Before or After ?

LiquidElephant

I wasn't sure what forum exactly this should go into, but it is a portrait after all

I took some pictures of my housemate last night at her request, and I'm now just going through and doing a few edits. This is one of the first, and I can't decide.
Here's the before (left) and after (right): http://db.tt/Qvg9J92I

The changes made bring her hair colour out really nicely, and I prefer the colour of the brickwork too, but I can't quite decide whether or not it whitens the skin too much.

Any and all advice would be appreciated

Also on the crop - hand or no hand? I went equipped with my biggest and favourite lens (17-55 f/2.8) but it's having serious problems focusing (need to get it fixed) so I ended up shooting with the nifty fifty for most shots!

VayCayMom

A little less bright than #2 would be my pick, and I tend to like slight over exposure.

babowc

#2, right image, but I'd love to see a shot with a better crop instead of your subject in the middle of the frame.
As for the hand.. is that cropped or is that the original picture?

Scootersbabygirl

I prefer the one on the right - but as someone else said I don't like the positioning in the photo. Roommate is pretty, though!