Meet Rae Hopkins, founder and spray tan artist at Beauty Commons in Chicago, Illinois
Meet Rae, owner and spray tan artist at Beauty Commons in Chicago, Illinois, specializing in customized spray tans, bridal tanning, mobile spray tans, contour tanning, hydration sprays and natural-looking tans for every skin tone.
Looking for a spray tan in Chicago, Illinois? Meet Rae at Beauty Commons:
Area: Mobile spray tan artist in downtown Chicago, with travel to the suburbs and out of state available by request. In-salon spray tans are available at two Beauty Commons locations:
Lincoln Park: 900 W Armitage #2E, Chicago, IL 60614
Wicker Park: 1579 N Milwaukee Ave, Suite 205, Chicago, IL 60622
Website: beautycommonschicago.com
Phone: 866-359-9601
Email: spRAEtan@gmail.com
Instagram: @Rae_Does_Beauty and @beauty_commons
Facebook: Beauty Commons
Specialties: Customized spray tans, bridal tanning, mobile spray tans, clear spray tans, contour tanning, hydration sprays, express and traditional solutions, vacation tans, event tans and everyday glow.
View their full profile on bestspraytansnearme.com.
Get to Know Rae:
How did you get started in the spray tanning industry, and what inspired you to open your salon in Chicago?
“My journey in the beauty industry began right here in Lincoln Park, where I started my career working for a larger company and discovered my love for spray tanning. There was something about the neighborhood—and the relationships I built with my clients here—that always felt like home.
Over the years, my career took me to different parts of Chicago, and along the way, I learned so much—not only about my craft, but about the kind of salon culture I wanted to create. I saw an opportunity to do things differently: to build a space without competition or negativity, where artists feel supported, respected, and genuinely excited to come to work.
That vision became a huge part of why I created Beauty Commons. I wanted to help change the culture of the beauty industry for the better and create an environment rooted in positivity, collaboration, and the belief that there is room for all of us to succeed. Here, we can learn from one another, celebrate each other’s strengths, and grow together—because someone else’s success never takes away from your own.
And through it all, I always knew I wanted to find my way back to Lincoln Park. Opening Beauty Commons here felt like coming full circle: Returning to the neighborhood where my career began and creating the kind of welcoming, elevated, and supportive beauty space I had always envisioned.”
Tell us about your salon and the spray tanning services you offer throughout Chicago.
“Spray tanning is where our story began, and it remains at the heart of Beauty Commons. With years of experience behind the spray gun, our team understands that creating a beautiful tan is about so much more than choosing a shade—it’s about understanding skin, undertones, solution development, and what will look and feel most natural on you.
We’ve thoughtfully selected a range of high-quality solutions so our artists can truly customize each tan rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you’re looking for barely-there color, a deep vacation glow, a clear solution, or the perfect tan for your wedding day, we’ll guide you toward the option that works best for your skin and your goals.
We offer both in-studio and mobile spray tanning, making it easy to get your glow wherever works best for you. Your tan can also be elevated with customized upgrades, including our hydration spray for an extra boost of moisture and contouring to subtly enhance and define your natural shape.
Just as important as the result is how you feel while you’re here. We’ve created a comfortable, judgment-free space where every body and every skin tone is welcome. Our goal is simple: for you to leave feeling confident, cared for, and still completely like yourself—just a little glowier.”
What makes your spray tans and client experience different from other spray tan salons in Chicago?
“At Beauty Commons, spray tanning feels personal. We’re a boutique, neighborhood salon where getting to know our clients and making you feel comfortable is just as important as creating the perfect glow.
We believe a customized, high-quality tan should also be accessible. That’s why we never charge more for express versus traditional solutions, and we offer specials, packages, and discounts to fit a variety of budgets.
You can also request your favorite artist when booking, so you can build a relationship with someone you know and trust. Our goal is simple: great tans, a welcoming experience, and a neighborhood beauty space you’ll genuinely enjoy coming back to.”
How do you customize each spray tan to your client’s skin tone, desired color, and lifestyle?
“Every spray tan starts with a thorough consultation. We take the time to understand your skin tone and type, undertones, desired depth of color, lifestyle, and what you’re tanning for before selecting the best solution for you.
Education has always been a priority at Beauty Commons. Our artists are continually learning about skin tones, skin types, ingredients, techniques, and new developments within the industry. As spray tanning continues to evolve, so do we—allowing us to create a truly customized glow that feels natural and uniquely yours.”
What products or spray tan solutions do you use, and what do you love about them?
“We’re incredibly intentional about the products we use and carry at Beauty Commons. We proudly use Alt Sun, a line created with people of color in mind, which aligns with our commitment to making the spray tanning industry more inclusive. We also love their use of DMI, especially for our active clients and those with busy lifestyles.
We’ve also curated our own Beauty Commons signature solution, formulated with high-quality DHA and elevated, skincare-forward ingredients. Our goal has always been to offer products that not only create a beautiful, natural-looking tan but also prioritize the skin.
For at-home tanning and maintenance, we carry NUDA, along with Medix 5.5 body lotions—skincare-forward body care created by women right here in the Chicago area. Every product we bring into our space is thoughtfully chosen to support your tan, your skin, and the quality of your results.”
What types of occasions do Chicago clients typically book you for—weddings, vacations, events, photoshoots, or everyday glow?
“Honestly, we tan for everything—and nothing at all. Weddings are a huge part of what we do, and we absolutely love being part of the big moments. But we’re just as booked with clients for vacations, birthdays, photoshoots, date nights, events, or simply wanting to feel alive, especially in the dead of winter.
And we’ll always have a soft spot for our “just because” tans and our regulars who have made us part of their routine. Around here, you definitely don’t need a special occasion to get a spray tan. Sometimes feeling good is reason enough.”
What’s your best advice for getting the most natural-looking, long-lasting spray tan?
“Our best advice? Trust your spray tan artist! There’s a reason we ask so many questions during your consultation. Based on your skin tone, skin type, lifestyle, desired color, and how long you’d like your tan to last, we’ll choose the solution and development time that will give you the most natural, beautiful, and long-lasting result.
And don’t skip the prep! Following our prep instructions gives your skin the best possible canvas to absorb the solution evenly and allows your tan to develop beautifully. Trust us, trust the process, and let us do what we do best.”
What would you say to someone searching for the best spray tan in Chicago who is considering booking with you for the first time?
“Don’t just take our word for it—check out our online reviews, scroll through our work on Instagram, or ask your friends! We’ve been spray tanning Chicago for years, and chances are, someone you know has heard of Beauty Commons or has experienced it for themselves!
We’re incredibly proud of the reputation we’ve built through great tans, knowledgeable artists, and an experience that keeps our clients coming back. Come see for yourself—we think you’ll understand the hype.”