Thanks everyone. I've let my face rest for a few days so I'm ready for another go tonight.
With apologies for butting in here (I won't overstay my welcome, I promise) but I spotted two references to the word "Feather" in different posts, above. One was where you said you'd pick up an AS-D2 Feather later and another where you were advised against using Feather blades. And it occurs to me that there might have been a bit of "crossed wires" there.
My firmly held view regarding the AS-D2 stainless steel, Japanese made, DE razor is that you would do well to HOLD OFF forking out for one of those. At least, not at the moment. Yes I had one. Yes I initially I talked myself into thinking I liked it (having spent all that money on it) ... but the fact of the matter is it isn't easy to get a close shave with it (it is REALLY mild) and in consequence you end up hacking away at your face in order to achieve some sort of result and finish up with the worst of all worlds. It's looks lovely and it's beautifully made. But to get one would, in my estimation, be wrong for you at the moment (and probably ever).
The other reference to the "F" word relates to the blade. In short, do yourself a favour and give Feather blades a wide berth at the moment (and perhaps ever). There are countless better and cheaper blades for someone in your position. An Astra blade is a great place to start, as is a Polsilver Super Iridium or a Green Gillette. There's loads of better options than a Feather blade (better for you, that is).
Loads of good advice here so I won't trot out a repeat of what you now know. But it's possible that something you're putting on your face doesn't agree with you so use a process of elimination to discount that.
A good pre-shave soak with, perhaps a balm or something smooth, soothing and pleasant, maybe some simple oil before you shave (there are a million options there, don't get me started - but ask if you want to) a medium aggressive razor (Merkur 37C or 34C for example) and a sensible blade - only used for, say, a maximum four times before ditching it. A reasonable shaving soap or cream... doesn't have to be anything fancy.... you can get a fine lather with Palmolive cream for £1.79. And then a slow, steady three pass shave with a good mirror (maybe a magnifying one) in good light followed by a cold water rinse and some sort of balm or cream or sensible, reasonably priced after-shave (Nivea Men Post Shave Balm is great and cheap and could be all you'll ever need). And all you need then is a splash of Encre Noir by Lalique and you're ready to go.
Good luck (but you won't need it now you're sorted
).
And I forgot to say you don't have to spend £150 on a shaving brush. Yes most of us here have over-spent on badger brushes but there are at least half a dozen excellent synthetic brushes that would work perfectly well. You haven't got to have a badger. I have both but could easily live with a Jagger or Muhle or Razorock Plisson synthetic 23mm brush. Honestly!
