Which kind of Proraso?Have you found the Proraso to be really thirsty? It's the only soap (croap) I've ever used so I can't really compare it to anything.
For Proraso Green, as often as not I will soak the brush (usually a boar) in hot water during my prep shower, shake it out, charge it from the tub, and then build the lather (such as it is) on my still-wet face. I guess you could say I keep it relatively thick, using less water than for other croaps.
For Proraso Red I'll use a lather bowl, but still not a lot of water. A few drops sprinkled from my fingertips.
Oh yeah - I also float the covered tub in hot (from the tap) water during my prep shower. It softens it up a bit to speed up the charging, and it's not so cold when it first hits my face.
I'm in the same position. It makes it especially difficult to choose a decent aftershave, when you can't sniff before you buy.Sadly I have to order everything from an online vendor. Or drive an hour to Dallas.
Fortunately, I like Mennen Skin Bracer and there's gallons of that around in local drugstores and Walmart.