If you are struggling with apply the classic powermatte lipstick because your lips aren't quite soft enough, this is for you.
Apply a lip balm to your lips and wipe off the excess so there's just a very thin coating on your lips.
Wait a few mins for it to settle in, then apply your matte lipstick. It will go on nice and smooth and fade to matte as the lip balm settles in. This gives a soft matte finish but if you want a sharper finish, wait till the lip balm fades to matte then go over the top with another layer of lipstick for sharp edges and a powerful pigment.