Being late to the game seems to be my forte. I can't stand anything too "trendy" (even typing the word makes me shudder) and if I want to get something that happens to be wildly popular, I usually wait a good while before I finally succumb. Real Techniques brushes are definitely wildly popular. They've become a blogger staple in recent months, and I've read countless reviews in praise of the now-famous buffing brush that comes as part of the Core Collection, as I'm sure you have too. Suffice it to say, that it is amazing, and it's fast becoming my favorite brush since I got it as a pressie for Christmas.
Along with the Core Collection, I got the Limited Edition Duo Fibre set. It includes a large face/powder brush, a contour brush, and a large eyeshadow brush, all with ultra-soft, fool-proof stipple-type hairs. They apply product gradually and seamlessly, allowing you to build color slowly and make beautiful finishing touches. I've been using the large powder brush to apply blusher, and it works a treat, especially with highly pigmented, bright pink blushes that you want to go on a little at a time!
There's been some controversy over the launch of RT's new, much more expensive brushes, and I can see why; the great thing about Real Techniques has always been that they were relatively affordable next to Zoeva et al. Let me know in the comments what your favorite Real Techniques brush is, and what you think of their new, pricier range!