Chinese beauty-enhancing app gains popularity in India
Chinese image-enhancement app BeautyPlus, made by software company Meitu, has gained popularity in India, and last year became the highest trending app on the country's Google Play store. BeautyPlus is used by 1.2 billion people worldwide, including 500 million outside of China, according to the firm. The app recognises 171 data points on the face, meaning it can make more nuanced changes than similar apps that only register 100 or so points.

NEW DELHI -- Originally targeting China's selfie lovers and users of cut-rate, no-frills smartphones, Chinese smartphone apps are gaining popularity in overseas emerging markets such as India.

Meitu's image-enhancing apps, including its popular BeautyPlus, is used by 1.2 billion users worldwide, of which 500 million are outside China, according to the company. The app allows users to digitally brighten skin color and sharpen body parts. Last year in India, it was the most trending app on Google Play, Google's app store. A 21-year-old university student said she has been using it every day since learning about it.