Vanessa Lee is a Who What Wear editor in residence, aesthetic nurse, certified face reader, and founder and CXO of The Things We Do. If you’ve ever found yourself lingering on TikTok skin videos or secretly wanting someone to just tell you which Asian beauty products are actually worth it, this is your moment. I’ve been deep in the world of K-beauty and J-beauty since 2010, long before it was trending, and growing up in Southern California (and living in Koreatown for years), I’ve learned exactly where the real gems are hiding. Some of these spots are classics I’ve loved for years, and others are newer buzzy boutiques that you absolutely have to visit. Together, they make the perfect little beauty adventure. Think of this as a fun beauty tour filled with the exact spots you’ll want to revisit again and again. And if you’re not a SoCal native, most of my favorite products are available to shop online. Keep scrolling for my top stops and shopping picks. FIRST STOP: THE 626-THE HEART OF J-BEAUTY & K-BEAUTY ON THE EASTSIDE The 626 has always felt like its own world, full of family-run shops, late-night eats, and beauty stores tucked between noodle houses and bakeries. I grew up coming here with my mom, wandering the aisles of 99 Ranch, always excited for the food, the treats, and the feeling that there was something new to discover. That same warmth and buzz still lives in the neighborhood today. It’s familiar and rich with culture, making it the perfect place to begin an Asian Beauty Crawl that feels both nostalgic and so much fun. Takashima: Your J-Beauty Immersion Address: 1330 South Fullerton Road #106-108, Rowland Heights, California 91748 Start at Takashima, a pure J-beauty boutique that feels like stepping directly into a beauty store in Tokyo. It can seem overwhelming because there is so much to discover, but take your time and don’t be shy to ask one of the beauty consultants to help! There is a large cosmetic area with a concentration on makeup as well as a vast skin-and-hair section. What to look for: eye shadows, J-beauty skincare masks, press-on nail art, and sunscreen Insider tip: The sunscreen wall is unmatched. Test textures before choosing! Shibuyala Black: Trendy, Sleek, and Highly Curated Address: 18495 Colima Road Unit 6, Rowland Heights, California 91748 Just minutes away, Shibuyala Black feels like the cooler, more editorial sister in the Shibuyala family. You’ll find the buzziest K-beauty toners and J-beauty sunscreens alongside products in-the-know girlies stash for themselves. Shopping here feels very trendy and insider. There are lots of beauty tools to choose from, ranging from basic to luxury, and there is even a personal massager area for women. A truly complete offering! What to look for: Lashes, mochi lip masks, hair products, and all of the beauty tools! Insider tip: The new-arrivals section is always worth checking first. PlayLab Beauty: Pasadena’s Clean, Chic Beauty Gallery Address: 25 North Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, California 91103 Before heading downtown, stop at PlayLab Beauty, a bright and beautifully organized boutique that makes shopping feel intuitive and soothing. Everything is arranged by step, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned skincare lovers who want to refine their routines. What to look for: Most of the products are so great for sensitive skin that needs clearing, but they also carry feminine-care products! Insider tip: Ask for help building a starter routine. The team is very thoughtful and experienced. NEXT STOP: THE 213-LITTLE TOKYO & KOREATOWN The 213 is where L. A.’s diversity really shines with enclaves like Little Tokyo and Koreatown buzzing with cafés, beauty shops, and markets that feel straight out of Seoul or Tokyo. I spent much of my college and post-college years here, soaking up its energy and constant sense of discovery. It’s full of hidden gems and the perfect next stop on an Asian Beauty Crawl. JS K Beauty: Little Tokyo’s Hidden Skincare Gem Address: 333 South Alameda Street, Los Angeles, California 90013 (Inside Little Tokyo Market Place) Your first downtown stop is JS K Beauty, a compact but well-stocked store filled with affordable and iconic J- and K-beauty favorites. It’s a perfect place to grab daily essentials and explore gentle, effective formulas. What to look for: Haruharu toners, Mediheal masks, Kosé cleansing oils Insider tip: The sheet-mask aisle is worth the trip alone. Shibuyala Koreatown: The Trendy Hybrid Stop Address: 3465 West 6th Street, Suite 180, Los Angeles, California 90020 The Koreatown Shibuyala location blends the sleek aesthetic of the 626 shop with K-town’s energy and fast-moving beauty trends. Expect a fresh mix of Japanese classics and Korean innovations. What to look for: Anua toners, Shiseido Perfect Whip, Etude House tints, Dynasty Cream Insider tip: This store gets new imports quickly, so always check the display at the entrance. SM Korea Beauty: The K-Beauty Playground Address: 3300 West 6th Street, Los Angeles, California 90020 End your crawl at SM Korea Beauty, a bright, colorful beauty boutique that feels like a mini department store in Seoul. It’s full of premium skincare, trendy formulas, and rows of sheet masks that could keep you stocked all year. What to look for: History of Whoo, O Hui, Round Lab SPFs, Abib sheet masks Insider tip: Weekdays are calmer and easier for browsing. My Asian Beauty Edit: 10 Shoppable Favorites I Love, Use, and Genuinely Recommend.
