A fragrance description often mentions top, heart and base notes. These are a useful way to describe how a scent can unfold, not a guarantee that every person will experience it in the same order.
A thoughtful approach
Top notes are the first impression; heart notes describe the character that follows; base notes often contribute depth. You might encounter terms such as citrus, floral, woody or amber.
Make it your own
Try a scent on a paper strip first, then on skin if appropriate. Give it time before deciding, since the opening can smell different from the dry-down.