lathering with a cream

Just wondering what the favored method of lathering with a cream is for everybody. I have been using Taylors sandalwood and am wondering if the lather would be better if I used a special method.

I warm my brush, mug and scuttle by immersing in a sink of hot water, then shake out excess water from my brush, squeeze some cream into bottom of mug, and start beating (like beating an egg), shifting clockwise and anti-clockwise every now and then. When I start getting thick but not voluminous lather (because I deliberately haven't used enough water), I then add roughly a teaspoon of water and continue mixing. A few drops more if necessary to get the right consistency. It takes me about 60 seconds.

I then lather up, push the brush around the mug to pick up as much lather as possible, and plonk the brush into my Moss scuttle, lather and all, to keep warm.

I've used a few creams and have found the best at lathering up and keeping a good wet consistency include AoS, D.R.Harris, T&H. I find the bubble size in Trumpers' cream too large for my liking and TGQ seems to take more work (although the fragrance and consistency are as good as anything out there).

But the grand-daddy of all creams so far is Castle Forbes. Never has the saying "a little goes a long way" been so true. Not only do I use half the amount I normally need, but the lather has a half-life that seems to give Uranium a run for its money! And it does smell amazing.

The cost is very high, but then I'm beginning to think that Castle Forbes will last twice as long as any other brand, which means to compare you should really halve the price. Then it's inline with other brands.

Interesting.

I often lather on the face... Or start the lather in a bowl and move to my face. Or just lather in a bowl and paint my face - more rarely. I *think* that for various creams I may get better results with a particular approach

Castle Forbes doesn't have a scent that I like. Lavender or Limes something - don't think so. Everyone says it's the greatest cream ever, but what's the point if I don't like the scents... Too bad for me :shrug:

By the way, if you guys think Castle Forbes is expensive check out Acqua Di Parma Collezione Barbiere - double the price of CF and lesser quantity :roflmao

Cheers
Ivo