https://www.whowhatwear.com/beauty/best-southern-california-japanese-and-korean-beauty-shops
Tag Archives: concentration
Where to find cat beds in ARC Raiders
How to Get Cat Beds in ARC Raiders to Upgrade Scrappy
Upgrading your loyal feathered friend, Scrappy, in ARC Raiders requires a variety of specific items, and cat beds are among the hardest to find. The good news is that once you know where to look, getting the single cat bed you need becomes a straightforward task.
Where to Find Cat Beds
The best places to find cat beds are in Residential and Commercial loot areas, as well as lockers located in high-value loot zones. Additionally, cat beds can sometimes be found as loose loot in red border loot areas like Launch Control on Spaceport or Space Travel on Buried City.
Residential zones are generally the safest bet since they tend to see less traffic compared to other areas. Here are some specific locations you should prioritize searching:
- Dam Battlegrounds Research and Administration (Commercial)
- Pale Apartments (Residential)
- Ruby Residence (Residential)
- Testing Annex (Commercial)
Although some of the following locations aren’t officially marked as residential, they function similarly in terms of loot availability:
- Buried City Santa Maria Houses (Residential)
- Red Tower (Residential)
- Grandioso Apartments (Residential)
- Plaza Rosa (Commercial)
- Library (Commercial)
- Piazza Arbusto (Commercial)
- Spaceport Arrival Building (Commercial)
- Departure Building (Commercial)
- Control Tower A6 (Commercial)
- The Blue Gate Village (Residential and Commercial)
- Raider’s Refuge (Residential)
- Ruined Homestead (Residential)
Why Buried City is Your Best Bet
Buried City stands out as the best overall location thanks to its relatively small size and dense concentration of lootable containers. When searching for cat beds, be sure to check everything thoroughly—this includes chests of drawers, suitcases, and especially lockers found in higher-value loot areas.
Even if you don’t come across a cat bed right away, you will likely find valuable items you can recycle or sell for a nice profit.
Pro Tip
Since you only need one cat bed to upgrade Scrappy, make sure to immediately place any cat bed you find in your safe pocket. This ensures it stays with you even if you die during your run.
Happy hunting, and may you find that elusive cat bed soon!
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146783/where-to-find-cat-beds-in-arc-raiders
Why Was Melissa Barrera From ‘Scream 7’? Here’s the Reason She Got Axed & Her Response
**Scream 7 Release Set for February 2026 Amid Controversy Surrounding Melissa Barrera’s Departure**
The highly anticipated *Scream 7* is finally slated for theatrical release in February 2026, arriving more than two years after the unexpected firing of Melissa Barrera from the project. When news of her exit broke, horror fans were shocked, with some vowing to boycott the upcoming installment. However, with original final girl Neve Campbell and fan favorites like Matthew Lillard returning to the franchise, many remain excited to see Ghostface unleash terror once again.
**Melissa Barrera’s Role in the Scream Franchise**
Melissa Barrera has appeared in two *Scream* films: 2022’s *Scream* and 2023’s *Scream VI*, portraying Samantha “Sam” Carpenter. Her character quickly became a fan favorite, making her sudden removal from *Scream 7* all the more surprising.
