Attached Link: http://graphicfantastic.com/galleries/covers/senseofawoman.html

1. I use Corel KnockOut. I don't know which is better, but I like how my KnockOut works. 2. For color shifts, try the following tools under Image > Adjust: Hue/Saturation, Color Balance, Channel Mixer, Replace Color, and/or Variations. You might even try the Adjustment Layers version of these, so you don't permanently change the original. Anyway, some of those are what I used with the graphic linked above (the woman's hair was originally black), so I know they should work for you. You just have to play around with them to get what you want. 3. If I understand your question correctly, then Adjust > Curves is your best friend. Bring the top-right point down a little, and bring the bottom-left point up a little. I hope that helps! :)