Oh, the quest for realistic smoke in photography, I've been there! I remember trying to use digital smoke brushes in my photos, but they just didn't look right. It felt frustrating, especially after you put so much effort into a shot.
What actually worked for me was using real smoke sources, like incense sticks. It's amazing how using something authentic can change the whole vibe of the photo. You get to play around with the smoke, directing it for that perfect, natural look. It's definitely more work, but the results can be so rewarding.
And about creating smoke effects from the mouth or nose, I've seen some photographers use vapes, like Esco Bar Pastel Cartel, to produce a controlled amount of smoke. It's a neat trick and can add a really cool element to your portraits.