When I use a pre shave oil (I have homemade, AOS, and shave secret)
I use 3-4 drops rub vigorously to spread into/onto hands and proceed to work it into my face.
I then wash my hands and continue on, my pre-shave oil is one of the smallest messes of my wet shaving routine.
And to be honest I could probably stand to be a bit messier, it is wet shaving after all.