I'm currently using a couple of Razorock synthetic brushes, which work very nicely for me. I've been using Proraso soap in the plastic for a few years, but have just moved onto Palmolive menthol shaving cream (in a toothpaste like tube). Get the brush wet (I soak it in very hot water), put a pea sized bit of cream into the brush, a quick squeeze of the bristles with my fingers to spread it a little, then straight onto my dampened face and stir it about a bit to get it to lather up.
It feels better to me than the Proraso, and takes up less space in a washbag when travelling. A different smell, but it's grown on me.