High quality images showing an excellent fixation are formed by an ink-jet recording method using pigment inks. An ink set for the ink jet-recording method comprises a first ink containing an anionic dye in an aqueous medium, a second ink containing an anionic dye and having a lower coloring material content than the first ink and a dispersion destabilizing substance, and a third ink containing a self-dispersible first pigment, a second pigment and a polymeric dispersant for dispersing the second pigment in an aqueous medium. The dispersion destabilizing substance destabilizes the dispersion stability of at least either the first pigment or the second pigment in the third ink when the second ink and the third ink are brought into contact with each other. The second ink and the third ink are applied onto a printing medium one after another or substantially simultaneously so that they are brought into contact with each other in a liquid state on the printing medium.