My beard is a nightmare (I can grow a full one, meaning not stubble but an actual beard in 10 days), so I've had to figure this out myself. Firstly, the earlier poster was correct in saying don't shave as soon as you wake up. Your face is swollen after sleeping, and you won't get the close shave you want unless you wait 20-30 minutes. use a pre-shave oil. It's cheap, and a tiny bottle will get you 100 shaves. You put it on, then wait a few minutes. It softens up the hair and makes it easier to cut. I use Aveeno "smooth" shaving cream and a gillette fusion proglide razor (the deal with 5 blades and a single trimming blade on the back). After that, whichever aftershave moisturizer you like.