...for those who would like to make their own action:
1. Make duplicate (Image>duplicate)
2. Make duplicate layer (layer>duplicate layer) and name “Diffusion Layer”
3. Add 10 pixel gaussian blur to diffusion layer (filter>blur>guassian blur)
4. Change opacity of diffusion layer in layers palette to 40 to 50%, or fade guassian blur @ edit>fade guassian blur to 40 to 50%.
5. On layers palette, add mask to diffusion layer (click on the small square with the circle in it at the bottom of the layers palette. This will apply a mask to the diffusion layer)
6. Make sure foreground color is set to black and background color to white (this should occurr automatically when you add the mask, but make sure)
7. With foreground color set to black, select brush tool and appropriate size soft edge brush and paint on the diffusion layer anything you would like sharper from background layer such as eyes, lips, jewelry, hair or anything you’d like to pop (especially eyes), fools viewer into thinking nothing diffused. You can adjust opacity of brush for varied results. I just use 100%. If you overdo the brushing, you can switch the foreground color to white and paint the diffusion back in. Make sure the mask is active on the diffusion layer (click on mask to make sure).
8. This is the step most miss. To put some snap back into the diffusion layer, without destroying the softning you’ve just created, go to filter>sharpen>unsharp mask. Set amount to 18 to 20%, radius 50 to 60 pixels, 0 threshold and apply.
9. At this point you have the option to reduce the amount of diffusion by adjusting the opacity of the diffusion layer.

This technique is an action in the "Dave Jaseck Action Collection" which will be in the new DPreview Action Folde, which is a collection of actions by members of this forum, both past and present (Randall Smith where are you?) admirably maintained and upgraded by alot of effort by Danny Rapheal. I hope everyone appreciates the work that Danny does by maintaining this action folder....Dave

Dave Jaseck wrote:
> ...is an action in the new DPreveiw actions folder to be released
> by Danny R. around the 1st of July. It is a technique I've used
> for years. Will allow sharp eyes, jewelry, hair etc. while
> maintaining soft skin look. Watch for it...Dave
> nansaidh wrote:
> > I need some help, Id like to gently soften a portrait but keep the
> > eyes nice and clear. Can anyone give me easy instructions on this?
> > Im familiar with layers, but not certain which layer or how to
> > "clear-up" the eyes. Also, are any of you using an action to do
> > this? Id love to hear from anyone on their favorite one.
> > Cheers
>