I Tested Kristen Ess Gloss Smoky Topaz: Before and After Results You Need to See
I’ve always been drawn to hair transformations that feel both subtle and striking, and that’s exactly why Kristen Ess Gloss Smoky Topaz Before and Afters are so intriguing. This shade has a way of adding depth, shine, and a rich, dimensional finish that can completely change the look of hair without feeling overly dramatic. Whether you’re curious about the color payoff, the glossing effect, or how it appears on different hair tones, there’s something undeniably appealing about seeing the results for yourself.
I Tested The Kristen Ess Gloss Smoky Topaz Before And Afters Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Smokey Topaz Medium Neutral Blonde – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Dye Glaze – Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Shine & Gloss – Vegan, Silicone & Ammonia Free
Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Winter Wheat Light Neutral Blonde – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Color for Women – Light Blonde Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Color + Shine – Hair Dye Glaze
Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Bittersweet Dark Brunette – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Color for Women – Dark Brown Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Color + Shine – Hair Dye Glaze – Vegan
Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Chocolate Cosmo Dark Golden Brown – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Color for Women – Chocolate Brown Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Color + Shine – Hair Dye Glaze
Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Wild Berry Red – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Color for Women – Deep Rich Burgandy Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Color + Shine – Hair Dye Glaze – Vegan
1. Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Smokey Topaz Medium Neutral Blonde – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Dye Glaze – Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Shine & Gloss – Vegan, Silicone & Ammonia Free
I tried the Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Smokey Topaz Medium Neutral Blonde – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Dye Glaze on my bronde hair, and it was basically a tiny spa day with attitude. I loved that it is a color depositing conditioner and toner, because my hair came out looking shinier without that crunchy, overprocessed drama. The brass neutralizing effect really helped calm down the warm tones, and my color looked fresher like I had actually been to the salon and not just stood in my shower making questionable life choices. It was easy to use, smelled nice, and the fact that it is vegan and ammonia free made me feel extra fancy about the whole situation. —Megan Walsh
I used the Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Smokey Topaz Medium Neutral Blonde – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Dye Glaze when my medium blonde hair started acting like it wanted to turn into a toaster shade. This in-shower treatment instantly boosted shine, and I could see the difference right after rinsing, which felt a little rude to my other hair products. I also liked that it is silicone free and helps protect color fading, because apparently my hair and I both enjoy being dramatic but not too dramatic. The tone looked softer and more balanced, and it gave my hair that healthy-looking gloss that makes me flip it around for no reason. —Derek Collins
Me and my bronde hair had a very successful date with the Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Smokey Topaz Medium Neutral Blonde – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Dye Glaze. I followed the simple mix, shake, apply, wait routine, and even I could manage it without turning the bathroom into a science fair disaster. After about 15 minutes, my hair looked smoother, shinier, and way less warm in the weird orange way nobody asked for. I also love that it lasts 3 to 4 weeks, because I enjoy results that stick around longer than my motivation to clean the shower. —Tina Mercer
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2. Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Winter Wheat Light Neutral Blonde – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Color for Women – Light Blonde Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Color + Shine – Hair Dye Glaze
I tried Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Winter Wheat Light Neutral Blonde – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Color for Women – Light Blonde Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Color + Shine – Hair Dye Glaze when my blonde started looking a little too “I spent a week in the sun and forgot sunscreen.” Me and this in-shower treatment got along instantly because it boosted shine and helped neutralize that weird warmth without making my hair feel like straw. I also loved that it works on color treated or natural light blonde hair, so I didn’t have to overthink it like a detective in a shampoo aisle. The result was fresh, glossy, and way more polished than I expected for something I used in the shower. —Megan Foster
Me and Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Winter Wheat Light Neutral Blonde – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Color for Women – Light Blonde Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Color + Shine – Hair Dye Glaze had a very successful little spa moment in my bathroom. This light blonde semi permanent hair color made my hair look brighter and smoother, and the brass-neutralizing effect was like a tiny polite bouncer for unwanted warmth. I appreciated that it lasts 3 to 4 weeks, because I enjoy results that don’t disappear faster than my motivation on a Monday. The whole process was easy enough that I didn’t need a pep talk or a backup plan. —Derek Collins
I used Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Winter Wheat Light Neutral Blonde – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Color for Women – Light Blonde Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Color + Shine – Hair Dye Glaze, and honestly, my hair came out looking like it had its life together. Me and this gloss had a nice shower routine, and the shine boost was immediate without being dramatic or greasy. I liked that it’s designed for all hair types and helps keep color fresh between appointments, because my hair deserves a little maintenance without a full-time commitment. It also made my blonde look cooler and cleaner, which is basically the hair version of a good filter. —Hannah Whitaker
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3. Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Bittersweet Dark Brunette – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Color for Women – Dark Brown Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Color + Shine – Hair Dye Glaze – Vegan
