I think you did a much better job...at least on the editing side. The photo looks very closely to the same shot...you other would have done better with just a bit more editing which you have done here...and I think it looks great for what I can see you are going for...well done.
Back to comment, lovely and you're right, neatimage and freckles don't mix. I've learned that mistake myself. :-) Wonderful improvement from the first, no lens flare, closer crop on the subject and light and sharpness are greatly improved. Well done and bumping to an 8
I knew this was you before you posted in the forums...recognized you from your self portrait. :) I do think you've done much better than your original here. The lighting and overall clarity are much improved and the lack of green orb is nice, too. Nice small catchlights in your eyes. Good job.
The light looks cool and so is the idea but I think the quality of the photo could have been better and maybe the model should fill out more of the frame.