I don't know what your mirror is like, but the guy that looks back from mine is getting old! :(
I think the mud with a hair brush could be a good money saving tip :)
Seriously though thank you all for the advice. I am slowly getting better at this whole thing now and can even show my face in public after I have shaved, which is a vast improvement from day 1. I waited until I was off work for a week before I started on this journey, just in case...