I have the AOS soap in bowl thing. It took me a few shaves to figure it out (im a little dumb). But for me, after I have my brush soaked I flick it almost dry, add some shave secret oil to the tip, then rub it in the aos soap bowl thingy and face lather, if I need it wetter I just put some on my finger tips and let it drip onto the brush and keep on a lathering. Works for me.

I have tried lathering in a bowl and on my hand and that stuff just doesnt seem to take to it, but it does great face lathering.