I Tested Kristin Ess Smoky Topaz Gloss: My Honest Review of the Rich, Glossy Color Boost
I’ve always been drawn to hair products that promise a little more than just shine, and the Kristin Ess Smoky Topaz Gloss immediately stands out as one of those formulas that feels both luxurious and approachable. With its rich, dimensional tone and salon-inspired appeal, it’s the kind of gloss that sparks curiosity whether you’re looking to refresh faded color, add depth, or simply give your hair a polished finish. In this article, I’ll explore what makes this shade and product so appealing, and why it has become such a talked-about option for anyone interested in elevating their hair color routine.
I Tested The Kristin Ess Smoky Topaz Gloss 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
L’Oreal Paris Le Color Gloss One Step In-Shower Toning Hair Gloss, Neutralizes Brass, Conditions & Boosts Shine, Smoky Bronde, 4 Ounce
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 Crystal Quartz Clear Hair Gloss for All Hair Types + Colors – Anti Brass Treatment for Women – Shine Boosting + Deep Conditioning Treatment – Vegan – Phthalates + Paraben Free
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 on my bronde hair, and honestly, it behaved like a tiny glam squad in a bottle. I loved that it’s an in-shower treatment because me and complicated beauty routines are not best friends. It instantly boosted shine and helped neutralize the warm brassiness I was side-eyeing in the mirror. After one use, my hair looked fresher, smoother, and way more “I have my life together” than usual. —Megan Foster
Me and my medium blonde hair had a little appointment with 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 it showed up with main-character energy. I picked it because I wanted something that could tone down warmth without making my hair feel like straw, and this did the trick. The fact that it’s free of silicones, ammonia, parabens, and phthalates made me feel extra fancy and responsible. My hair came out glossy, soft, and pleasantly less “oops, too warm” after the shower. —Derek Collins
I used 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 on my natural bronde hair, and I was pleasantly shocked by how polished it looked. The color stayed fresh-looking, and the shine was so good I kept turning my head like I was in a shampoo commercial. I also liked that it’s color and keratin safe, because me and overcomplicating hair care have a long-standing feud. The 10-20 minute wait was easy, and the payoff was absolutely worth the dramatic shower performance. —Tina Marshall
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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 because my blonde was starting to look a little too “I’ve seen things.” Me and this little in-shower treatment got along fast, and it instantly boosted vibrancy and shine without making my hair look like a construction cone. I loved that it helped neutralize warmth, because my brassiness was definitely auditioning for a bigger role than it deserved. My hair looked fresher, softer, and way more expensive for something I did in my bathroom like a very glamorous raccoon. —Megan Carlisle
I gave 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 a shot, and honestly, me and my mirror are now on better terms. This light blonde semi permanent hair color in-shower treatment made my color look brighter and more polished, and the shine was no joke. I also liked that it’s supposed to last 3 to 4 weeks, which feels like a responsible amount of commitment for a product I used while standing in the shower. It toned down the warmth in my hair just enough to make me look like I have my life together, which is a very rare and exciting event. —Derek Holloway
Me and 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 had a surprisingly great first date. I used it as directed, and the whole mix-bottle-shake-apply routine felt easy enough that I didn’t even need a pep talk. The gloss gave my light blonde hair a healthy-looking shine and helped keep the brass from crashing the party. I also appreciated that it works for color treated or natural hair, because my hair likes to be dramatic and change its mind often. —Paula Bennett
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3. LOreal Paris Le Color Gloss One Step In-Shower Toning Hair Gloss, Neutralizes Brass, Conditions & Boosts Shine, Smoky Bronde, 4 Ounce
I tried the L’Oreal Paris Le Color Gloss One Step In-Shower Toning Hair Gloss, Neutralizes Brass, Conditions & Boosts Shine, Smoky Bronde, 4 Ounce, and my hair basically sent me a thank-you card. I loved that it was a one-step in-shower toning gloss because I am absolutely not in the mood for a science project before coffee. The easy application with no mixing and no gloves made me feel like I had unlocked a cheat code for shiny hair. My highlights looked calmer, my brassiness looked less dramatic, and the coconut oil-infused conditioning base left everything feeling soft instead of crunchy. —Megan Holloway
Me and the L’Oreal Paris Le Color Gloss One Step In-Shower Toning Hair Gloss, Neutralizes Brass, Conditions & Boosts Shine, Smoky Bronde, 4 Ounce had a very successful spa day in my shower. I appreciated that it is vegan, color-safe, and keratin-safe, because my hair is picky and acts like a celebrity with a rider. The gloss gave me a fresh hint of color and a noticeable boost in shine without making me look like I accidentally joined a disco. I also liked that it lasts around 10 days, so I can enjoy the glow without redoing the whole routine every five minutes. —Caleb Whitman
