The Best Aluminum-Free Deodorants That Won’t Irritate Your Skin

aluminum-free deodorants

In order to avoid eczema flare ups and take on my ever-rising body temperature — getting older is wild, folks — my skincare routine now includes using aluminum-free deodorants. Instead of complaining that things differ as my body ebbs and flows, I’m learning it’s okay to embrace this new change...and sleeping sleeping with the ceiling fan on from time to time so I don't sweat all night. Luckily, I’ve discovered amazing beauty products as a result of all this, and my skin happily welcomes it.

In the market for something that won’t irritate your own skin but will fight odor? I’ve got your back with 6 aluminum-free deodorants that will be gentle on your skin, and tough on any stink.

Native Whole Body Deodorant — Coconut & Vanilla

One of the first aluminum-free deodorants I used was Native’s coconut & vanilla version. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I found that I didn’t have stinky armpits when the day ended. It doesn’t sound pleasant because it never is, but it’s the truth. The thing I love about Native’s Whole Body formula is that it can be applied to places like my under-boob area — something that never mattered before I went up a cup size.

Dove Beauty VitaminCare+ Aluminium-Free Deodorant Stick — Raspberry & Rose

I've also had the chance to try Dove Beauty's aluminum-free deodorant and I have to say I love the texture of it. It literally glides onto the skin and offers the same 72 hours of protection as my favorite Native deodorant. It's also formulated with anti-microbial peptides and niacindamide to help keep your skin free from breakouts. Niacinamide has been such a huge asset for my skin so I get excited whenever I see it in products!

Hey Humans Naturally Derived Aluminum-Free Deodorant — Banana & Aloe

Would you use a dermatologist-tested and aluminum-free deodorant that has essential oils in it? Well, I recommend you try Hey Humans naturally derived formula! Ingredients such as arrowroot powder and coconut oil are what makes this deodorant natural while the recycled packaging keeps it on the sustainable side. Did I mention there's a bit of vitamin E and shea butter in it as well?

It's like you can't go wrong with the super cute packaging and great formula!

Cleo+coco Charcoal (Aluminum-Free) Deodorant — Cocoa Beach

I'm super biased so I love scents that remind me of a relaxing spring break or summer vacation. I'm also a gourmand scent woman so there's there! What intrigues me about this company is that they understand that people have sensitive skin that doesn't always react well to chemicals. It's something I actually love about most of the aluminum-free deodorants I've discovered!

This formula actually derives from Cleo+coco's extra strength deodorant, but uses charcoal and magnesium to fight odor instead of baking soda. I know some people worry about that so wanted to make sure you feel comfortable trying this brand!

P.S. It doesn't leave behind any residue either if you're not a fan of lifting your arms to see white stains streaked across your armpits.

Lumē Whole Body Aluminum-Free Deodorant — Unscented

As much as I love aluminum-free deodorants that have yummy warm scents, I know everyone doesn't like their skincare products to smell like anything. Besides helping to eliminate body odor, this deodorant slowly evens your skin tone over time — bye, bye under arm hyperpigmentation — and reduces skin redness.

Dr. Teal’s Aluminum-Free Deodorant — Eucalyptus

Everyone please remain calm because Dr. Teal's has entered the picture with an aluminum-free deodorant that can best be described as zen in a tube. I'm exaggerating, but the formula helps you absorb any wetness you may feel from sweating thanks to ingredients like arrowroot powder.

Which aluminum-free deodorants have you tried? Let us know your faves in the comments & sign up for our newsletter for more shopping finds!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Header image via Amazon

You don't have to look far to find celebrity beauty brands these days. From social media to brick-and-mortar stores like Sephora and Ulta, we're in an age where celebrities are no longer confined to simply entertaining us on screens and in songs. Instead, they're venturing onto our vanities and into our medicine cabinets, shaping our skincare and makeup routines, seemingly growing by the day.

According to a study by NIQ, celebrity beauty brands have amassed $1 billion in sales — which is pretty monumental, TBH. Because there are so many to sift through, I put together a cute little guide to understanding the best celebrity makeup and skincare brands — including the top products to try — for you! Who knows, you may find your next staple product from a celeb you've loved all your life!


