"Is there any way I can mitigate the cost?"
1 • In future don't do your make up whilst using your MacBook. Don't eat or drink whilst using it either as you'll be potentially looking at an equally expensive repair if you spill liquid on it.
2 • Too late now (possibly?) but you could have claimed for the repair costs via your home insurance policy. Most - if not all - standard home insurance content policies will cover individual items up to a certain value. In the UK the standard amount is £1500. It must be something similar in your part of the world? Don't forget the excess amount which you'll have to fund yourself. In almost all cases this will be considerably less than the full cost of repair.
3 • There are many insurance companies who will insure any 'smart' devices you have - iPone, iPad etc - probably laptops too. Google these for your area and get an online quote for your future needs.
4 • I think you have 60 days from date of purchase to buy Apple Care +? If you're beyond that then go back to the store you originally purchased it from and ask them if they can accommodate you in some way?
Good luck!