I used different pencil grades on this self portrait. I began, as has been my habit, on the left side of the page with a very sharp number 2 pencil, on the ear.  This lessens the the smearing. For the dark areas, I used a number 6 pencil, which is very soft. I also made use of a .3mm mechanical pencil with a soft lead for deep, dark, thin lines.

Quarantine Portrait Series: Self Portrait – Grimace
Pencil Sketch
9″x12″ 140# Cold Pressed Watercolor Block