I do not shower before a have but I do splash cold water from the sink on my face before face lathering. Can't say that splashing cold water on my face softens my stubble any.

If you make/build your lather in a modern scuttle and then paint it on your face you are not face lathering but bowl/scuttle lathering. Oth if you are using an old fashion scuttle and loading your brush with soap, not lather, and building the lather on your face, then you are face lathering.

Bob