Exactly this! I always found that seeing facial structures as shapes rather than facial features is really helpful.
Studying anatomy is a necessity.
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/1782213589/ref=cm_sw_r_fm_apa_glt_fabc_WERTXV2VGMCK1QAGTRF0
Agreed, that the blending improved but once OP understands what's going on UNDER the skin simply "shading" what's on top of the skin will never look right.
Learning proper human anatomy is key.
The Loomis books (free-to-read online links in the side bar) are pretty good, though they focus on the general aspects of figure drawing rather than anatomic details.
For more in-depth stuff, look for Gottfried Bammes' books, particularly this one (originally published in German, as "Die Gestalt des Menschen".
Is it Gottfried Bammes? Here’s a link to the English translation of one of his books on Amazon.
I recommend this book. Its awesome! https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Guide-Anatomy-Artists-Illustrators/dp/1782213589