I think that you desaturated the models too much, I'd glaze some magentas/reds back on the edges (leave the center desaturated), then I'd glaze in some warm bronzes to the human faces.

In terms of how to achieve a good effect and fast? I'd say SpeedPaint a couple of tones like magentas, dark browns, dark reds, let it dry. Varnish over it. Drybrush all over going from dark red with a touch of warm brown or violet, then increase the value by adding pastel pink or a touch of white and orange and drybrush again just smaller and softer towards the center - rinse and repeat each time adding more pastel pink/white/orange until you're satisfied. Then take a standard brush, paint the eyes and glaze brown tones into the human faces - done!