Photoshop High Pass Filter used to take for sharpening as well, but there is another use of this filter for softening skin tones. I know there are some filters to soften skin tones such as blur, surface blur etc. But you can take this filter beside them. In this Quick Tip, I'll show you how to do that.
Step 1 : Duplicate the background .
Step 2 : Invert it , Go to Image > Adjustments > Invert or press Ctrl/Cmd+I on keyboard.
Step 3 : Apply High Pass, Go to Filter > Other > High Pass...
Step 4 : Change Blending Mode Normal to Overlay.
Step 5 : Reduce the Opacity 100% to 70%
Step 6 : Add a Layer Mask from bottom of the Layers Palette. The layer mask is shown as a white rectangle in the Layers Palette.
Step 7 : Select Eraser Tool . Set it's Hardness 5% and Opacity 17%
Step 8 : Finally, paint over the eyes, lips, hair and unwanted area with the Eraser Tool to sharp them, Because I don't want to take them softness due to the perfect look. When you are going to paint, you can adjust the eraser size with square brackets "[ ]" at your convenience.
This is the final result.
That's how to easily soften images and get professional quality results with high pass Filter. I love this filter so much . Now you are welcome to check my another tutorial titled How to Achieve Pixel Perfection From Vector Shapes in Photoshop
