Here is a short history of the retouching of one portrait. Why a short story? Because long reads are tedious to read, and short texts are pleasant and improve appetite.

I am not a big fan of retouching, which completely changes the appearance of a person. In my mind, changing small details can enhance picture saving the authenticity of the image.

At first step I convert the image from raw using Adobe Camera Raw. When I work with animal photography, I always use DxO PL. For portraits, I use Adobe Camera Raw exclusively. There is a simple explanation for this. While nature and wildlife are usually shot at fast shutter speeds, pictures requires more attention to noise and detail. Portrait photography usually takes place in controlled environment with good light and low ISO. In my experience Adobe Camera Raw works better with skin tones than DxO PL, while DxO PL works better with details and noisy images.

I use good old healing tool to remove main blemishes and spots.

Some people prefer to do frequency separation cleaning. I don't mind FS at all but closeups look way more natural with Dodge and Burn technique preserving skin structure. And yes, sometimes on this stage you have to heal some minor defects you missed before (like hair on the cheek).

Some tiny face surgery

It's time to make eyes a bit larger, teeth a bit whiter and make some shine on eyelids.