Help! textured skin..

[jenniferfrances]

Okay, so Ive mastered the art of cloning to create the smooth as a baby's butt effect.

but ive been challenged.
a photographer would like for me to duplicate the technique of the second image (poreous, natural and evenly toned) (see image attached)
i removed the big blemishes.
I created a neutral gray layer in softlight and started dodging the skin.
I then made another layer in overlay and painted in a skin tone color.
it came out alright but it looks far from professional.

anyone have a better method?
or am i on the right track but need more practice?

please help.

Thanks!

[mssmison]

no images?

[superkoax]

no pictures...


Gerry