The Best Celebrity Makeup Brands We've Tried

Image via Haus Labs

Haus Labs by Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga launched Haus Laboratories in 2019 in partnership with Amazon — the only major beauty brand to do so at the time — and it's grown to become a trusted cosmetics line after relaunching in 2022. Committed to being a clean brand, Haus Labs' products are formulated without "2,700 questionable ingredients including but not limited to: PEGs, Phthalates, Parabens, and more potential carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, and environmental toxins."

I'm pretty wary of using new makeup thanks to one too many allergic reactions, but I decided to bite the bullet and try Haus Labs' Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation when my tried and true brand didn't restock my shade. Let's just say Lady Gaga's foundation has changed the base of my makeup routine. It blends beautifully, doesn't irritate my sensitive skin, and it works well with Fenty Beauty's Match Stix Contour Skinstick, which I use a contour.

Image via Fenty Beauty

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna

Launched in 2017, Rihanna set the tone for more inclusive foundation shades when the brand launched in 2017. For the first time, 40 shades and undertones were available for everyone and that immediately made it one of the most innovative makeup brands the beauty industry had seen. Now the brand has increased it's shade offerings to 50 — can you believe that?

From its Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation to its Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer, Fenty Beauty is that girl.

Image via Rare Beauty

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez

"Being rare is about being comfortable with yourself. I've stopped trying to be perfect. I just want to be me," is the note from Selena Gomez that's found on Rare Beauty's 'About Us' page. The brand offers face, lip, and eye products that have universal colors that work for every complexion — trust me.

Image via Ulta

About Face Beauty by Halsey

Launched in 2021, About Face is a brand that speaks to Halsey's makeup artistry and creativity as a performer — hence why it offers high-performance makeup. The brand is also vegan and cruelty-free (love it), and is made for people to express themselves. I do love a nice soft, matte makeup look, but I also miss when people used to have fun with makeup without caring about what others thinks.

That's the feeling About Face evokes, making it a tried and true staple in the editorial team's makeup bags.

Image via r.e.m. beauty

r.e.m. beauty by Ariana Grande

Per Allure, Ariana Grande collaborated with Forma Brands to bring r.e.m. beauty to life. Known for her dream-like vocals, it's fitting that the name of her makeup brand is a nod to the deep sleep phase many of us enter each night. The best part about r.e.m. beauty is that Ariana wasn't afraid to start her own cosmetics line. She told Allure, "I love and I’m [a] huge fan of my peers that do both, and I think that it’s just another way to tell stories. Because you can never have enough makeup, just like you can never have enough music."

Celebrity Makeup Brands: Honorable Mentions

Image via Kylie Cosmetics

Kylie Cosmetics by Kylie Jenner

Kylie Cosmetics was founded in 2016 by Kylie Jenner and has developed a following for its products beginning with the popular lip kits. Prior to that that, not many brands had this innovative offering so this helped set it apart from competitors.

Image via Flower Beauty

Flower Beauty by Drew Barrymore

One thing about Drew Barrymore is that she's going to create products that are cute and functional. Besides her amazing cookware line found at Walmart, she's also into all things related to beauty. It's an incredibly affordable line with most of the cruelty-free products having high reviews.

Image via WYN BEAUTY

WYN Beauty by Serena Williams

Serena Williams has always put her signature twist on everything she does on and off the court so it comes as no surprise that she's ventured into beauty. She's differentiating her brand from others with a signature chartreuse color that's similar to a tennis ball because it represents "energy and determination" per the 'About' page.

Perhaps best of all is how dedicated WYN BEAUTY is to ensuring women receiving proper maternal care during and after pregnancy.

Image via Pleasing

Pleasing by Harry Styles

Harry Styles got the look from his tousled locks to his unforgettable concert outfits and now he's backing them up with his own beauty brand. Setting our screams aside, we can't but feel like Pleasing's products are very Harry-coded. From it's big lip moisture balm to it's silky-smooth pearlescent illuminating serum, you'll be able to easily incorporate the brand's beauty finds into your everyday routine!

The Best Celebrity Skincare Brands

Image via The Outset

The Outset by Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson has been on our radar for years and so has her skincare brand The Outset — we just didn't make the connection until now. That mistake's on us, but we know for sure that this is one of the best celebrity skincare brands we've come across. It's an award-winning brand that has a clear focus on providing hydrating products that are meant to gently cleanse your skin while still tackling your problem areas.

