I was really excited to have a chance to try this product free, and I was hoping I would love it. Unfortunately that wasn't the case. For starters, this had to be the messiest formula I've ever used (and I've used a number of them). Advertising shows such a thick and luxurious looking foam, yet this was more soapy and runny than shown. Even with the gloves, I had foam running all over my wrists and dripping on the counter and floor. Second, it smelled terrible. I always expect a slight ammonia odor with any hair color, but this was so much stronger than I am used to. At one point it got so bad that I was convinced it was burning my hair. Even my husband (who never complains when I color my hair) requested that I stay out of the living room because the smell was so strong. So...after all that, I was really getting nervous about the color. I chose the Light Auburn which was closest to my current color. Upon application, the formula was a strange shade of carrot (actually closer to iodine). I waited the 25 minutes, then washed it out. My hair felt like wet straw at first, and again I was nervous that it may have burned. I did start to use the conditioner that came in the kit, but it also smelled terrible so I opted for my expensive hair masque instead which quickly softened and hydrated it back to normal. In all honesty, the only redeeming quality is the final color...I like it, and it's only a tad darker than the example on the box. I don't believe I'll be using this one again and will stick to their gel formula instead as I have always had good results with it.