I've already gone and made myself look like a noob. Now that I've found the appropriate forum, I'll start my new thread with a couple new photos. Here is my last thread to refer to, as I'd still love feedback there as well: http://www.retouchpro.com/forums/photo-retouching/16993-first-post-comments-please.html

Here are a couple more before and afters. Like I said in my first post, I am looking for people to point out where I might be going wrong, and where I am definitely going in the right direction.

Here are a couple of my latests shots and retouches. The before and afters are in the same links. Thanks in advance!

BEFORE/AFTER #1 (http://www.nycaviation.com/hosting/MaryBeforeAfterDoor.jpg)

BEFORE/AFTER #2 (http://www.nycaviation.com/hosting/MaryBeforeAfterHead.jpg)

BEFORE/AFTER #3 (http://www.nycaviation.com/hosting/AlliBeforeAfter.jpg)

(edit: typo)

Photo 1: You might want to get rid of some of those smudges in the background. I found them distracting.
Some of the detail of the shirt buttons was lost when you lightened it.
Try removing or softening the shadow behind her.
If I were you, I'd remove those two moles unless of course you are trying to keep it natural looking.

Photo 3 is too yellow. And her eyes don't look natural - maybe darken them up a little bit. I'd whiten her teeth just a little bit too.

Elohssa is spot on. Good skin texture on #3.