Questions, about hair color/highlights.

Hi, I'm embarrased to admit that I can't really tell if the "Highlights(using foil) is really noticable, from a professional stylist.

  I remember her telling me she couldn't color on already colored hair. I told her the ends(1/4 inch on the sides was faded from coloring it Fushia back in July 2005.

 Plus she mixed very neutral color, maybe it was just to add shine to my already naturally pretty red hair.

 All I know is My Stylist did a better job with my "Practice" Updo(for my wedding.

 I'm not sure I want to pay 80 bucks for color alone anymore.

 My question is, Does anybody have a favorite over the counter semi perminent haircolor(I'm thinking highlights, lowlights, using med brown, and/or auburn. Heck even that L'oreal after 12 shampoos color in funky shades(such as cherry?)

 I Thank You all for Your input!