I keep it pretty simple... I found that I didn't like the whole hot towel prep, so all I do is use Proraso pre-shave cream. I put that on, strop my razor about 50 times, then soak my silvertip badger brush in cold water, and load the brush on the Proraso soap tub for a full minute. Then I take the brush to my mug and start whipping, adding cold water slowly, until finally I have the right consistency. I splash a bit of water on my face, then lather. Make my first WTG/XTG pass. Lather again. Make second WTG/XTG pass. Cold water rinse. Splash T.N. Dickinson's witch hazel on my entire face and neck, allow to dry. Then apply Nivea Sensitive Skin Post-Shave Balm all over my face and neck and I'm good to go!