? 😉
P.S. Maybe her new look is an effort to gain (or retain) viewers as HGTV viewership is down? I think she looks great! I have a girl crush on her and Genevieve. 🙂
Well, I didn’t even recognize her in that first pic you posted. I guess it could be the lighting, photoshop or the lens, as others are saying. Her nose looks pretty different though.
I have not seen her new show, but…Dang! Candice looks great! You *go*, girl!!!
TEETH,, her teeth have definately been veneered or reshaped.. and definately fillers in her wrinkles. Yes, she looks more youthful and prettier. Seems like aging is such a nasty thing…. when in reality, I feel we earn every nook and cranny our face shows…its like a sign of wisdom in my opinion..
Much blonder hair too..
We all know appearance is major important on T.V., movies, all public life. She probably wouldn’t have a new show if she didn’t “fix” herself up first. I’m just counting my blessings that I can age gracefully in my private life. I welcome the wrinkles and plumpness that has taken over much of my physique, showing my age. I darn well deserve it. Here’s to a life well lived!
I’d say the unlined forehead is definitely Botox, it will also pull up the arch of your eyebrow a tad. The smoother skin in general is courtesy of make-up, lighting and losing the leathery tanned look. Otherwise, she still has smile lines and her original nose. She looks great.
I am thinking that back then she had small babies at home and NO SLEEP…now she is probably better rested…she still has a ton of lines, the two newer images are much better lit AND her hair looks pretty freshly highlighted.
Maybe it IS botox or maybe it’s a really good make up artist….
Attention! Attention! Candice Olson, if you’re listening, I don’t care if you’ve ever had surgery or not. You’re gorgeous. Please come to my house asap. I won’t even mention the fore mentioned ‘tox , if you come. My house is lovingly yours if you’ll have her…
Looks like she’s had her teeth done and injections in her forehead. I bet she had a face peel too. She looks beautiful.
Not having ago at you Julie, But to be honest it’s her life, her face & if she wants to is it any one elses business!! Mind you saying that good lighting & make up can do wonders so may be she hasn’t?
She looks much prettier and softer. I think she definately had blepherotomy – had her eyelids done. Huge difference..maybe some thin cheek implants too. Laser resurfacing and better makeup. Eyes, for sure.
I used to work in a plastic surgeon’s office, and my guess is some Botox on the forehead and possibly Restylane in the nasal labial folds. I think most of it is good make-up and good lighting. The first photo, you have to admit, was not that flattering.
To paraphrase Oprah talking about her magazine cover photo shoots….*everyone would look good if they were followed around with a fan and a light* ……I think the main reason she looks better is that the photo was simply done better. Maybe she has a bigger photo and styling budget. And maybe she discovered a little something extra to help things along. She looks great!
Funny what search engines will do, huh? But honestly, Julia, you include so much fun information in your posts, I often wonder “Wonder if Julia has written about that?” You’re a master at interweaving interesting tidbits of information about the people who design houses and live in houses and dream about houses. . . as well as the houses themselves. No wonder we keep coming back! 🙂
Ha Ha, that is how I landed here BUT I’ve visited your site many times before too. 🙂 She really looks as though she has had quite a transformation. The longer hair definitely works for her, the lighter color also adds instant youthfulness. When my hair is lighter, I always look younger for some reason (I also have light blond hair). She has either had a lot of photoshop and creative lighting/makeup or some botox and possibly some plastic surgery. Although it’s not really anyone’s business other than her’s, she is in the public eye and the question is bound to be asked.
Either way, I’m a huge fan of her work plus she’s super fun and has a great personality. I’m all for women doing what they need to do to feel their personal best. Good for her, she looks like she’s in her late 20’s vs. early 40’s in the photos I’ve seen on HGTV! 🙂 Go Candice!
I don’t know if she has or has not had ‘work’ done…it looks to me like lighter hair and softer makeup. She’s adorable and quite frankly the ONLY design show I will watch as she definitely has talent!
Candice definitely did SOMETHING cosmetic/surgical to her face! I used to watch Divine Design all the time. It’s been about a year or so since I’ve seen Candice on anything. The other day her new show was on TV and I did a double take. She was sitting at a table talking to what I guess is her assistant. She looks very different. Her features are noticeably different than they were a few years ago. She didn’t look bad then but she had a different appearance. I don’t want to use the word goofy (maybe I’m projecting her personality b/c she could be silly a lot) but her looks matched her personality. She was always attractive but not overtly pretty and poised and put together…more just cute and goofy. In this show, she had that “Housewives” look (but without the poofy hair)…very made up, lines completely gone/filled, something was different about her nose. Her teeth appear to be whitened…that look that she was trying to make herself perfect suddenly. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to better yourself. But she just looked very different to me….someone who had watched her show regularly for a long time. I did notice – big time!
I saw Candice on ‘Steven & Chris’ and barely recognized her. I’m not sure what she has had done, but she has done something. She has gone from average to a knockout and looks at least 10 years younger. I think she may have cheek implants, a nose job, botox, possibly veneers and maybe a lower facelift. She looks fantastic!
No doubt she’s had a nip and a tuck with fantastic results. I don’t know Candice, but I’m sure, if you asked her, she’d tell you all about it– she has a very authentic personality . Now, the big question for the rest of us is, “Who’s your doctor?! Please share!”
