The two brushes I use most are an Oumo SHD 26mm Manchuria badger and an Oumo SHD 26mm Motherlode Synthetic. I definitely use less product with the synth and it's enjoyable enough to where I don't mind at all using it as my dedicated Omnibus brush.Which brush you use will be a huge factor. I can get a Maggard sample to last 11-14 shaves if I use my 18mm Maggard Timberwolf. A synthetic is a must... preferably a smaller one that isn't crazy dense, but, really, any synthetic will greatly increase efficiency.