I really want to try some def wax but samples are hard to get hold of. Shield is a brilliant wax, really easy to use and I found on my mums car it lasted around 6 months with bi weekly washes.
Its a brilliant shampoo mate, reminds me I still have half a bottle to use!
I have ordered myself my very first clay bar.
I'll probably get slated for my choice but I opted for The AG clay kit so it contains clay, quick detailer/lube, super resin polish, microfibre cloth. I got it for £24 including delivery which I thought was quite good.
I have also ordered some foam applicaters and a pot of Good old fashioned Meguires #16 I know you get a lovely shine from it as I use it at work occasionally, not sure how long lasting it is though. It is something I felt comfortable using as my first wax
As above the ag kit is a very good place to start.
I'd suggest buying a cheap spray bottle and filling it with a mix of water and car shampoo. It will do exactly the same thing as the rapid detailer but is much cheaper so you can save the quick detailer for using after washing to remove water spots etc.