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?
There isn’t usually soap left when I rinse the bowl, but regardless I suspect you’re right that the nubs are just getting in the way.