I progressed from simply rubbing a small drop onto the face. Although I am aware of the sensation you described, I perceived it as not oily, but extremely moisturizing, almost overkill when applied at 100% level of concentration. Whatever it is, it is not oil.
Anyway, the next stage was to cup my left hand and place the pea-sized drop of 444 in the cup, then fill the cup with my choice of AS product, then gently mix with my right index finger, as the 444 immediately disperses, then rubbing the AS/444 onto the beard area. This definitely helps, the skin is moisturized but not overly so, as before.
Finally, it became obvious that I should simply empty about 60% of the tube directly into an almost full bottle of whichever AS product I wished, shake well, and the deed is done. A mentholated and fully moisturizing AS product, ready for action. The sum of the whole is greater than the parts, or whatever that old saying is. Anyway you know what I mean. And it works for me!