1. First step - duplicate the base layer and set it to Screen, 50-60% opacity.
2. Apply Topaz Clean (Cartoon option, strength - 0, accent - 2, everything else remains the same). Then smart sharpen the image with the amount 500 and radius 0.3, more accurate box checked.
3. Apply colouring. (I usually use the PSDs as a base.) Adjust all the layers until you are happy with the result. (PSD resources.)
4. Ctrl + Alt + Shift + E to merge all visible layers. Now use textures. I usually use from two to four textures. My favorite are this, this and this. This way, if you don’t know how to use textures. (Resources: answered here.)
5. Merge all the layers. Duplicate the layer ans set it to screen, 15-20% opacity. Then go to Filter • Blur • Gaussian Blur and set it to 2,5-3.
6. Duplicate the last layer and set it to Soft Light, 20-30% opacity.
And… Done.
How to make a perfect~ gif
1. Do not reduce the colors even if you have to delete a few frames. Do not do it!
2. Duplicate the base layer and set it to Screen, 50% opacity.
3. SHARPEN it.
4. Use dark corners (provided by Amy).
5. Use textures.
(And since people keep asking me, yes, sometimes I do use Topaz Clean).