Strong, charismatic, and beautiful, Sylvie Chantecaille is hands-on at the helm of her eponymous skincare and cosmetics company. A visit to Dallas earlier this month proved just that. Chatting one-on-one with DFW Style Daily in a few rare quiet moments at Neiman Marcus NorthPark Center, Ms. Chantecaille then proceeded to guide us on a personal tour through her brand’s most gift-able current offerings. Read on for her picks, plus a few choice words on skincare and a cause close to this expert’s heart.     “Women have radically changed,” observed Ms. Chantecaille, when queried about the shifts she’s seen in her 25-plus years in the cosmetics industry. Back in the ‘70s, she started a small makeup company with fashion icon Diane von Furstenberg, later catching the eye of Estée Lauder. She then went on to found Prescriptives, one of the first cosmetics lines with a scientific emphasis. At the start of her career, skincare wasn’t as advanced, and this expert noted that women wore much more makeup on a daily basis. Modern developments in skincare technology mean less makeup as a mask, and more care taken with the precious skin beneath. Through Chantecaille, established in 1997, she combines the latest technology with natural ingredients. Of note, Ms. Chantecaille’s first top gift pick was the Anti-Aging Deluxe Set ($350), a kit filled with several skincare superstars. It contains the Bio Lifting Mask, Bio Lifting Serum, Stress Repair Concentrate, and Bio Lifting Neck Cream, all packed to travel in a metallic faux croc pouch. Another favorite gift, Le Must Have Set ($98, pictured below), boasts, in her words, “Everything a girl needs.” It evokes the line’s focus on enhancing natural beauty through four top-sellers, including the popular Lucky Brilliant Gloss and oh-so-gentle Rose Eye Makeup Remover.     The gentle part is key, as this is one expert who does not abide by harsh treatment of the skin. When asked to name the biggest mistake women make in skincare, without hesitation, Ms. Chantecaille called out over-thinning by dermatological processes, including lasers. “You will have less protection from the sun,” Ms. Chantecaille declared of these treatments’ result. “You’ll have to live like a mole in the dark!” All kidding aside, though, she is passionate about keeping things pure and gentle. Chantecaille utilizes no animal derivatives, and its products contain no synthetic colors, petrochemicals, or artificial fragrances. Another passion of this outspoken beauty is the environment. Each season, Chantecaille premiers a special palette designed to raise awareness and give back to causes of global importance. Available this fall and winter, the Elephant Palette ($82, pictured above) benefits baby elephants orphaned by ivory poaching through the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. In shades inspired by the Kenyan countryside, Ms. Chantecaille describes this feel-good gift as “subtle and festive.” Visit the Chantecaille counter at Neiman Marcus or Chantecaille.com to explore these and other beautiful gifts.   (All photos via Chantecaille.com)