Original Image
The orignal image before any photoshop work has begun. Image purchased from www.istockphoto.com

Step 1: Blemish removal
The first step is to remove the major blemishes using the photoshop healing brush.

I also like to run an unsharpen mask over the image just to tighten it up a bit.

Step 2: Soft Blur Image
Duplicate the orginal image and blur the image about 7-15% and set the layer opacity to 60%

Step 3: Facial Details
Duplicate the sharpened layer from step 1 and move the duplicated layer above the blur layer from step 2.

Next name the duplicated layer details and add a layer mask to the layer.

We want only to leave the face details like the eyes, eye browse, nose, lips, hair and jewelry.

Now we have an image that has a mush more evened toned skin with out the blemish.

Step 4: Even Out Skin Tones
I like to do another soften skin tone layer. It’s more of a personal preference.

Merge all visible layers to a new layer. Call that layer Even skin tones.

Next blur that layer by 10 - 20% percent what ever looks best. Then set the layer opacity to 10% just enough to soften some of the details and even out any skin tone problem areas.

Be-careful with this because you don’t want your photo to turn into a cartoon.

Step 5: Soften Highlights
Next create a new layer call it soften highlights.

Use the eye drop tool and select a soft skin tone color. Try and grab a mid-tone not to bright and not to dark.

Next using the paint brush paint over the really hot highlight areas on the forehead, nose and chin.

Finally drop the layer opacity about 60 - 70%. The goal of this step is to soften the highlights on the face.

Completed Image
Were done. I added some highlights around the eyes and and added some color to the lips to finish the image off.

Layer Stack
This is the layer stack for my photoshop file