Hi Grouchomarx,
Like Paul wrote, I can't be sure what you mean by "better", but here's what I did (in the GIMP):
* Sharpen edges with "Unsharp Mask" on default settings. This sharpens anything that looks like a soft edge, including actually-soft edges, and is often not desirable for faces.
* Correct for overexposure by reducing gamma. I reduced it from the 1 the original file is deemed to be to 0.75. This is like increasing contrast but more sophisticated. It corrects the gradation of tone. It does not restore "blown" completely whited-out areas, nor can it restore blacked-out areas; rather, it shifts, say, light and very light areas to bolder mid-tones and light areas.
* Correct for now reddish color of face by decreasing saturation of red.
* Correct for overall lack of saturation without affecting face much by increasing saturation of green.
Each of these effects could be applied to a discrete area for more control.
