Before I started shaving with a straight I always shaved after a warm shower. There was no other way I could get a comfortable shave. I still try to follow that rule for me. All the preshaves in the world cannot beat it. I mean I love proraso but it still does nothing to a shower.
As others have mentioned, it might be the razor or technique that is lacking. When first starting off you never know but to eliminate possibilities. But for that you need a 'control' razor as it were. We would need a control lather too. We live in a less than perfect world that cannot always happen. When starting out there are just so many variables.
Anyway, I hope you find your perfect storm. I can only really suggest a good shower before hand. The preshave stuff is just an added bonus to help prep the skin and hair.