The present invention provides an ink-jet recording method for forming an image by applying an ink to a recording medium. The ink contains at least water, a colorant and a surfactant. The content of the surfactant is higher than or equal to the critical micelle concentration of the surfactant, and the ink used has a surface tension lower than or equal to the critical surface tension of the recording medium. The ink is applied on the recording medium, and the surface tension of the ink is increased to a surface tension higher than the critical surface tension of the recording medium after the ink contacts the recording medium.