**Why Was Melissa Barrera Fired From Scream 7?**
Spyglass Media reportedly fired Melissa Barrera due to her public comments regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict. In one of her Instagram Stories, Melissa wrote:
*“Gaza is currently being treated like a concentration camp. Cornering everyone together, with nowhere to go, no electricity, no water. People have learnt nothing from our histories. And just like our histories, people are still silently watching it all happen. THIS IS GENOCIDE & ETHNIC CLEANSING.”*
Following the backlash, Spyglass Media released an official statement to *Variety* through a spokesperson:
*“Spyglass’ stance is unequivocally clear: We have zero tolerance for antisemitism or the incitement of hate in any form, including false references to genocide, ethnic cleansing, Holocaust distortion, or anything that flagrantly crosses the line into hate speech.”*
**Director Christopher Landon Clarifies He Did Not Fire Melissa**
Contrary to some rumors, original *Scream 7* director Christopher Landon was not responsible for Melissa’s firing. Addressing the situation on social media, Landon tweeted:
*“This is my statement: Everything sucks. Stop yelling. This was not my decision to make.”*
**Melissa Barrera’s Response to Her Firing**
Melissa addressed the controversy and her dismissal in a heartfelt message, beginning with:
*“First and foremost, I condemn Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. I condemn hate and prejudice of any kind against any group of people.”*
She continued:
*“As a Latina, a proud Mexicana, I feel the responsibility of having a platform that allows me the privilege of being heard, and therefore, I have tried to use it to raise awareness about issues I care about and to lend my voice to those in need.”*
Melissa also emphasized the importance of human rights for all:
*“Every person on this earth regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or socio-economic status deserves equal human rights, dignity and, of course, freedom.”*
She added:
*“I believe a group of people are NOT their leadership, and that no governing body should be above criticism. I pray day and night for no more deaths, for no more violence, and for peaceful co-existence. I will continue to speak out for those that need it most and continue to advocate for peace and safety, for human rights and freedom. Silence is not an option for me.”*
**Why Is Jenna Ortega Not in Scream 7?**
Initial reports suggested Jenna Ortega left *Scream 7* due to scheduling conflicts with other projects, such as *Wednesday*. However, in an April 2025 interview with *The Cut*, Jenna clarified:
*“It had nothing to do with pay or scheduling. The Melissa stuff was happening, and it was all kind of falling apart.”*
She further explained that multiple key figures had exited the film:
*“Not only did filmmaker Christopher exit the film, but directors Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin also left after I stepped down.”*
Jenna summed up her decision by saying:
*“If Scream VII wasn’t going to be with that team of directors and those people I fell in love with, then it didn’t seem like the right move for me in my career at the time.”*
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The *Scream* franchise is undoubtedly navigating a turbulent chapter, but with iconic faces returning and fans eagerly awaiting its release, February 2026 promises an intense and thrilling comeback for Ghostface.
https://hollywoodlife.com/feature/why-was-melissa-barrera-fired-scream-7-5483207/
5 habits to boost your focus in the morning
**5 Habits to Boost Your Focus in the Morning**
*By Anujj Trehaan | Sep 30, 2025, 10:59 AM*
Mornings set the tone for the rest of the day, so establishing a focus-boosting routine can do wonders for your productivity. By adding a few simple habits to your morning, you can improve concentration and mental clarity. These practices are easy to follow and can be adapted to fit different lifestyles.
Here are five effective habits to help you stay focused throughout the day:
### 1. Start with Hydration
Drinking water first thing in the morning is essential to kickstart your metabolism and rehydrate your body after hours of sleep. Dehydration can impair cognitive functions, making it hard to concentrate. A glass of water or herbal tea can do wonders for your hydration levels and help set a positive tone for the day.
### 2. Practice Mindful Breathing
Mindful breathing exercises are a great way to calm your mind and increase focus. Spend five minutes on deep breathing, concentrating on each breath as it enters and leaves your body. This practice reduces stress and boosts mental clarity, making it easier to concentrate on tasks later in the day.
### 3. Set Clear Intentions
Setting clear intentions for the day helps you stay focused on what matters most. Take a few minutes each morning to write down three key tasks or goals you want to accomplish by day’s end. Having a clear direction keeps you focused and prevents distractions from derailing your progress.
### 4. Engage in Light Physical Activity
Light physical activity, such as stretching or a short walk, gets your blood flowing and wakes up your body and mind. This boosts energy levels and improves your mood, making you more receptive to focusing on tasks throughout the day.
### 5. Limit Digital Distractions
Limiting your exposure to digital devices in the morning is key to maintaining focus all day long. Instead of immediately checking emails or social media updates, dedicate this time to personal development activities like reading or journaling. These promote mindfulness without digital interference.
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Incorporate these habits into your morning routine to enhance your focus and productivity. Remember, consistency is key!
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/5-habits-to-boost-your-focus-in-the-morning/story
