Problems with Blending Taylor Swift Face.

I tried looking all over online to see how to improve my blending but I cannot seem to find anything. When I shade I try cross hatching with an HB pencil and then blend with tissue. I am getting random dark spots that are irritating and I dont feel I am getting the proper shade, darkness and smoothness as the original picture.

Your help is appreciated!

Have you tried using softer pencils than HB? Also maybe try laying down the graphite a bit more softly and evenly than crosshatching and blending using circulism with a stump. I'm no expert by any means but mebbe trying something a bit different will help

Look up the circular method of shading. There is a tutorial on this forum.
If you go by the guidelines you should have a much smoother and consistent finish.

Personally, I start with a 2H and build to whatever degree I need to go. I use blending stubs as well.
Be careful using this method though, you can get a picture that is too blended, which is one of my issues right now.

Thank you guys very much, it means a lot to me you spent your time helping!

Hello,
I'm new here. Just thought I'd give my 2 cents. Try putting down a base tone, like what Tanner05 said. I like using the cross hatching technique to cover what needs to be covered at that time. Use softer pencils to shadow in places that needs to be. Since you already put a base tone, not all areas will need it. Build up tone from there. I also agree with the people above and use a circular blending technique. I'm no pro, but this is what has worked for me. Keep us posted with the finished work. Good Luck!

Try holding the far end of the pencil and not near the point,you will have a lighter touch..then use cotton face wipes (dry),as others said..build as you go.

One major factor could be the type of paper being used. What kind is it?

Personally im not using harder pencils than hb,,softest is the 9b for really dark spots,,cant give u more advice then it has been said already,,but also try to use erasers for highlights,,also again its all personal ,,im not using anythin else but my finger tips to do all shadings,,i did try tissues, cottons, quetips,,nothin did work out better then clean fingers .

about the paper,,i'm about to do a new project,,just bought a new paper,,i was looking for Bristol but they didnt had it in A1 size,,so i got heavy weight 300gsm,,,any idea if that will give a good final result if im using pencils only? Or should i get lighter smooth finished paper?