If you ask us, it sounds like Scarlett Johansson and her partner Kate Foster are the skincare advocates this industry needs.

Image via Keys Soulcare

Keys Soulcare Clean by Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys has perfected the art of embracing skin and made a statement when she didn't wear makeup to the VMAS in 2016. Though she now prefers a "no makeup" look, she achieves it with the help of products from her skincare and wellness brand Keys Soulcare Clean.

"I love this idea of soulcare — nourishing our skin and nurturing our soul at the same time — because I realize now that it's everything together that makes it work. That helps unlock the beauty that is already inside us," the singer says on the brand's About Us page.

Image via YSE Beauty

YSE Beauty by Molly Sims

Molly Sims is one of the OG models whose signature walk and photoshoots take up space in our thoughts, but I was surprised to learn that even she dealt with skin issues that many of us do. "It’s true: from cystic acne to melasma to dark spots, sun spots and hyperpigmentation, my skin gave me hell for decades," she says on YSE Beauty's 'About Us' page.

I always say creating a skincare brand based on trying to find products that don't irritate your sensitive skin is always one way to go about things!

Image via Rhode

Rhode by Hailey Bieber

Models know that their face is essentially their canvas for the nature of their careers, so it's refreshing to see that Hailey Beiber also has a skincare brand — I want my face to be a well-taken care of canvas like hers! Her own journey to have skin that's healthier led to the formulation of Rhode's products like the Glazing Milk that's meant to prep skin before finishing your routine.

Image via OAM

OAM by Ciara

Ciara's skin is as celebrated as her pop hits and incredible dance moves so we trust that she knows what she's doing with OAM — an acronym for 'On A Mission.' Her basis for creating a skincare brand is simple. "I founded OAM as a clinical collaboration with a team of skincare experts, research scientists, dermatologists, and an MIT engineer. We're on a mission to create a simple routine for all skin tones," she says on the brand's 'About Us' page.

Image via CAY Skin

CAY Skin by Winnie Harlow

Winnie Harlow's skin always looks like it's glowing and now we know why. She's the founder of CAY Beauty, a brand that knows suncare is skincare. Not only is it dermatalogist-tested, but the products are vegan, free of silicones, and oxybenzone, and octinoxate. And for those who love minimal packaging that'll look good on their bathroom counters, CAY Beauty's aesthetically designed with you in mind.

Image via Kora Organics

Kora Organics by Miranda Kerr

This certified organic and climate neutral certified brand has all the goods that your skin needs. "After three years of partnering with some of the best chemists in the natural space, I launched a range of skincare that followed both the strictest global standards of safety and the highest levels of clinical performance for healthy, glowing skin," founder Miranda Kerr says on the brand's 'Our Story' Page.

Image via Honest Beauty

HONEST Beauty by Jessica Alba

Jessica Alba was one of the first celebrities to offer makeup, skincare, and baby care products in one brand which is why Honest Beauty continues to be so innovative in 2024. This award-winning brand offers clean and sustainable products that are gentle enough for everyday use.

Image via JLO Beauty

JLO Beauty by Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez is an ageless queen who's adamant about taking care of her skin and wants others to enjoy doing the same. "Our tagline is, ‘Beauty has no expiration date’ because to me, ageless isn’t just a mindset — you can feel youthful at any age and feel great, not just great for 50," she says on JLO Beauty.

What's your fave celeb beauty brand? Let us know in the comments and follow the convo on Facebook!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead images via r.e.m. beauty, Rare Beauty, The Outset, Fenty Beauty

10 Things I Hate About You and The Office fans listen up! There's a new project coming to Netflix from Kate Hudson and Mindy Kaling, and you NEED to know about it. Just like the best female-led TV shows, Running Point promises to be empowering, hilarious, and just a lot of fun. Keep reading for everything you need to know about the new TV show.

What is Running Point about?

Image via Netflix

This new TV show follows Isla Gordon (played by Kate Hudson), who becomes President of the Los Angeles Waves basketball team after a scandal means her brother has to retire. In the male-dominated world of sports, Isla will have to prove to everyone around her — her brothers, the board, and the fans — that she can balance work AND play.

