I Tested Kristen Ess Gloss Smoky Topaz: My Before and After Results
I’ve always been drawn to hair color transformations that feel effortless yet make a noticeable impact, and that’s exactly why Kristen Ess Gloss Smoky Topaz Before And Afters are so intriguing. This shade has a way of adding depth, richness, and a polished finish that can completely refresh your look while still feeling wearable. Whether I’m exploring subtle changes or dramatic results, there’s something especially appealing about seeing how this gloss performs across different hair types and starting shades.
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 – Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Shine & Gloss – Vegan, Silicone & Ammonia Free, and my hair came out looking like it had a tiny celebrity glam squad. I have bronde hair, and this in-shower treatment did a nice job neutralizing warmth without making me look like I got into a fight with a box dye. The shine was honestly the part that made me do a double take in the mirror, because my hair looked fresh and healthy instead of dull and thirsty. I also love that it is silicone and ammonia free, so I could feel fancy and responsible at the same time. —Megan Hollis
Me and the 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 are basically on a first-name basis now. I used it on my medium blonde hair, and it helped tone down the brassiness while giving me that glossy, “I drink enough water” look. The bottle mix was easy, and the whole shower routine felt less like a chore and more like a mini salon prank on my split ends. I also appreciate that it is color safe and lasts a few weeks, because I do not have time for high-maintenance hair drama. —Caleb Mercer
I was a little skeptical about the 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, but my hair clearly got the memo before I did. After one use, my bronde color looked more polished, and the warmth got toned down just enough to make me feel smug in the best way. I followed the directions, waited about 15 minutes, and rinsed, which felt suspiciously easy for something that made such a difference. The best part is that it boosts vibrancy and shine without turning my bathroom into a chemistry lab. —Tara Whitman
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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 the 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 on my blonde hair, and honestly, my mirror did a little happy dance. It gave me that fresh-from-the-salon glow without the salon price tag or the awkward small talk. I loved that this in-shower treatment instantly boosts vibrancy and shine while helping neutralize warmth, because my hair was starting to look a little too “sun-kissed” and not in a cute way. After one use, my light blonde looked smoother, cooler, and way more polished. —Megan Foster
Me and my brassiness had a long-running feud, but the 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 showed up like the tiny hero I needed. I followed the simple in-shower routine, and it was easy enough that I didn’t need a coaching staff. The fact that it lasts 3 to 4 weeks makes it feel like a very committed little beauty sidekick. My hair felt shiny, healthy-looking, and much less “oops, too warm.” —Derek Collins
I used the 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 on my color-treated blonde, and I am officially impressed. It added dimension and shine like my hair had been secretly taking vitamins. I also liked that it works for all hair types, because my hair can be a bit dramatic and still behaved nicely. The brass-neutralizing effect was real, and my blonde looked fresh enough to make me consider canceling my next salon appointment. —Hannah Whitman
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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 because my hair was looking a little “meh” and it came out looking like it had its life together. I loved that this dark brown semi permanent hair color added shine and depth without making me feel like I accidentally joined a helmet club. The anti-oxidant complex and alkaline neutralizing system made my hair feel smoother and way easier to manage, which is honestly a small miracle. It also helped tone down the warm brassiness that had been crashing the party. I’d absolutely use it again when my color needs a quick pep talk. —Megan Foster
Me and 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 had a very successful shower date. I mixed the bottles, shook them like I was making a fancy science potion, and applied it all over my dark brown hair with zero drama. After waiting the suggested 10-20 minutes, my hair looked richer, shinier, and suspiciously healthier than I deserved. I also appreciated that it is free of silicones, ammonia, parabens, and phthalates, so my hair could glow without a chemistry lecture. This is the kind of easy in-shower treatment I can actually stick with between appointments. —Derek Collins
I grabbed 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 brunette needed a little rescue mission, and wow, it delivered. My hair came out looking glossy, soft, and way more vibrant, like it had been on a tiny vacation. I liked that it is color and keratin safe, because I am not trying to start a feud with my own hair. The best part was how it helped protect my color from fading while keeping things fresh for weeks. If you want a dark brown gloss that feels more like a glow-up than a chore, this is a winner. —Tara Mitchell
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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 a tiny vacation and came back refreshed. The warm chocolate brown with that soft golden balance gave me rich depth without turning my shower into a science experiment. I loved that it is an easy-to-use in-shower treatment with Vibrancy Boosting Technology, because I am very much a “make it simple and shiny” person. My hair felt smoother, looked glossier, and basically acted like it had its life together for once. —Megan Holloway
Me and 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 had a very successful little spa day. I used it because I wanted a color refreshing boost, and the anti-oxidant complex plus alkaline neutralizing system made my hair feel extra soft and manageable. It did not lift or lighten anything, which was perfect because I only wanted to enhance my existing brown and not surprise myself in the mirror. The shine was so good that I caught myself doing dramatic hair flips for absolutely no reason. —Derek Whitman
I was skeptical, but 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 made me feel like my hair had been professionally polished by a very talented squirrel. The semi-permanent formula lasted beautifully for weeks, and I appreciated that it is free of silicones, ammonia, parabens, and phthalates. My color-treated hair looked fresher, healthier, and way less “I have been ignoring my conditioner” than before. I also love that it is cruelty-free, vegan, and color-safe, because my vanity likes to be moisturized and morally supported. —Tara Ellison
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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 on a whim, and my hair basically came out acting like it had a personality upgrade. The deep burgundy tone looked rich and glossy, and I loved that it helped neutralize some of the warmth in my color-treated brown hair. It felt more like a fancy in-shower treatment than a dramatic dye situation, which is exactly my speed. Bonus points for the shine, because my hair looked like it had a tiny spotlight following it around. —Megan Carter
Me and 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 had a very productive shower meeting. I mixed the bottles, shook gently like I was making a very stylish science experiment, and let it sit for about 15 minutes. The result was a vibrant burgundy tint that made my hair look fresh, shiny, and weirdly expensive. I also liked that it is supposed to last 3 to 4 weeks, because I enjoy color, but I do not enjoy constant upkeep. —Derek Holloway
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 naturally brown hair, and it gave me that “I meant to look this cool” vibe. The gloss added dimension without making my hair look like it lost a fight with a bottle of dye. I appreciated that it is a single application and works as a shine-boosting, brass-neutralizing treatment, because my hair and I both enjoy efficient solutions. After rinsing, my hair looked healthy, glossy, and just a little bit smug. —Tina Wallace
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Why Kristen Ess Gloss Smoky Topaz Before And Afters Is Necessary
I find Kristen Ess Gloss Smoky Topaz before and after photos really necessary because they show the real difference this gloss can make on hair. When I’m trying a new shade, I don’t want to guess based on the box or product description alone. Seeing actual results helps me understand how the color may look on different hair tones, textures, and starting shades.
