A color image forming apparatus forms an image using a deep toner and a pale toner at least for one color such that the pale toner is used to form an image in a high lightness area, and the pale toner and the deep toner are used in combination to form the image in a half tone area. A toner kit has a deep toner and a pale toner which are separated from each other. A method for forming an image uses the color image forming apparatus, the toner kit, and the deep toner and the pale toner. A high quality image can be formed while inhibiting graininess and roughness over a broad image area.