When does Running Point come out?

Image via Netflix

Running Point is coming to Netflix in 2025.

Who's in the Running Point cast?

Image via Netflix

Running Point stars Kate Hudson, Brenda Song, Drew Tarver, Scott MacArthur, Fabrizio Guido, Toby Sandeman, Chet Hanks, Max Greenfield, Keyla Monterroso Mejia, Roberto Sanchez, Uche Agada, and Dane DiLiegro.

I am so excited to see another show written by Mindy Kaling, especially one that stars Brenda Song and Kate Hudson! Let us know what you're currently binge watching on Facebook.

Lead image via Netflix

POV: It's a hot, summer day and you're enjoying it laying out on the beach. So, just as you normally would, you reapply your sunscreen to make sure you're looking out for your skin in the midst of the high UV rays. But a couple minutes later, you catch a clips of your appearance in a mirror and realize your whole face looks like it's covered in white paint — that's called a white cast, and yes...it's extremely annoying.

Enter in our dilemma: why does sunscreen always leave a white cast? It seems like no matter how much we re-apply, it always leave a white-ish gray shadow on our skin. Instead of agonizing over this all summer, we've asked the skincare experts which sunscreen to grab and how to avoid this pesky problem! Keep reading for the scoop on the best sunscreens without white cast for your everyday use!

What is white cast?

Photo by RF._.studio/PEXELS

White cast is the annoying grayish, white color that some sunscreens leave behind after you've applied them. And sometimes no matter how much you rub them in or blend them, it simply will not go away. Tosin Eyikogbe, MSN and skin expert gave us the full explanation on this. She says, "The active ingredients in mineral sunscreen, zinc and titanium oxide, are large rough, white particles. Because of this, when applied to the skin, traditional mineral sunscreen tend to leave an unwanted, ashy, white or grayish appearance."

Dr. Praveen Guntipalli also weighed in on this topic by saying, "These ingredients are effective at blocking UV radiation but can leave a visible white residue on the skin, especially if the particles are not finely milled or if the formulation lacks certain tinting additives that help the product blend into various skin tones." So, essentially, these sunscreens are working, but they end up leaving particles behind on the skin, ultimately causing a white cast to appear.

How can I avoid white cast?

Photo by Karolina Grabowska/PEXELS

There are a few ways to avoid this problem. You can try a different formula, stay away from certain ingredients, or just try to blend it in as much as possible. A different formula or type of sunscreen will definitely help with this, as mineral sunscreens are more likely to cause the white cast, whereas chemical sunscreens don't. Eyikogbe says, "Chemical sunscreens, which contain organic compounds that are absorbed by the skin then convert UV rays to heat that is released, are offered in a variety of formats and are often paired with moisturizers to increase a light weight feel."

We love the sound of that! She adds, "These formulas typically don’t leave a white cast, however chemical sunscreens aren’t ideal for all skin types, as they can clog pores and irritate the skin, and compounds including oxybezone and octinoxate are harmful to marine animals and can damage fragile coral reef ecosystems."

What ingredients should you look for in your sunscreen to avoid white cast?

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

If you have sensitive skin like me, then you know you always have to double check labels and look into ingredients lists before buying products; especially when it comes to sun care. I'm very sensitive to certain ingredients and perfumes so I have to look carefully. We asked skincare experts what their thoughts were on what ingredients to keep an eye out for and this is what they had to say!

Eyikogbe says,"Mineral sunscreens, which typically contain inorganic compounds, titanium or zinc dioxide, can traditionally leave the notorious 'white cast' due to the reflection of the metal oxides on the skin. But there are newer formulas that have eradicated the old-school white cast and provide excellent mineral protection without a white cast."

Board certified dermatoligst Dr. Divya Sachdev says, "I highly recommend tinted zinc oxide-based pure mineral sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or higher. These sunscreens are not only effective at protecting against UV rays but also include antioxidants like vitamin C, green tea, and raspberry seed oil that help combat free radicals from oxidative damage caused by sunlight."

What are some helpful tips for sunscreen?

