Advice for closer shave

Hello im seeking advice bc im desperate.
Context:
Im 24, turning 25 in the upcoming months, MtF
When I was younger, say, 20, I used to shave with a King C Gillette safety razor, using proraso preshave, cremo shaving cream and post shave balm, I’d always get a perfect shave .

Recently I switched back to safety razor, I picked up a bevel from the store, using their pre and post shave with cremo shaving cream.
I went back to using a blade bc I started taking minoxidil for my hairline and hair density, which is growing back quickly, but has had the unintended consequence, which I was aware was a possibility, of my facial and body hair growing back as well, when before I started taking the minoxidil they were starting to wither and become fine blonde hairs easily removable and unnoticeable.

No matter what I do, I can’t get a close shave on my upper lip or my neck, and trying to go across the grain or against the grain leaves me with nicks.

Going against the grain on my upper lip I can feel the hairs when I move the blade, but it doesn’t cut them, im left with a shadow

What can I do?