The ByRo Method, named after the Brazilian retoucher who invented the technique, is very effective Portrait Retouching technique for overall skin smoothing that retains skin texture. It very well may be the only step that you need if your model has great makeup and skin to start with.  Learn how to use this simple method to get beautiful skin that is also realistic and preserves natural texture. We often use it in our beauty retouching processes.


!!! This tutorial is a part of our step-by-step  Photoshop Skin Retouching Workflow


 Typically, before using this technique, you create a new merged Background  layer of the work you have done on the skin so far and make a duplicate of the new merged Background  layer.  Then, select this new layer and choose the Gaussian Blur filter  (Filter -> Blur -> Gaussian Blur…).  Adjust the radius of blur until the skin smooths out and all variations in skin tone are gone. Once, you know the most appropriate radius, close the Gaussian Blur dialogue box !!! without applying the blur.ByRo Method | Photoshop Skin Retouching • Portrait Retouching Workflow

PixaFOTO  |  ByRo Method – Portrait Retouching


 Next, open the  High Pass  filter  (Filter -> Other -> High Pass…), enter the radius from the Step 2 an apply the High Pass filter.ByRo Method | Photoshop Skin Retouching • Portrait Retouching Workflow

PixaFOTO  |  ByRo Method – Portrait Retouching


 Open the Gaussian Blur filter again. This time, apply one-third of the radius from the Step 2. For example, instead of 15 pixels set for the High Pass  filter radius, use 5 pixels this time. Then, choose  Image > Adjustments > Invert  from the top menu to invert the layer.ByRo Method | Photoshop Skin Retouching • Portrait Retouching Workflow

PixaFOTO  |  ByRo Method – Portrait Retouching


 Change the layer blending mode to Linear Light, and lower its Opacity to 50%. Then, mask out the layer (MAC: Option+Add layer mask •  Win: Alt+Add layer mask) and paint in the areas on the mask where you would like smoothening applied with soft white simple brush (Shift+B).

ByRo Method | Photoshop Skin Retouching • Portrait Retouching Workflow

Settings   •The Brush tool:   Normal Mode; 100% Flow; 0-20% Hardness; 25% Opacity.

Technique  Paint in the mask with soft white simple Brush in all areas that need smoothing. Avoid zones along the edge of the face, eyes, nose, hair, and lips.  If you mess up something, just take a soft black simple Brush, and it will act as an eraser.  Brush out anything you don’t want. You can also adjust the opacity of the layer to achieve a desired look.


 To finish with the ByRo method, flatten the image, using  Layer > Flatten Image.


This ByRo Method – Portrait Retouching tutorial outlines a technique to help you achieve beautiful, natural-looking skin. To see the full version of our Photoshop Skin Retouching workflow click  here.

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