Best Pre-Shave is what you have on hand

[OldSaw]

I have used many different pre-shave products from oils to fancy creams and the best solution seems to simply be whatever lather you are going to shave with. If it is a cream, simply smear a dab on your wet beard area while getting ready to shave and rinse right before applying lather. If using soap, apply some of the wet sudsy lather right away as you are building lather in the mug, then finish working up your lather in the mug.

This really helps prep the beard for shaving and doesn't require buying and using another product.

[qhsdoitall]

I have used many different pre-shave products from oils to fancy creams and the best solution seems to simply be whatever lather you are going to shave with. If it is a cream, simply smear a dab on your wet beard area while getting ready to shave and rinse right before applying lather. If using soap, apply some of the wet sudsy lather right away as you are building lather in the mug, then finish working up your lather in the mug.

This really helps prep the beard for shaving and doesn't require buying and using another product.

Pre-shave lather is a normal part of my shave of the day routine. It's a good way to finish off shave cream samples when I get below the minimum amount for a 3 pass shave session. Average performing shave creams can be used up this way too. Otherwise, I do the same as you.