Part 2: Faces - General Overview
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Generally, I like to start with the face when coloring. First, I create a new layer. Then I use the vector pen tool to create an outline of the area I want to colour (I use the polygon mask tool as well, but the pen tool can create smoother curves). To turn the vector outline into a mask, go to the Paths palette and click on the dotted circle at the bottom ('Loads Path as Selection'). I then fill the area with a nice flat skin colour, deselect the mask, the check "Lock Transparent Pixels" on the layers palette. I like to use a skin colour image, which I select colours from depending on what shades I feel like using. Each row is a set of colours for a different skin tone. Mat uses the third row of colours.

Next, I create new layers for the Eyes, Eyebrows, Eyelashes, Nose and Lips. The same process applies - masking a selection, then filling with a flat colour. Then, I use darker and lighter variations of the base colour to create shading - I hardly ever use the dodge and burn tools to lighten and darken areas. A few pointers for eyes - they're never white, so keep the base colour to be a slightly pinkish grey. Remember you need two highlights - a large round bright one, and a blurry, less bright one on the opposite side of the pupil. Yes, Men have eyelashes, so don't forget to put them in - just don't make them as long or as obvious as you would for a female. For lips, keep the top lip a little darker on average than the bottom lip, shade them both so they are rounded, and keep the highlights uneven and stripey. For men, keep the outlines a little soft and blurry, not harsh - they're not wearing lipstick! These two images are shown at actual size of my Photoshop file.

With the eyes, nose and mouth in place, I use my skin tones image to shade darker areas under Mat's eyes, under his lips, the corners of his mouth, etc. I actually had to move the positioning of the eyes when I was done, as when the shading around them was in place, they looked too far apart. Keep highlights to a minimum - the shiniest part is likely to be the tip of the nose, with the cheeks and chin slightly lighter than the area around them. If, at any time, something looks the wrong color, don't do it again - just use the hue/saturation adjustment filter to fix up slight problems, such as the lips being too red for a guy, or the skin being too orange.