I’ve read that shaving soaps is more protective and provides lubrication unlike bar soap, I wouldn’t say any soap is suitable, you want to get shaving soap in particular and learn to lather really well (or use shaving cream). I would never use normal soap on the face unless you truly had no alternative, just because you increase risk of cutting yourself and having irritated skin later.

EDIT:

regarding my own shaving advice, I agree with others to use a safety razor, but I’ve had even better results from an old fashioned straight razor - but it comes at the cost of being difficult to learn, easy to cut yourself, and being very dangerous … so I don’t recommend it to anyone, but technically it is a way to get an even closer shave.

I also like to shave using a magnifying mirror so I can see the follicles better and what I’m doing. I take a slow and meticulous method, and only after a long hot shower where the room can trap the heat and moisture for the shave - the skin being warm and moist is crucial as everyone is saying. If I don’t have time for a shower, I wet a rag and put it in the microwave for 30 seconds, and then hold it to my face for a few minutes.

As I mentioned below, sanitize your razor with 70% alcohol - it will help reduce razor burn from bacterial contamination.

If you use a brush to lather, wash out the brush and dry it well (e.g. I like to rub it against a dry towel, so the towel absorbs more of the moisture from the brush) so that the brush lasts longer and doesn’t become a breeding ground for bacteria. Same with your shaving soap puck, make sure it dries out and isn’t left in the shower or someplace wet.