With a shot this tight, skin tonality should be even. It's lost slightly in her chin and forehead. I totally am in agreement with the expression of the face on the right side of your profile pic! What was I THINKING?

I have to say I like this photo better then your one that actually won. I dont think that the light on her nose looks like a hot spot, it's a highlight. It definately dose not look like she has a beard. I dont think the earning makes or breaks the photo as a leading line. when I see this picture I atomaticlly look at her eye and the intensity in it. I think the side crop is creative and diffrent. I think it's and awesome Photo I wish this one could have won or placed in the top 5.