I think the new photo looks very airbrushed. I remember seeing a commercial for Desperate Housewives a few years back where the actresses had flawless skin, and then when the actual show came on, it was obvious that they had done some major touchups for the commercial. Maybe Candice’s looks are getting edited in post-production?
That’s so funny–we watched it last night for the first time and my husband first reaction was “wow, she looks different. Is she wearing more make-up?” and my response was “her hair is longer” then we both agreed how she looks less angular and softer. Plastic surgery didn’t enter my mind mainly because she does look the same overall, just different. It’s interesting that everyone is noticing and inquiring on your blog about it!
Have not watched any of her latest episodes but she looks wonderful to say the least. She is probably wearing loads of makeup which is the norm on the tele and has a great photographer with great studio lighting and photoshop skills (there is a softening feature in that prgram for portraits).
Candice is an intelligent, charming, talented and stunning woman. May she be blessed with all that she desires from her family and occupation.
Appears she had a brow lift and under-eye tuck. A a mini-lift/pull from lower cheek/mouth area. She still has lines; just not as long; nor especially, as deep. Her eyes, definitely less encumbered and ‘up’ a bit. Her hair lighter; and better makeup than in pic, for sure. Can only say; I always loved her ‘look’ – even when a bit haggard (on occasion) and still do. She is one of H&G’s ‘best’; IMHO.
I love watching Candice on TV and I’m always researching her designs on-line. I believe she is “the best” designer on HGTV. Vern Yip is pretty good and so is David Bromsted, but Candice takes the prize! Genivieve Gorder should be called a decorator. I do not like her designs at all. HGTV should replace her on Design Star!
I love watching Candice on TV and I’m always researching her designs on-line. I believe she is “the best” designer on HGTV. Vern Yip is pretty good and so is David Bromsted, but Candice takes the prize! Genevieve Gorder should be called a decorator. I do not like her designs at all. HGTV should replace her on Design Star!
All I know is she looks beyond great and I want the name of her plastic surgeon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I believe she did have “work” done. Her skin is creamy smooth and eye bags are gone. Plus veneers. However if she wasn’t in the public eye all the time we wouldn’t be so aware of the change. She looks great not plastic!! She is brilliant at what she does and deserves to pamper herself 🙂
She looks like she’s been doing a lot of yoga which can be great for bod as well as the skin. A little Botox for a celebrity of her status isn’t the end of the world either. Who wouldn’t be tempted in her position? She just had kids in the last couple of years. She needed to pull herself together. It’s must have been a very tough juggling act.
I’ve searched everywhere trying to find out about the gorgeous jewelry that Candice wears on her shows. It is all so artistic and I’m surprised that the designers are not listed somewhere to give them a plug. Anyone know anything about this?
Of course she’s had work done. I saw an ad tonight on tv, and didn’t even recognize her. The new hair helps, but she’s undergone a major overhaul apparently, looking 10 years younger than she looked 10 years ago (like Susan Sarandon.) She looks much softer, much more HD-friendly. 😉 The new HD technology has really anted up the pressure on looks vs. talent in the entertainment industry. Luckily, Candice has both.
Candice is a wonderful talent and has such a great vibe onscreen… I just wish that the tv design world and magazine world hadn’t sunk into the American obsession with looks. Apparently only beautiful and young-looking women and men are allowed to be successful designers now, according to the television and magazines. I do miss the early days of HGTV when designers of all shapes, sizes, and ages, were actually designing on tv, instead of so many shows hosted by models.
I’ve been following Candice for a few short years and love her lack of arrogance and her confidence in her gifted skills. She seems to have fun with her hardworking crew, which can make a very physically demanding job, in front of cameras, a bit less exhausting.
Through it all, Candice does look amazing. If she has availed herself of some less invasive cosmetic enhancements, then whoo hoo for her….
I have just turned 65 and I don’t know of one single woman who, if they could afford some cosmetic help, wouldn’t go immediately to their favorite dermatologist.
Either way, Candice is a true jewel in the industry.
Candice has a lot of nerve on Design Star to say,”get off the couch and watch me” when her new show IS TERRIBLE. I stopped watching it, bring back the original PLEASE!!! It was the best design show on television.
Me facina tus diseños , eres brillante en todos tus proyectos
tienes esa capacidad que muy pocas personas tienen, . no cabe duda nacisite para el diseño. yo soy decoradora de interiores pero desgraciadamente nunca pude ejercer por cuidar a mi hija enferma pero me siento feliz de verte trabajar, me siento ralizada en ti. te quiero mucho.
I work in television and as they say inTV, it’s “all smoke and mirrors”! And, it is! There are different types of lights, filters and makeup that make people look really good. And then there is post—we can fix lots of things in post. But, I love Candice and her style and I think her bubbly personality plus her great style is what makes her beautiful. I love Candice.
Candace’s jewelry is as beautiful as she is. Does anyone know where to buy it? Is it from one designer?
Wow she looks so amazing!! I don’t think she had any work done, she is such a confident woman she dosn’t seem like the kind of girl who would do all that fake stuff to herself, she just changed a few things like getting teeth whitened and got her self a pretty hair style and she is wearing pretty makeup now.
I think she needs a new stylist. She can design but can NOT dress! Poor thing.
I thought the before picture was Martina Navratilova.
http://becksmithhollywood.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Martina-Navratilova-e1331910207724-213×300.jpg
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She has definitely had veneers put over her teeth recently. I believe that may be the change everyone thinks they see.
I think she has a new chin.