I usually face lather and get consistently good results at this point.
However, when I get a .5 oz. or less sample I’ll smush the soap down into a thin, even layer using one of those collapsible slow-feed pet bowls. Every time I get a foamy bullshit lather.
I’m unsure how to get an equally wet and slick lather with the bowl. Do I just need to keep adding water? Move to the face sooner? Give up and grow a beard?
That’s a good idea, I’ll pop into a thrift store at some point and see.
I also have these 2 oz tins that I put Stirling samples into for brush loading. Perhaps I should just reserve one of those for lathering up other samples…
Great idea! An empty 2 oz aluminium tin is even better, as it won’t break easily like glass or porcelain. You might be able to find another one in a thrift store too.