Congrats on getting your first shave in unscathed. You mentioned that your lather got better as you went along so yes you need to work on lather making. It takes a bit of time to whip up a good lather with enough water in it to give you good slickness. Most soaps and creams can hold quite a bit of water without falling apart. Add the water slowly a bit at a time till you have that good lather.

Bob