As a Rookie my self, I still like the creams a bit better than the soaps.
I find then give a bit more cushion but I must also confess my only soaps are a sample from TSD and a puck of VDH.

The Bigalow cream (mine says made by Proraso on the bottle) from Bath and body works was my first, I find that it like more water than some of my other creams.
In my experiments I do like mantic and add a little water at a time till it looks right, with the Bigalow/Proraso when it looks right I add a little more water.

How long are you building your lather?

When I stared I defiantly tried to build lather to fast.
+1 to light touch and carefully adjusting the angle till you find whats right for your face and lather.

Welcome to the adventure!