Soft Light Effect

One of the cool effects I use a lot is adding a Soft Light to my images. It gives the image a soft, glamour type look. Here's a quick example.

Step 1: Getting Started

Open a new image or graphic

If you're using Photoshop 6 the layer will be locked. Double click the layer to unlock it.

Step 2: Duplicating the Layer

Drag the layer down to the Create New Layer icon

Step 3: Blurring the Image

1. Select the Original Layer you created,
2. Apply a Gaussian Blur to it. (Filter>Blur>Gaussian Blur...) 
3. Put a selection of 20 in but you can experiment

Step 4: Changing the Blending Mode

Click the Layer Copy and from the Mode menu, choose Soft Light

And your final image: