there might not be a magic recipe for you ... best thing is practice, practice, practice!
couple tips:
try different tools (spatulas, scrapers, paint rollers for the Melvira method, etc). you might find something that really helps!
try high-ratio shortening. this is better at absorbing sugar than regular shortening (e.g. Crisco).
invest in Sharon Zambito's dvd: http://www.sugaredproductions.com/_product_85116/buttercream_dvd, or better yet, take a class from her!
I recommend Indydebi's if you are going to use Crisco and SugarShack's recipe if you can get Hi-ratio shortening. I did the math and price wise I think the hi-ration only costs me about $2 more for a double batch and it is sooo worth it. Both of those recipes smooth very well for me but I can't stress enough how valuable the SugarShack DVD - Perfecting the Art of Buttercream actually is. Your cakes will be amazing smooth and her techniques do work with other recipes as well. I rewatch her DVD about once every 2 months so I don't forget all the little details.
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