Skin Smoothing Question

[KobraCarry]

I know a lot of folks use models with makeup artist, which really help the overall look of skin. But when shooting normal folks with normal flaws, what's the easiest way to correct them? Right now I'm using Elements 8 but considering other programs. If you know any E8 tricks that would be great. All other advise is appreciated too.

[srwatters]

I use a combination of the patch tool, clone stamp, & Imagenomic's Portraiture plug-in. All at varying opacity to achieve natural looking yet smother skin.

[jjmoore]

I use Elements 8...for quick skin touch ups I will use the spot healing tool to clean up any minor blemishes, freckles, etc.. Ctrl J to copy the layer. Select Filter, Surface Blur (I'll start with radius & threshold set to 15 and adjust to my liking), click ok. Reduce opacity to around 60%...you just have to play with it. You can then use the eraser tool to remove the blur from everything but the skin, but I sometimes like the surface blur on the entire pic....kind of looks like a painting sometimes. Flatten image & you are done!