I've been troubled by the same sort of problem a while back. I always try to keep in mind that "less is more" and I try not to complicate too much something that, in essence, is simple. I used mugs, bowls and improvised scuttles.
It took me a while to get good lather and a good soap or cream is very important. However, this setup was always too complicated and I found that face lathering was best for me. Wet face, very damp brush, load with soap or drop a dollop of cream on the brush and lather away until satisfied with the thickness of the lather. That's it for me. Sure, I enjoy lathering in a bowl (better than mugs, for me) but it takes time. Face lathering is effective and simple. Maybe you could give it a try and see if it suits you.