Elyse Johnson’s fashion roots run deep. She originally took style cues from her “glam-ma,” who she says is still chic at 94. “She’ll tell me what the hot trends are, and she’s always spot on.” Johnson spent her entire professional life in fashion. The Kansas native worked at Bebe as a college student at ASU. Johnson shadowed Los Angeles celebrity stylists (when she dressed A-listers like Chrissy Teigen and Leah Remini) before returning to ASU to earn her master’s in journalism. You can currently see her work on the TV show The List. She splits her time between L.A. and Scottsdale. “Scottsdale’s got the right mix of trendy without outlandish,” says Johnson. Think Beyoncé crossed with Reese Witherspoon. Or just a dash of on-trend leopard print—in a scarf—without being an entire outfit. “I love it when my clients love their look,” she says. “It’s so satisfying when a client looks and feels amazing and can go out and be their best.” Here, she shares her preening must-haves.
Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner
“I color my hair and get breakage. Since I started using this shampoo-conditioner combo, I’ve definitely noticed less ‘spikes,’ which is what I call the broken hairs that stick straight up on top of your head.” $28 each, by Olaplex at Sephora, Scottsdale Quarter
Joya Spa at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia
“[I love Joya] for its anti-fatigue stone pedicure. They offer a hot stone massage for your feet and legs that is so relaxing. It also includes a paraffin treatment that makes your feet so soft—no rough edges here!” From $89, 4949 E. Lincoln Drive
skinbetter AlphaRet Overnight Face Cream and Alto Defense Serum
“This amazing combo is my secret weapon. I think I found the fountain of youth. Ever since I started using these two products, my wrinkles have been less noticeable, and my skin feels super moisturized.” $130 for set
MDNA SKIN Chrome Clay Mask
“This product is supercool. You apply black goop and then remove it with a magnet. The science nerd in me is mesmerized watching the clay cling to the magnet, and the skincare expert in me loves that it leaves your skin supersoft.” $120
Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser
“Exfoliating is key to having your lotions work and penetrate into the skin. So this cleanser that cleans and exfoliates puts my mind at ease because I spend quite a bit on skincare. I like my money where I can see it—in my closet and on my bathroom counter.” 1.7 oz for $42, by Tata at Neiman Marcus, Scottsdale Fashion Square
Photography by: Desert Peak Productions
