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.