Prep and technique are the most important in my view YMMV, ive had good shaves using cheep products and cheep hardware after good prep!
1. Nice shower
2. Use some kettle water to heat up your shave bowl, leave while in shower
3. Soak your brush (if natural hair) and razor in the sink with hot tap water.
4. Nice hot flannel (microwave 25 secs) not needed as shower has hydrated your face but i like it,
5. Put some relaxing music on (optional lol)
6. Spend time creating a nice silk lather, dont rush, its fun, ha!
7. Shave, don't rush concentrate on your angles and technique, it will feel right when your at thr correct cutting angle (remember is facial hair reduction with de shaving so dont worry if there is hair around after pass 2 or even 3)
8. Use an alum block as this will act as an astringent and if there is any stinging in an area this will let you know where you havent dont a good job, e.g bit to agressive, wrong angle, bit of razor burn. (for me normally under my chin or side of the mouth)
9. Your normal post shave....
Again this is all subjetive, its what works best for you! But good quality products are not always expensive. Ingrams shave cream is €1.50 and its awesome stuff...