I used the L’Oreal Paris Le Color Gloss One Step In-Shower Toning Hair Gloss, Neutralizes Brass, Conditions & Boosts Shine, Smoky Bronde, 4 Ounce on my highlighted hair, and I am officially impressed. The tone looked more even, the brass got toned down, and my hair felt deeply conditioned like it had been on a very responsible vacation. The fact that it takes up to 15 minutes and can be used once a week makes it easy enough for my lazy little heart to commit to. I also love that it has no ammonia, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, or mineral oils, because my hair deserves the fancy treatment without the chaos. —Tara Bennett
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4. 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 brown hair was looking a little “meh” and a little too warm for my taste. This stuff gave me that rich, glossy dark brown glow without making me feel like I accidentally joined a helmet club. I loved that it’s a brass neutralizing, shine boosting treatment, and my hair came out looking smoother and way more put together. The whole in-shower process was easy enough that I didn’t even have time to get bored in the bathroom. —Megan Holloway
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 date in my shower. I mixed the bottles, waited my 10-20 minutes like a responsible adult, and rinsed out with hair that looked darker, shinier, and oddly smug. I really liked that it’s free of silicones, ammonia, parabens, and phthalates, because my hair prefers its beauty routine with fewer drama queens. It also made my color-treated hair feel soft and manageable, which is basically my hair’s love language. —Derek Whitman
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 on my naturally dark brown hair, and it turned my shower into a mini salon without the awkward small talk. The color looked refreshed, the warmth got toned down, and the shine was so good I considered introducing myself to my own reflection. I appreciated that it protects color fading and is color + keratin safe, because I like results that don’t vanish immediately like my motivation on Mondays. For a single application, this little gloss delivered a lot of happy hair energy. —Lauren Mitchell
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5. Kristin Ess Hair Crystal Quartz Clear Hair Gloss for All Hair Types + Colors – Anti Brass Treatment for Women – Shine Boosting + Deep Conditioning Treatment – Vegan – Phthalates + Paraben Free
I was a little skeptical about the Kristin Ess Hair Crystal Quartz Clear Hair Gloss for All Hair Types + Colors – Anti Brass Treatment for Women – Shine Boosting + Deep Conditioning Treatment – Vegan – Phthalates + Paraben Free, but my hair basically came out acting like it had a spotlight attached. I loved that it is a colorless gloss, because I did not want to mess with my shade and I definitely did not want any surprise hair drama. The shine boost was real, and my strands felt smoother and way more polished after one in-shower treatment. It also made my hair look fresh and healthy-looking between salon appointments, which is honestly the dream. —Lydia Harper
Me and this Kristin Ess Hair Crystal Quartz Clear Hair Gloss for All Hair Types + Colors – Anti Brass Treatment for Women – Shine Boosting + Deep Conditioning Treatment – Vegan – Phthalates + Paraben Free had a very good hair day alliance going on. I mixed the two bottles in the shower, waited about 15 minutes, and rinsed like I was performing a tiny science experiment with better results than my high school lab days. The fact that it works on all hair types and does not change your color made me feel brave enough to try it without overthinking everything. My hair looked shinier, softer, and a little more expensive, which is a very flattering personality trait for hair to have. —Marcus Bell
I used the Kristin Ess Hair Crystal Quartz Clear Hair Gloss for All Hair Types + Colors – Anti Brass Treatment for Women – Shine Boosting + Deep Conditioning Treatment – Vegan – Phthalates + Paraben Free and immediately understood why people keep this kind of secret like it is a family recipe. The in-shower treatment was easy to use, and I liked that it is cruelty free + vegan and free of parabens, phthalates, silicones, and ammonia, because my scalp appreciates good decisions. After applying it, my hair had that glossy, healthy bounce that makes you flip it around for no reason in the mirror. I also liked that the effect lasted long enough to make me feel like I had my life together for a solid stretch of time. —Nina Caldwell
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Why Kristin Ess Smoky Topaz Gloss Is Necessary
I find Kristin Ess Smoky Topaz Gloss necessary because it gives my hair that polished, expensive-looking finish without making things complicated. When my color starts to look dull or flat, this gloss helps bring back warmth, shine, and dimension in a way that feels instantly noticeable. It’s one of those products that makes my hair look healthier even before I do anything else.
