If given the choice between a traditional eye cream that I have to dip my finger into repeatedly and a quick undereye stick I can just swipe, the stick just makes more sense to me. And of all the undereye sticks on the market, there are two that are consistently popular with PureWow readers: the Peace Out Retinol Eye Stick and the Olehenriksen Banana Bright+ Vitamin CC Eye Stick. I’ll compare them both for you ahead, in case you need help deciding which one to try.
Peace Out Retinol Eye Stick vs. Olehenriksen Banana Bright+ Vitamin CC Eye Stick: Which Undereye Stick is Better?
There are definite pros and cons for each
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Published Aug 30, 2024
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Peace Out/Olehenriksen
Peace Out Retinol Eye Stick
What We Like
- has retinol and peptides
- non-greasy finish
What We Don't Like
- some reviewers report that the stick can break if not handled gently
Peace Out
First up, we have the Peace Out Retinol Eye Stick, which is a serum-balm that’s formulated with encapsulated retinol, peptides and bakuchiol to soften the appearance of fine lines around the eyes. It also has a squalane base to add moisture and reflective mica to distract from dark circles.
As our commerce editor, Olivia Dubyak raved in her PureWow100 review, “The Peace Out Retinol Eye Stick has become something I look forward to using daily for many reasons. It’s relaxing to swipe on, my dark circles are starting to lighten up and my eyes look brighter when I wake up in the morning.”
She adds that the application is much less messy than other retinol or eye products she’s tried in the past. “You won’t need to wash off any excess product in the a.m. because your skin will drink this stuff up,” she concludes.
Olehenriksen Banana Bright+ Vitamin CC Eye Stick
What We Like
- has color corrective pigments and reflective mineral pigments in it
What We Don't Like
- limited shade range
Olehenriksen
Next up, we have the Olehenriksen Banana Bright+ Vitamin CC Eye Stick, which is a personal favorite of mine.
On most days, I prefer this to a full coverage concealer because it swiftly neutralizes the perma-shadows around my eyes without requiring a ton of blending. (Also, it doesn’t settle into lines or emphasize dryness as it wears.) Just glide it on under and around your eyes and tap it into your skin. You’ll get a subtle, but immediate brightening effect, courtesy of the reflective mineral pigments in it.
It also has two forms of vitamin C in it (3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid and Tetrahexldecyl Ascorbate). Both are said to have better stability and more antioxidant capacity than others. (Translation: The ingredients stay fresh and potent for longer and you get better protection against environmental pollutants.) Reaping the benefits of vitamin C, and most skincare ingredients, is a long game though, so it may take at least three to four months of consistent use to notice any lasting effects.
Again, this is why I appreciate the instant gratification you get from the mica and color-corrective pigments in this stick.
The Biggest Differences Between the Two Sticks
Yes, they’re both sticks that are meant for use around your eyes, but that’s pretty much where the similarities stop.
Whereas the Peace Out Stick is a true skincare product that’s meant to replace or supplement your eye cream or eye gel, the Olehenriksen Banana Bright+ Vitamin CC Eye Stick is more of a color corrector that has some skincare ingredients in it.
Peace Out Retinol Eye Stick vs. Olehenriksen Banana Bright+ Vitamin CC Eye Stick: The Final Verdict
For me, a woman in her mid 30s whose primary eye concern is dark shadows and puffiness, I’d choose the Olehenriksen Banana Bright+ Vitamin CC Eye Stick. It checks off more boxes for me. However, if you’re someone who is more concerned about fine lines or crow’s feet, the Peace Out Retinol Eye Stick is probably a better fit, as it has both retinol and peptides in it and is meant to firm and smooth out texture.
And if you’re still on the fence and budget isn’t an issue for you, I’d say use Olehenriksen in the morning and Peace Out at night.
