Thanks for the replies, guys. cubed1, thanks for the advice. Since the op I've tried rinsing the blade in cold water as I go but found it started to shudder - maybe I was trying to do strokes which were too long.

Have been practising the no mirror part - and it's going well. I start off with looking in the mirror but then move away and check again after I've finished.

I have some important meetings this week so don't want to butcher my face up too much - will try the full routine this weekend.

Rob