Photo by Mikhail Nilov/PEXELS

If you're looking for something that will blend in seamlessly into your skin, and easily go into your daily routine then I'd really recommend tinted moisturizer with SPF or a CC cream. One of my favorites is the Tatcha SPF which really blends into the skin for a nice glow. I'd recommend using this daily!

Dr. Sachdev says, "Remember, it’s crucial to reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours when spending time in the sun, wear sun-protective clothing such as wide-brim hats and sunglasses, and maintain a diet rich in antioxidants to enhance your skin's defense against sun damage." Duly noted, doctor!

Best Sunscreens Without White Cast To Shop Right Now

Photo via Sephora​

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen

The Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen gives your skin the nicest glow, and it's the perfect base for your makeup. It's definitely a crowd favorite for good reason!

Blendability: 5/5 Doesn't pill and blends so nicely!

Underneath Makeup: 5/5 It's glowy perfection!

Protection: 4/5 It's lower in SPF, but still does the job!

EltaMD UV Elements

Dr. Divya Sachdev, "Favorites of mine include EltaMD UV Elements and Suntegrity 5-in-1 Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen, which avoid any white cast. These tinted formulations also contain iron oxides that provide additional protection against UV damage and blue light exposure." I'm a big fan of the EltaMd sunscreen, and feel like it always makes my skin feel light and not too heavy with products!

Blendability: 5/5 I love how creamy it is!

Underneath Makeup: 5/5 Feels like a moisturizer!

Protection: 4/5 A higher SPF is always better, but this is still great!

Photo via Sephora

Summer Fridays SPF Milk Sunscreen

Another sunscreen that I looove is the Summer Fridays SPF Milk Sunscreen. Every time I let one of my friends use it, I never get it back because it is that good. Genuinely is so milky and smooth, and it looks amazing underneath makeup or other skincare products!

Blendability: 5/5 Blends beautifully!

Underneath Makeup: 5/5 Doesn't feel and works as a primer!

Protection: 3/5 It isn't as high in SPF as I would like, but it works nonetheless!

Innisfree Daily SPF Broad Specturm SPF 36

My personal favorite is the Innisfree Daily SPF, which blends in like moisturizer! It's genuinely so thin and creamy!

Blendability: 5/5 Blends into your skin within seconds.

Underneath Makeup: 5/5 Genuinely could be a primer for how well it sits.

Protection: 3/5 Wish it was higher SPF, but it's so thin, so it makes sense!

ColorScience Sunforgetabble Face Shield

We asked Tosin Eyikogbe, and she says, "My personal favorite at the moment is ColorScience Sunforgettable Face Shield Flex SPF 50, which contains all mineral active ingredients and comes in four shades that cover a wide range of skin tones. It has a light weight feel and provides a luminous and even skin tone. A lot of patients have told me it has replaced their need for foundation!"

Blendability: 5/5 Melts into the skin!

Underneath Makeup: 5/5 Blends in with your foundation and base great!

Protection: 5/5 It's high in SPF so definitely a winner!

Looking for more skincare advice? Be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Header image via Sephora

Memorial Day weekend is nigh, and in the midst of planning your epic BBQ spread and a slew of themed cocktails, it's also time to start noting the Memorial Day sales you'll be shopping for a much-needed summer refresh. We've got the scoop on savings in just about every category – from beauty to home decor to fashion – so you know exactly when and where to save big.

Scroll on for the Memorial Day sales we're most excited about for 2024, and make sure to come back here for additional sale info!

Dyson V8 Cordless Vacuum

Target

What: Items up to 60% off

When: May 24-27

KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt Head Stand Mixer

Amazon

What: Deals on everything from home goods to decor

When: Now through Memorial Day

Naturepedic

  • 20% Off Sitewide with code MEMORIAL20
  • May 15-29

Casper

  • Up to 30% off everything
  • May 8-June 4

Purple Mattress

Mila Mirror

Anthropologie Home

What: Savings on home goods

When: May 21-27

Peony Vase Thank You Card Set

Papier

What: 15% off stationery & photo books

When: May 22-29

Sherpa Deluxe Black Guarenteed On Board Soft Sided Dog & Cat Carrier

Petco

What: BOGO 50% off select summer products and 20% off select sherpa carriersWhen: May 24-27

