Going from this
to this
with NO curves :D
-Prepare base
-Duplicate to screen 100%
-New layer #000628 exclusion 100%
-New layer #000628 exclusion 90%
-New layer #c5c5c5 burn 100%
-Merge all (Layers > Merge > Merge all)
-New color balance layer (Layers > New Adjustment Layer > Color Balance)
Shadows
Color levels: 5, 5, 5
Midtones
Color levels: 5, -5, 5
Highlights
Color levels: 5, 5, 5
-Paste
this texture as a new layer and set it to screen 100%
-Add text/brushes and you’re done :)
Other icons with the same technique-