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You love the new skin cream you received under the Christmas tree today, but when you put it on, it gives you a rash.

The gift of eye shadow you found in your stocking just isn't the right color. And the fragrance? You hate the scent.

Can you take these products back to the store -- especially after they've been opened?

The good news is, you won't find it as difficult as you might have thought.

Stores have different policies, so your recourse depends upon where the product was purchased.

In most cases, stores will give you a credit instead of reimbursing your money. Retailers don't like to deal with the extra paper work and potential loss of revenue caused by product returns, especially during the influx of returns after the holidays.

So stores prefer exchanges to returns because the customer usually can be accommodated while allowing the store to hold on to the money from the initial transaction.

In the weeks before Christmas, Sephora in Shadyside sold massive amounts of gift cards, each one presented in a jeweled, mirrored compact. While a gift card is rarely returned because it allows the recipient to choose, there likely will be returns on other products this season.

Store director January Furer said Sephora has what she believes is the best return policy.

"If you have a receipt, we refund you the way you paid," she explained. "If you don't have a receipt, we can give you an in-store credit as a gift card that doesn't expire. Also, you can exchange the product for other merchandise in the store. You could have opened it, sprayed it, hated it -- no big deal."

An alternative to crediting the original form of payment is a store account credit for the gift recipient. Either can be requested up to 60 days after the item was purchased.

Expect a store credit if you're returning a skin care, cosmetic or fragrance to Saks Fifth Avenue, regardless of whether you have a gift voucher, receipt or neither. A credit is basically an exchange of what you're returning for merchandise of equal value to be bought sometime in the future.

Ulta accepts a return or exchange within 60 days of the product's purchase date if you have a receipt and "all original components." You can also get a store credit, which is your only option after 60 days.

Bath & Body Works recommends that you bring proof of purchase with you when returning an item to one of its stores.

"At Bath & Body Works, no sale is ever final," the store policy reads. "If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, you may exchange it for something else or receive a merchandise credit to use whenever you like. If you prefer a refund (excluding shipping and handling charges), just show us your sales receipt or invoice."

At Bath & Body Works and many other stores, if you're returning a gift and don't have a receipt or gift voucher, you can make an exchange or get a store credit. There are some exceptions, so be sure to check.

At Macy's, for example, you can choose a store credit or a credit to your Macy's card or gift card.

Macy's doesn't see as many returns as in the past, partly because of the increasing purchase of gift cards, said spokeswoman Heather Hannan.

"We really find people giving gift cards to avoid returns and exchanges," she said. "They're finding that gift cards are really convenient, and the recipient can go in and buy the style, color and size they like. When the customer's happy, we're happy."

Nils Frederiksen, deputy press secretary for the Pennsylvania attorney general's office, said state law enforced by the Bureau of Consumer Protection requires retailers to have a return-exchange policy and to publicly disclose it.

At the same time, he said, shoppers should acquaint themselves with store policies before buying to possibly head off hassles for gift recipients who need to make an exchange or return.

"It's much, much easier to avoid the problem than to try to deal with it after the fact, after the money has been spent," he said. "It's part of being a wise consumer."