Dallas IV Hat

Hood

What: 25% off sitewide with code USA25

When: May 23-27

CZ Crescent with Stars Necklace

Sterling Forever

What: 20% off sitewide with code SUMMER20

When: May 24-28

Stemless Wine Chiller Pair

VoChill

What: 20% off sitewide

When: May 17-27

The Coated Pan

Material Kitchen

What: 20% off (*promo excludes bundles and collaborations)

When: May 23-27

EOS Classic Organic Mattress

Naturepedic

What: 20% off sitewide with code MEMORIAL20

When: May 15-29

Pierrette Dress

SAYLOR

What: Extra 15% off sale styles with code MDAY24

When: May 27

Sea Green Pleated Tennis Skirt

Gold Hinge

What: 25% off sitewide with code MDAY25

When: May 23-27

Calista FAUXblo Thermal Blowout Brush

Calista

What: 20% off sitewide

When: May 24

CAROL Bike

CAROL Bike

What: Take $200 off sitewide on all CAROL bikes

When: May 24-30

Cartolina Louise Cover-Up

Cartolina

What: 30% off sitewide

When: May 22-28

Carve Designs Zella Mesh Pullover

Carve Designs

What: BOGO red, white, and blue swim; buy 1 swimsuit, get one swimsuit 50% off

When: May 23-27

Essentia Stratami Organic Mattress

Essentia

What: 25% off sitewide, plus receive free GOTS Certified Organic Cotton Sheets with qualifying mattress purchases

When: May 13-31

Harper Wilde Bliss Scoop Bralette

Harper Wilde

What: 20% off sitewide

When: May 24-27

MARLOWE. Soap Bar Discovery Gift Set

MARLOWE.

What: 20% off sitewide

When: May 27

Pura 4 Diffuser

Pura

What: 25% off sitewide through code only (subscriber early access: May 23-27), 25% off sitewide, plus subscribe to the Pura V4 and get a free car set

When: May 21-22

Vacation Classic Whip SPF 30

Vacation

What: 20% off sitewide, plus get a free boat keychain or pen on orders over $65 (while supplies last)

When: May 24-27

Custom Pet Portrait Phone Case

West & Willow

What: 20% off sitewide with code MDAY

When: May 20-28

Olsen Leather Lounge Chair

Industry West

What: 20% off sitewide with code Memorial20

When: May 21-31

Claira Dress

Hutch

What: Additional 35% off all final sale styles. (No returns or exchanges with discounts automatically applied at checkout.)

When: May 23-27

3 Seat Chaise Couch in Coconut

Homebody

What: 15% off sitewide with code HONOR

When: May 16-27

Blush & Bronze Hydro-Blur Cheek Duo

Stila Cosmetics

What: 20% off orders $0 to $49 with code MDAY20, 25% off orders $50 to $99 with code MDAY25, 30% off orders of $100+ with code MDAY30

When: May 27

Tree Flyer 2

Allbirds

What: 20% off select styles online

When: May 13-20

Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on these Memorial Day sales + all the best deals!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

Just like fantasy stories can transport us to new worlds, period dramas are one way to get a whole new (er, old) glimpse of the world you wouldn't see otherwise. Just like contemporary films, period dramas have their fair share of relationship drama and scandal, with some amazing outfits to boot. After you've watched (and rewatched) season 3 of Bridgerton, add one — or better yet, all — of these picks to your watchlist! Once you've figured out what you're pressing play on first, read up on why The Bridgerton Cast Is “Obsessed” With Claudia Jessie.

Atonement — Stream on Prime Video

Image via Universal Pictures

Every time I talk to my team here at Brit + Co about their favorite period dramas, Atonement always makes the list. And for good reason! It's an emotional, sweeping piece that feels like different genres as it moves from family drama to romance to a war epic. The cast includes names like Saoirse Ronan, James McAvoy, and Keira Knightley.

Little Women — Stream on Hulu

Image via Sony Pictures

Everyone can love this story, even if you don't have sisters — although being a sister has definitely made me love it even more. There are two versions I recommend: the 1994 version with Winona Ryder, Christian Bale, and Kirsten Dunst, or Greta Gerwig's 2019 version with Saoirse Ronan, Timothée Chalamet, and Emma Watson.

