Sounds about right for price. I personally really like Proraso's wood and spice beard oil.
Just use a small amount and that boar hair brush will help. I don't use conditioner, but I do oil right after I get out of the shower.
I shave the lower half of my neck line and it helps keep things look less unruly. My beard grows sort of interesting where halfway up my neck the hair switches direction, so I shave the part that grows up my neck and stop when I feel it tug.
I like this stuff as a conditioner:
https://www.fendrihan.ca/products/bl...al-beard-saver
Power through that first month and things will get better.