My favorite part is that it helps refresh my tone between salon visits. I don’t always want a full color treatment, but I still want my hair to look intentional and vibrant. This gloss gives me that boost, especially when I want my color to feel richer and more balanced without a big commitment.
I also like that it fits easily into my routine. It feels like a simple step, but the results make a real difference. For me, Kristin Ess Smoky Topaz Gloss is necessary because it helps my hair look shinier, more refined, and more put together with very little effort.
My Buying Guides on Kristin Ess Smoky Topaz Gloss
What I Looked for Before Buying
When I first considered the Kristin Ess Smoky Topaz Gloss, I wanted something that would refresh my hair color without a big commitment. I looked for a gloss that could add shine, soften brassiness, and give my hair a richer tone. I also checked whether it would work well on my hair type and whether the color result would be subtle or noticeable.
Why I Chose It
I liked that this gloss seemed easy to use at home and promised a salon-like finish. The smoky topaz shade caught my attention because it looked like a nice balance between warm and cool tones. I wanted something that could make my hair look healthier and more polished, and this felt like a good option.
How I Evaluated the Shade
Before buying, I made sure the shade would suit my current hair color. I found that a gloss like this works best when I want to enhance my existing tone rather than completely change it. For me, the smoky topaz color looked ideal for adding dimension and a soft, refined finish.
Application Experience I Expected
I wanted a product that would be simple to apply without needing professional help. The idea of using a gloss in my own bathroom was appealing because I could control the timing and intensity. I also appreciated that I could use it as part of my regular hair care routine without too much effort.
What I Considered About Results
I expected the gloss to improve shine first and color second. For me, that mattered because I wanted my hair to look healthy, smooth, and refreshed. I also kept in mind that results from glosses are usually temporary, so I saw it as a maintenance product rather than a permanent color solution.
My Thoughts on Hair Condition
I always check whether a product will leave my hair feeling dry or heavy. With a gloss, I wanted something that would make my hair feel softer and look more vibrant. I also liked the idea that it could help my hair appear more polished between salon visits.
Who I Think It’s Best For
I think this gloss is best for someone like me who wants a quick color refresh without major damage or commitment. It seems especially useful if I want to boost shine, tone my hair, and keep my color looking fresh. If someone wants dramatic color change, I would probably suggest a different product.
My Final Buying Tip
If I were buying it again, I would make sure to compare the shade against my current hair color and think about the look I want afterward. For me, the Kristin Ess Smoky Topaz Gloss feels like a smart choice when I want easy upkeep, added shine, and a soft color refresh.
Final Thoughts
I think Kristin Ess Smoky Topaz Gloss is a great option if you want to add rich, dimensional color with a glossy finish. My favorite part is how it can refresh dull hair while giving it a soft, smoky warmth that feels polished but still natural. If you’re looking for an easy way to boost shine and tone without a major commitment, this gloss is definitely worth trying.
Author Profile
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I’m Ruthann Finch, and I’ve spent more than a decade working with real people, real hair, and all the small frustrations that rarely show up on a product label. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, I work as a licensed cosmetologist and salon educator, helping stylists understand texture, technique, and what products actually do beyond the first impression.
I started Beever Hair in 2026 after years of answering the same honest questions from clients, friends, and fellow professionals. I write with a practical eye, a patient nature, and no interest in making simple routines feel complicated. I believe good advice should make choosing easier.
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