I use a shaving brush (a $100 brush from art of shaving) This is a must to get good lather. I like the Jack Black over the Truitt, which came in 2nd, and art of shaving cream, which went to 3rd in my book. The Jack Black cream whips up nice, and you only need a little, I mean like the size of a nickle to get a nice foam to shave with. I have a sensitive face, I use Pacific pre oil, then use this, and I get a nice smooth shave. I have also switched to old fashioned razor, (not straight edge) double edge. I get a great shave, the blades are dirt cheap, and one blad means less abuse to the face !!