Zooey Deschanel, Before and After

Recently, there's been a lot of speculation about Zooey Deschanel's face. 

"We barely recognized Zooey Deschanel!" was The Huffington Post's headline after she showed up looking a little different to the 2012 Teen Choice Awards. 

If she did have something done, it would be kind of surprising, given her status as an indie icon. Going under the knife (or needle) sort of goes against the whole quirky-cute demeanour she's got going on, right?

So let's examine her beauty evolution over the years and find out what, if anything, has changed. One thing's for sure—the bangs are her Life Cut!

Zooey in 2001

Let's start with this pic of a 21-year-old Zooey. Nothing too dated here (except for the mustard yellow kerchief!). Her makeup is very simple and pretty. As for her nose, well, I think the next photo will convince you that she later changed it...

Zooey in 2003

Surprise! Zooey, at one point, was a blonde. It's not the best on her, is it? This is a great example of how bad blondes can happen when colourists are blinded by light eyes and fair skin. Unfortunately, it just washes her out (the hairstyle isn't helping, either). As for her nose, from this angle it looks wider and more bulbous than the one she has now.

Zooey in 2004

The following year, Zooey was finally on the brunette train. This is so close to the look that has become her signature today. The bangs are here, although they're a bit short and clumping (as bangs are prone to do). But we'll see improvements on details like that as time goes on—with greater fame comes a better styling team!

Zooey in 2006

At 26, Zooey started to show off a more definitive "indie girl" style, but it was more rock 'n' roll than quirky. I'm getting a bit of a Katy Perry vibe here—you? This type of haircut was very popular around that time, with the razored bangs and volume at the top tapering down to skinny ends. With heavy liner, her eyes really pop.

Zooey in 2007

In 2007, she committed to her signature bangs. They've been cut more thickly, so they lie flat to the head, and fall at the right spot, just below the brows. Somehow, she's grown more voluminous hair. Extensions?? Also notice how different Zooey looks without makeup. Her go-to liner and lashes really change her look. I think this is still her original nose.

Zooey in 2008

This look feels a bit uncharacteristically beachy, don't you think? I can't picture Zooey wearing these earrings or the coppery lipstick now, or having her hair so textured and tousled. Still super-pretty though.

Zooey in 2009

I love this! Cute little bump at the crown with hair half-back and curtain bangs. We can't tell what's happening with her nose, but I don't think she changed it... yet.

Zooey in 2010

See? Same nose. The bangs are thicker, and by now, she's getting in the habit of always doing something to emphasize the lash line. How incredible are her eyes?!

Zooey in 2011

Scroll to Continue

The Truth About Self-Tanner: How It Works, How It Affects Your Skin and How You Can Make It Less Damaging

Dermstore’s Anniversary Sale Is On Now—Here Are the Best Skincare Products to Buy (They’re All 25% Off!)

UVA vs UVB: The Different Types of UV Rays, How They Affect Your Skin and How to Protect From Both Year-Round

I feel like her nose is a bit smaller here, but it could be because of the dramatic lashes (which somehow look good on Zooey, but would be too over-the-top on anybody else). Her hair just gets better and better.

Also from the same year, everything is more dramatic here... including the blush!

Zooey in 2012

Here's the photo that got all the Internet whispers started! Her nose suddenly looks a lot more button-like, don't you think? I think there's some filler in her upper lip as well. Other than that, 2012 was a big year for Zooey in terms of style refinement. Her hair looks amazingly smooth and shiny, the bangs finally fall perfectly, and the eye makeup enhances without overwhelming her face. 

More adorableness. Zooey's hair and makeup look great. It's amazing how the vibe is the same as before, but everything's more polished. 

Zooey in 2013

Another photo that got people talking was this one. No wonder—it's because we haven't seen Zooey's forehead since 2003! Without the bangs, she looks like a different person.

Perhaps due to public outcry, Zooey went right back to the bangs we all know and love. They just suit her! Lashes and loose waves complete the look. 

Zooey in 2014

To match her A-list status, Zooey now has A-list hair. This is the shiniest and most perfect we've ever seen it. And look at how nicely those bangs fall! Her makeup is getting more subtle, with a lighter touch on the lashes and glossy red-orange lips. Notice how the upper lip seems to have lost its 2012 volume.

Update: Zooey in 2015

Zooey had a baby only a few months before this photo, so if she looks a little tired, well, that's normal! I prefer her with a lighter brown hair colour, stronger bangs and a more defined upper lash line.

Update: Zooey in 2016

That's more like it! Now 36, Zooey looks fantastic. The hair is a shade lighter and warmer, which is more flattering with her complexion—as are the soft bangs and waves. Her makeup is subtle, with just enough definition around her eyes. Love!

Conclusion

I always assumed Zooey was all-natural. And I think she mostly is—but it looks to me like she had a minor refinement of her nose, along with a brief experimentation with lip fillers.

What do the pros say? According to Dr. Julian de Silva, a London-based cosmetic surgeon, Zooey now has a straight nose, narrowed bridge and shaped tip—all more refined and complimentary to her face compared to her nose in earlier photos. "Zooey Deschanel has a great looking nose," he says. "The fact it is difficult to tell whether she has had surgery is a good sign. I tell all my patients, 'If people you meet cannot tell you have had surgery, then we should consider this a success.'"

As for the lip injections, "her lips are more defined and accentuated," says Dr. Vincent Afsahi, a Newport Beach surgeon. "Overall, she looks good, not over the top. Very natural."

All in all, I think these changes have put even more focus on Zooey's pretty blue eyes, although it may have taken away a little of that uniqueness she had before. C'est la vie in Hollywood! What do you think?

How do you feel about Zooey's beauty evolution?
Which of these looks is your favourite?
What "beauty work" do you think she's had done?