Smoothing skin in PP

[theantiquetiger]

What is a good way to "airbrush" skin? All I have is Lightroom and Gimp

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8057/8216079272_b6da88509d_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8210/8216225994_4c1db1c621_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8208/8218198082_99a0574330_c.jpg

[theantiquetiger]

Edit, moved to original post

[asnow]

In Lightroom, use the adjustment tool. Under the custom pulldown you will see "soften skin".
i.e. Basically you are lowering the clarity.

[Realist]

I think in number 2 the skin looks to be a little too orange on the nose, cheeks, and forehead in a few patches. Think desaturating these spots would help.

[Bambi]

just whatever you use please don't make her look like Barbie!! it's a pet peeve of mine.....

[Marko]

I agree w/realist. The skin in shot 2 has taken on an orange cast.

[theantiquetiger]

One more version added to original post

[QuietOne]

The problem I see is you're losing the eye color with each edit. The other thing is that there are still traces of crow's feet around her eyes, which belies the smoother skin. Why not try to take some of the shine on her forehead, crest of her cheeks and side of her nose down a bit, and just let her be the age she is? (For the record, I'm a 53-year-old woman. I have to agree with Bambi's pet peeve.)