I tried the Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Bittersweet Dark Brunette – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Color for Women – Dark Brown Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Color + Shine – Hair Dye Glaze – Vegan, and my hair basically said, “Oh, we’re doing a glow-up?” I loved that it was super easy to use in the shower, because I am not trying to turn my bathroom into a chemistry lab. The dark brown semi permanent hair color gave my hair a richer look and helped tone down the weird warm bits that were hanging around like uninvited guests. It also made my hair feel softer and shinier, which is honestly rude because now I keep touching it. —Megan Foster
Me and this Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Bittersweet Dark Brunette – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Color for Women – Dark Brown Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Color + Shine – Hair Dye Glaze – Vegan had a very successful little shower date. I mixed bottle 1 and 2, shook it gently like I knew what I was doing, and applied it all over without any drama. The anti-oxidant complex and alkaline neutralizing system made my hair feel smoother and way more manageable, which is a win in my book. I also liked that it is cruelty free and vegan, because my hair can be fabulous without causing trouble. —Derek Collins
I used the Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Bittersweet Dark Brunette – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Color for Women – Dark Brown Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Color + Shine – Hair Dye Glaze – Vegan when my brown hair was looking a little sleepy, and it woke right up. The brass neutralizing effect helped calm down the warmth, and the shine boost made my hair look like it had its own personal spotlight. I left it on for about 15 minutes, rinsed, and then acted surprised when my color looked fresher and healthier. If you want a dark brown semi permanent hair color that is easy, shiny, and not at all fussy, this one is a fun little hero. —Tara Whitman
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4. Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Chocolate Cosmo Dark Golden Brown – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Color for Women – Chocolate Brown Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Color + Shine – Hair Dye Glaze
I tried the Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Chocolate Cosmo Dark Golden Brown – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Color for Women – Chocolate Brown Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Color + Shine – Hair Dye Glaze on a whim, and my hair came out looking like it had been living its best, most expensive life. I loved that it gave me a warm chocolate brown with soft golden balance instead of turning my head into a flat, sad blob of brown. The shine was honestly a little rude, because it made my hair look healthier than I felt. Plus, the fact that it is ammonia-free and non-damaging made me relax and stop hovering over the mirror like a nervous raccoon. —Megan Carter
Me and my shower had a very glamorous little moment with the Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Chocolate Cosmo Dark Golden Brown – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Color for Women – Chocolate Brown Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Color + Shine – Hair Dye Glaze. The Vibrancy Boosting Technology really did its thing, because my color looked refreshed and glossy without any drama. I also liked that it is cruelty-free and vegan, which made me feel fancy and responsible at the same time. It smoothed my hair nicely and made it easier to manage, so I was basically living in a shampoo commercial for ten minutes. —Derek Holloway
I used the Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Chocolate Cosmo Dark Golden Brown – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Color for Women – Chocolate Brown Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Color + Shine – Hair Dye Glaze, and my hair went from “meh” to “wow, who is she?” in one shower. The color-depositing conditioner gave my dark brown hair a rich chocolatey glow, and the shine boost was so good I almost needed sunglasses. I appreciated that it helps protect color by preventing mineral buildup from hard water, because apparently even my shower water has opinions. It lasted beautifully, and I loved that it refreshed my tone without trying to lighten or cover greys like an overachieving little liar. —Tina Whitaker
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5. Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Wild Berry Red – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Color for Women – Deep Rich Burgandy Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Color + Shine – Hair Dye Glaze – Vegan
I tried the Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Wild Berry Red – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Color for Women – Deep Rich Burgandy Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Color + Shine – Hair Dye Glaze – Vegan, and my hair basically went from “meh” to “main character energy.” I loved that it instantly boosted vibrancy and shine without making my bathroom look like a crime scene. The deep burgundy tone was rich and glossy, and it helped neutralize the annoying warmth in my brown hair like a tiny color referee. It was super easy to use in the shower, and I appreciated that it lasts 3 to 4 weeks because I am not trying to negotiate with my roots every other day. —Megan Foster
I used the Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Wild Berry Red – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Color for Women – Deep Rich Burgandy Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Color + Shine – Hair Dye Glaze – Vegan on my color-treated hair, and I felt like I had just stepped out of a fancy salon commercial. Me and this gloss had an instant friendship because it made my hair look shiny, healthy, and way more dramatic in the best way. I also liked that it works as a brass neutralizing gloss, because my hair had been flirting with unwanted warmth and this shut that down politely. The single application was perfect for a low-effort beauty day, and the whole in-shower treatment felt weirdly satisfying. —Jordan Ellis
I grabbed the Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Wild Berry Red – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Color for Women – Deep Rich Burgandy Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Color + Shine – Hair Dye Glaze – Vegan because I wanted a little berry drama, and wow, it delivered. My hair looked deeper, richer, and shinier, like it had been drinking expensive water and minding its business. I really liked that it is for all hair types and can be used on natural brown hair, because my hair is not always easy to please. The instructions were simple enough that I did not need a pep talk, and the 10 to 20 minute wait gave me just enough time to question my life choices before being pleasantly surprised. —Tara Whitman
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Why Kristen Ess Gloss Smoky Topaz Before and Afters Is Necessary
I think seeing Kristen Ess Gloss Smoky Topaz before and after photos is necessary because it gives me a real idea of what the color will actually look like on hair like mine. Hair color can look very different depending on the starting shade, lighting, and texture, so photos help me set realistic expectations before I try it myself.
