This portrait of Megan, a former Guess Jeans model, was painted for ~Eternities-End as part of the Sketch Challenge that I ran in 2006.
Chuffed with the final result of this - possibly the nearest to photorealism I've gotten. Especially pleased with the hair and sunglasses.
No fancy brushes or plug-ins were used - just the default brushes and tools.
Photoshop CS2 + Wacom
6½-7 hours work
2400 x 3000 @ 300ppi = 49MB
WIPS
SKETCH
PLEASE NOTE: This was created as a gift for another deviant and not as a paid commission, therefore I have ticked the 'Critique not desired' box. 
`ChewedKandi has certainly gone out of her way to keep the vector community on the right path. Always making sure that her talents are infinitely scalable, Sharon has put her bezier curves to excellent use, and firmly anchored herself as an inspirational leader. We're absolutely delighted to bestow the Deviousness Award for June 2013 to `ChewedKandi. Congratulations, Sharon! Read More
Sta.sh
Which CS brushes do you use fir skin?
I use the standard PhotoShop brushes rather than custom ones. I have a Tutorials section in my gallery. This one deals with painting skin texture. Hope it helps.