Certainly not dull! Won't post pics of me or my hair but can see that without your photos, we could hardly have passed comment on which colour seems to suit you best!
The coppery blonde/strawberry blonde colour is blindingly obvious as the better choice. The paler blonde is dull and does make you look older and washed out, you're right in thinking that. I'd stick with the other colour which is lovely on you.
As you have asked for ideas and you've enclosed photos, I shall risk your annoyance by saying never use blue or greenish blue around your eyes. A really dated, hard and ageing look - unless you are about 17 and funky! Use instead some smudged and subtle pale taupe, beige, grey, coppery browns, aubergine, anything soft and natural. Use a good lengthening mascara - brown or brownish black, Don't close off your eye by pencilling in the bottom line - even the Duchess of Cambridge has given up that look!. It just looks a bit slapdash, makes the eye look smaller and again, is ageing. You want to achieve an open eyed look as much as possible.
You're brave to post photos of yourself - hope you're not offended!