Hot flannel to open the pores.
A good shaving gel or oil.
New razor.
Shave in the same direction as the growth rinsing the razor after every stroke.
If you want a really close shave, do all the above twice.
Cold flannel to close the pores, then follow the rest of Kate’s advice.
The only thing I’d add is that different brands of foundation are very different.
Find one that suits your skin type.
I tried loads before I found one that looks invisible on my skin.