I get great results from lathering creams in a bowl for 1 - 2 min., depending on the cream. I don't find that time consuming. My mug is about 4" wide (top) and 2" deep.

I've tried a coffee mug in the past, but a mug is too narrow and deep for me; I hate banging my brush against the mug walls.

As for my soaps, I lather them on my face.