No, you're eyes aren't playing tricks on you.
A proper color conditioner will add vibrancy and moisture.
The higher the volume of developer, the faster the color molecule falls out of the hair, leaving the hair drab and faded.
As for the products Connors and Kalat swear by? If you post nudity, you will be banned.
The first time I went red, I washed my hair too many times without the proper products and soon the Mary Jane Watson red looked like a musty mistake.
Kalat recommends oVertone's red collection.