likely the problems that you are experiencing are the result of not finding the peak of the soap. In your case, I would say that the lather is too dry. Van der Hagen is a glycerin based soap so it should not benefit from adding more glycerin or propylene glycol. I also do not think that applying vaseline to your face would solve the problem, it will reduce the performance of the soap significantly if anything, plus it may make shaving really dangerous too if you stretch. You may find this thread useful: http://straightrazorpalace.com/shavi...oap-cream.html

Al raz.