I now get my highlights and lowlights done professionally (blond), but for years I did it myself and tried all kinds.
I think Feria is pretty bad (at least for blond hair) because it is VERY strong and really dries your hair out. My hair is very thick and healthy despite coloring, but after Feria it felt "crunchy"--and that is never a good thing with hair! I have read some bad reviews on it on a blond hair coloring board too--so I don't think it is just me.
I have also heard terrible stories about the new L'Oreal Coloure Expert (multi-tonal highlights)-absolute disaster stories of orange highlights and bad base colors. It is a pity because they have really great marketing that makes it look so appealing!
I actually have had great luck with L'Oreal Preference, though.
Any at-home bleaching or highlighting kit, for starters :-P . I have yet to try one that didn't come out really orangey and/or uneven. Then there's. . . *thinks hard, tries to get it right this time* Herbal Essence, I think it was. . . which is so super-intense my attempt at coppery brown turned carrot-orange :-P . I think those are my worst hair dye disasters to date.