i know just what your talking about, here's what i do. i smear the cream thin in my bowl and use plenty of water. the first time i got it to work i was a little perturbed at the cream so i accidentally used 'way too much' water and viola, good lather. i smear it thin so as to use it all rather than leave lumps in the bowl. a little goes a long way. give it a shot when your not shaving, that way you can experiment without needing good results.