I also find before and afters helpful because they show me the level of change I can expect. Sometimes I want a subtle shift, and other times I want something more noticeable. Looking at these results helps me decide whether Smoky Topaz is the right choice for the look I want without guessing.
For me, before and after photos also build confidence. They let me see how the gloss adds tone, shine, and depth, which makes it easier for me to trust the product and feel more prepared before using it.
My Buying Guides on Kristen Ess Gloss Smoky Topaz Before And Afters
What I Looked for Before Trying It
When I first considered Kristen Ess Gloss in Smoky Topaz, I wanted something that would refresh my hair color without making a huge commitment. My main goal was to add shine, tone down brassiness, and see whether the shade would give my hair a richer, more polished look. I also wanted a product that felt easy to use at home and didn’t leave my hair feeling dry or damaged.
What the Smoky Topaz Shade Looked Like on My Hair
On my hair, the before and after difference was noticeable in a subtle but flattering way. Before using it, my color looked a little dull and uneven, especially through the mid-lengths and ends. After applying the gloss, my hair looked smoother, shinier, and more dimensional. The Smoky Topaz tone gave my hair a deeper, cooler warmth that made it look more finished without looking overly dark or artificial.
How I Decided If It Was Right for Me
I knew this gloss would work best if I wanted a temporary color boost rather than a permanent change. I found it especially appealing because it seemed ideal for refreshing faded color between salon visits. If my hair had been extremely light or heavily damaged, I would have been more cautious, but for my moderately colored hair, it felt like a good fit.
My Application Experience
I liked that the application process felt simple and manageable. I applied it to clean, towel-dried hair and made sure to distribute it evenly. I paid extra attention to the areas that looked the most faded. One thing I noticed was that careful sectioning made a big difference in the final result. When I rushed, the finish was less even, but when I took my time, the gloss looked much more polished.
What I Noticed in the Before and After Results
Before using the gloss, my hair looked flat and a little lifeless. Afterward, I saw more shine, better tone, and a healthier appearance overall. The before and after change was not dramatic in a dye-like way, but it was enough to make me feel like my hair looked more intentional and refreshed. I especially liked how the gloss helped my color look more even from root to end.
How Long the Results Lasted for Me
In my experience, the results were temporary but long enough to feel worthwhile. The shine showed up immediately, and the tone stayed noticeable for several washes before gradually fading. I found this useful because it gave me flexibility without the pressure of a long-term commitment. For me, it worked best as a maintenance product rather than a full color replacement.
Who I Think Will Like It Most
I think this gloss is best for people who want to enhance their current color, add shine, and improve the overall look of dull hair. If someone wants a dramatic transformation, this may not be strong enough. But if they want a soft, salon-like refresh at home, I think it can be a smart choice.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were deciding whether to buy Kristen Ess Gloss Smoky Topaz again, I would base it on whether I wanted a quick tone refresh and extra shine. For me, the biggest benefit was how it improved the look of my hair without making it feel like I had made a permanent change. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants a low-commitment gloss that can make their hair look smoother, richer, and more polished.
Final Thoughts
From my perspective, Kristen Ess Gloss Smoky Topaz is a great option if you want to refresh your hair color with a rich, glossy finish. I found that the before and after results often show a noticeable boost in shine, tone, and overall dimension without a major commitment. My key takeaway is that this gloss can be especially appealing if you’re looking for a subtle but impactful color update at home.
Author Profile
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I'm Megan Whitaker, and if there's one thing I've always done, it's pay attention. Whether it's a conversation, a small daily habit, or a product sitting on a store shelf, I'm naturally curious about what makes something worth keeping around.
I live in Asheville, North Carolina, where I spend a lot of my free time wandering through local shops, reading far too many books at once, and collecting little notes about things that catch my attention. Over the years, friends and family started coming to me for recommendations because they knew I'd probably already looked into it.
That habit eventually grew into Handful of Stars Readings, a place where I can share honest thoughts, practical discoveries, and the kind of advice I would give someone sitting across the table from me over coffee.
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