I used to dye my own hair and while I can't really give you any tips regarding brands, I can give you some general tips.
1. Run the tests. Every packaged brand has instructions for a color and allergy test. Yes, it takes a few extra minutes and a few extra dollars but it is WELL worth it to find something that is going to work for you.
2. Stay in your 'safe' color zone. If you have pink tones to your skin don't use a hair dye with bluish overtones. And vice versa.
3. If you have hair past your shoulders, add another bottle. If you have hair past the middle of your back, add a third bottle. I don't know about thin hair but mine is thick and this is what I had to do.
4. If possible, find a friend who is also dying their hair and do each other. You'll have less problem with full coverage.
5. Don't forget your eyebrows! Your eyebrows generally should be a shade or two darker than your hair, so if going lighter, do not leave the solution on very long. With the 4 colors I use now, I match my eyebrows to a shade darker the third darkest color (the darkest is almost black and only a small part on the underside of the very back)
6. For all over color (not highlights or lowlights), touchups are fine (roots only) for one application. Alternating applications should be full coverage.
Here is a good article on choosing hair colors by Marie Claire.
Good luck!