A computing device captures a live video of a user, determines a location of a facial region of the user by a facial region analyzer, and determines a finger vector type by a finger vector detector based on a direction in which at least one finger is pointing relative to the facial region of the user. Responsive to detecting a first finger vector type within the facial region involving a single finger, a makeup effects toolbar is displayed in the user interface. Responsive to detecting a second finger vector type involving the single finger, a selection tool for selecting a makeup effect in the makeup effects toolbar is displayed. The computing device obtains a makeup effect based on manipulation by the user of the selection tool. Responsive to detecting a target user action, virtual application of the selected makeup effect is performed on the facial region of the user.