With Poraso, I soak a boar brush in the mug filled with water while I am showering. Then when I'm ready to shave I pour out the water in the mug, but don't shake the brush at all. I put about 1" of the Poraso in the bottom of the mug. I'd say that the unshaken brush imparts a little less than 1 TBSP water to the mixture. I swirl the water/Poraso around in the mug, bearing down slightly, for 80 quick circles or so (sounds like a lot but it's really quick). I always have too much lather for a three pass, every time. Pre-shave prep is throwing a little hair conditioner on the whiskers while showering. Post-shave is a cold rinse with the little white aseptic block; rinse again after a minute, then , a dollop of Walmart pure aloe vera gel - instantly soothing, cheap, quick and no stink. Works great. Also, a two-pass is just about as good as a three pass if you're in a hurry. My two cents.