I tend to bounce between beard and smooth fairly often. I've found that I get the best results when I proceed as follows. Trim beard down to around a 1 guard or a 1/8 inch, than take a good hot shower, lather up and apply hot towel for 3-5 minutes, wash off lather with water (What ever temperature you prefer your shave to be), relather and proceed as usual. I personally like to shave chin, neck, cheeks, and finally lip in that order, and before progressing to each area reapplying lather to the rest. Finishing with a cold water rinse and a splash of the aftershave of the day. I typically shave this way both myself and when I shave clients.