Combining Beauty and Tech: Meet The Winners of L’Oréal Brandstorm 2025

Meet the minds bringing new ideas in beauty, tech and more 🧠

Combining beauty, technology and AI might seem like nothing we won’t see till the distant future but these three brilliant students have worked together to make an impact on the beauty industry and bring the ideas of tomorrow one step closer.

Students Stephanie Karaminis, Alex Freeburn and Matthew Wongsodirdjo put their skills together this year in the L’Oréal Brandstorm competition to create a strong strategy and idea. By combining STEM, marketing and commerce skills within their team Q-Byte, they came out on top with an invitation to to represent their country at the international finals in Paris.

L’Oréal Brandstorm is the largest global innovation competition for people under 30, where young minds push boundaries in beauty, technology and creative impact. In 2025, over 200,000 students competed from around the world for a chance to transform their ideas into reality.

This year’s theme? “Men. Beauty and Care, Game On Through Tech, Products & Beyond” – challenging teams to rethink how tech and products can elevate men’s grooming and wellness.

From each country, only five teams are selected to advance to the national finals. The winners at nationals go on to represent their country at the international in Paris.

Stephanie said while the journey was daunting, it was also so rewarding working with incredible people to transform the beauty industry.

Finalists Stephanie and Alex presenting together in Paris. Image provided.

“Preparing for the International Finals in Paris was tough.

“We had the longest journey of all the teams, with a 26-hour flight, but the pride of representing Australia and New Zealand made every hour worth it.

“It felt surreal to be part of the world’s biggest youth innovation competition, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Curious to learn more? Head to the L’Oréal Brandstorm website to find out more details.