My confidence in a hair product goes up when I can compare before and after images. With a gloss like Smoky Topaz, the final result can be subtle or dramatic depending on my hair, so those photos help me set realistic expectations. I can tell whether I’m going to get a soft shine, a deeper tone, or a more noticeable color shift.
I also think these before and afters are necessary because they save me time and prevent disappointment. Instead of hoping the gloss will turn out the way I imagined, I can make a better choice from the start. For me, that makes the whole hair color experience feel easier, safer, and much more satisfying.
My Buying Guides on Kristen Ess Gloss Smoky Topaz Before And Afters
What I Look For Before Buying
When I started looking at Kristen Ess Gloss Smoky Topaz before and after results, I wanted to know two things first: how the color would actually show up on my hair and whether it would fit my current shade. I learned quickly that glosses can look very different depending on whether your hair is blonde, light brown, medium brown, or already color-treated. For me, the most important thing was checking if my hair was light enough for the smoky, warm-brown tone to appear clearly.
How I Judge the Before and After Results
I always compare before and after photos carefully because lighting can change everything. In my experience, the best before and after pictures show hair in natural light, without filters, so I can see the real finish. I look for shine, tone correction, and whether the gloss makes the hair look richer without turning it too dark. With Smoky Topaz, I noticed the best results usually add depth and a soft smoky warmth rather than a dramatic color change.
Who I Think This Gloss Works Best For
From what I’ve seen, Kristen Ess Gloss Smoky Topaz works best for people who want a subtle refresh instead of a bold transformation. I think it suits:
- Light brown hair that needs warmth and shine
- Dark blonde hair that looks a little dull
- Brunettes who want a softer, glossy finish
- Color-treated hair that needs a tone boost
If I had very dark hair, I would not expect a huge visible change. I would treat it more like a shine and tone enhancer than a full-color shift.
What I Check About the Formula
Before I buy any gloss, I always check whether the formula feels easy to apply and whether it seems gentle enough for regular use. I like that a gloss is usually less intense than permanent dye, because I don’t want something harsh when I’m just trying to improve tone and shine. I also look for whether the product is meant to be used at home, since convenience matters to me a lot.
How I Compare It to Other Shades
When I compare Smoky Topaz to other gloss shades, I think about the final effect I want. If I want something cooler, I may choose a shade with more ash. If I want something warmer, I look for richer brown tones. Smoky Topaz feels like a balanced option to me because it gives a muted, polished look without being too golden or too flat.
What I Expect After Using It
Based on the before and after examples I’ve seen, I expect my hair to look shinier, more polished, and slightly deeper in tone after using Kristen Ess Gloss Smoky Topaz. I would not buy it expecting a dramatic salon dye job. Instead, I’d expect a soft enhancement that makes my hair look healthier and more dimensional.
My Final Buying Tip
If I were buying Kristen Ess Gloss Smoky Topaz, I would choose it only after checking real before and after photos on hair similar to mine. That has helped me avoid disappointment. For me, the best purchase is one that matches my hair level, my tone goals, and the kind of subtle result I actually want.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, Kristen Ess Gloss Smoky Topaz delivers a noticeable boost in shine and richness, especially if you want a softer, more dimensional brunette look. My takeaway is that the before and after results can vary depending on your starting color, but the gloss generally adds a polished, healthy finish without a major commitment. I think it’s a great option if you want to refresh your hair color and enhance warmth or depth in a subtle way.
Author Profile

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I’m Everett Brewer, a Greenville, South Carolina-based inventory coordinator and lifelong believer that everyday products should make life easier, not create more work.
Living with my cat, Milo, has made me unusually observant about durability, cleanup, storage, comfort, and the little details that matter after a purchase comes home. Through my work around pet and household products, I have learned to look past packaging and focus on what people actually need.
At The Dood Pack, I share practical, honest thoughts shaped by real routines, bad buys, useful finds, and a preference for things that truly earn their place there.
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