works best for me with a Schick multi-blade razor. Contains topical anesthetic benzocaine!
I alternate using the cream with using straight, plain, uncompromised aloe vera gel.
In all cases the wetter the beard, the better the shave.
I *always* shave against the direction of growth, but I must confess; the upper lip and lower lip-to-chin areas defeat me (tough beard, tender skin) and thus I've worn a goatee for as long as I can remember.
It's worth it to try everything until you find a combination you can be happy with, but clearly, it's not a "one method fits all" matter.