What Hermes lipstick taught me about picking an MBA program.

Who doesn't love free samples?

I know that I certainly do, especially when they come from the luxury fashion industry.

So, you can imagine my delight when a sales associate in one of the swish Hermes shops, gave me some lipstick samples.

Here's the inside of the box:

The sight of opening that signature orange box each day is a "petit plaisir" as defined by the French chef paramour to the stylish protagonist in the hit Netflix series "Emily in Paris" as he shows her the high-end McDonald's franchise in France.

And, bien sur, these lipsticks are a "petit plaisir"—or little luxury. But that feeling fades as soon as I apply one of the fabulous colors to my lips.

Quel est le probleme?

They're not MY colors. I opt for paler shades like a soft pink shimmer. These richer hues simply look terrible on me.

That's why I think this is a perfect analogy for picking an MBA program. It's tempting to choose a program based on the prestige of the brand. But it might not be right for you, just like these colors weren't for me.

Stick to something that goes with your style since you are going to be wearing business school "lipstick" for a long time. Sample different "shades" by attending virtual information sessions or visiting various campuses. Try before you buy.

The elite MBA programs are indeed luxury brands like Hermes, Cartier, and Balenciaga. And the cost of getting it wrong is much less for une petit palette de rouge à lèvres than the cost of tuition for a preeminent program like HBS, Columbia, or Booth (even with that shiny scholarship).