In my opinion, Greta's version is a little bit more thought-provoking for the viewer, but between both film's arcs, I prefer the 1994 film's linear structure. You can't go wrong with either movie, so why not watch both?

Emily — Stream on Paramount+ With Showtime

Image via Bleecker Street

My Letterboxd review after seeing Emily in theaters basically called this family the English, more tragic version of Little Women's March sisters. The celebration of creativity and identity feel even more powerful against the darker aesthetic and all of the painful experiences Emily Brontë lives through. Plus, it has one of the most emotional scores of 2023 that I've had on repeat ever since I watched it!

Mr. Malcolm's List — Stream on Paramount+ With Showtime

Image via Bleecker Street

When Julia Thistlewaite gets rejected by London's most eligible bachelor (the titular Mr. Malcolm), she decides to turn her friend into his ideal match, and get a little bit of revenge while she's at it. Anyone who loves Bridgerton's costumes (and Princess Diana's revenge dress) is gonna want to add this to their queue.

Pride & Prejudice — Rent on Amazon Prime

Image via Focus Features

Avid fans of Jane Austen's book (including yours truly) will likely give you two recommendations that each have their own viral scene: Colin Firth's lake diving in the 1995 BBC mini series or Matthew MacFadyen's hand flex after helping Keira Knightley into a carriage in the 2005 film. All jokes aside, both titles are wonderful celebrations of the story!

Belle — Stream on Max

Image via Searchlight Pictures

In this political, historical romance, Belle is the illegitimate, biracial daughter of a British admiral who's raised by her uncle. As she grows up alongside her cousin, Belle questions her identity as she realizes she belongs with neither the servants nor the family. And when she meets John, she becomes in integral part of the abolitionist movement in England.

Downton Abbey — Stream on Peacock

Image via PBS/NBC

If you love period pieces but prefer a slower pace, I'd recommend Downton Abbey. The stakes are high and some viewers still haven't gotten over the death of their favorite character (I'm talking about myself here), but I don't think it's as overstimulating as a lot of other dramas involving war, death, and relationships. Plus you literally CANNOT go wrong with Maggie Smith as the Dowager Countess. The studio just announced a third movie, so now is the perfect time to start the series!

Becoming Jane — Rent on Amazon Prime

Image via Disney/Miramax

James McAvoy makes the list again with this semi-biographical film on Jane Austen's life. One of the best parts of any historical drama is when the main couple dances at a ball, and Becoming Jane has one of my favorite dances of all time. Fans of the author criticized the film when it came out, but if you go into it with an open mind, it's very enjoyable (and might just make you cry, too).

Marie Antoinette — Stream on Max

Image via Columbia Pictures

I finally watched Sofia Coppola's iconic film for the first time, and it was as much a feast for the eyes as I'd hoped. Kirsten Dunst stuns as the infamous queen, and in addition to the textured, maximalist visuals, the story did make me think about Marie Antoinette in a new way. Considering I've been obsessed with her since middle school, that's saying something!

Emma — Stream on Prime Video

Image via Focus Features

If you love the visuals in Marie Antoinette, then I'm pretty sure you'll love this 2020 Jane Austen retelling. Every detail of the movie feels like its own piece of art (even the physical blocking and movements of the actors feels like a dance), and they all come together to create something cohesive, beautiful, and fun. You can also go for Gwyneth Paltrow's 1996 version or Clueless, which was inspired by Austen's book.

Sense and Sensibility — Rent on Amazon Prime

Image via Columbia Pictures

With names like Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, and Hugh Grant, this movie has always felt wildly underrated, so consider this my official plea asking you to watch it. It's got everything: Family! Drama! True love! Taylor Swift also said during her Tribeca Film Festival talk in 2022 that it inspired her album Evermore, so there's that.

Why Didn't They Ask Evans? — Stream on BritBox

Image via BritBox

I love this miniseries so much that I watch it every year. At this point, it's a tradition! Lucy Boynton and Will Poulter are so fun together, and their banter will leave rom-com lovers giggling and kicking their feet. Plus the 1930s fashions are just SO good.

Let us know what your favorite period dramas are in the comments, and check out the 2024 Movies you can look forward to this year!

Lead image via Sony Pictures

This post has been updated.