If you want to try an inexpensive cream that seems to be popular here, try the Porasso cream. It is sold at Bath and Body works under the Bigalow name, they have a smaller size tube for $5.00. It sounds like you might be using too much water when you are trying to build a lather in a mug or bowl. I usually put a teaspoon or so of water on top of my soap and let it sit for a couple of minutes. After soaking the brush in warm water, give it a couple of flicks to get most of the water out. Load up the brush with the soap and then work on building the lather in the bowl.

+1 to Dward, If you have hard water try getting a gallon of spring water and see if that makes a difference.